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      Some women have children with hair just like theirs, but my bi-racial children don’t have beautifully kinky hair like mine. In fact, each of my children has several textures on one head! Many parents often have completely opposite hair textures from their children and have no clue as to how to make healthy hair choices and cute styles. It is assumed by so many, that parents of mixed race children have an easier time working out styles – not so much! That "good hair" myth makes no sense on on so many levels. That’s my story and the story of so many.
     Depending on which parent’s hair type dominates, there can be excessive oil or drying, kinky or straight, thick or thin. And a trip to the store in Arizona can be daunting. Most hair products for natural hair are made specifically for women with more kinky textured hair or women with more straight hair. It is very difficult finding products that cater to children that have mixed textures, especially prodcuts that are conveniently located on the shelf!
     Take it from me that you need to keep this baseline in mind as you style: moisture rules!  Below are some other important take-aways from my experiences. It is the regime that I use for my children every week. It works!

Washing:
Your child may be able to wash ‘n go on a hot day but washing daily will cause excessive drying. I wash once a week with sulfate free, shampoos and conditioners are best. If you have to use a shampoo that contain sulfates and parabens, add a small drop of oil to help offset the drying that may occur. I also do not recommend co-washing i.e. washing with just a conditioner. Healthy hair comes from cleaning and moisturizing properly and from my experience, so called “mixed” hair does right by this step.
That Towel!:
Throw in the towel on the towel! Do not dry with a towel. Use an old t-shirt, wrap the hair to soak up the water. The t-shirt will bring less breakage and fewer tangles.
Yes! Leave In The Conditioner:
Do not skip this step. Apply a leave in conditioner that is creamy instead of using a spray on. Proceed with detangling using a wide-tooth comb and detangling spray.

Oil:
When we think of oil, we think it weighs the hair down – especially for bi-racial children. But oils can be very light so do not be afraid to use oil because this seals in the moisture. I recommend Botanical Oil – a rich blend of light, natural oils that condition, moisturize and highlight hair without a greasy build up. They are all natural plant extracts that moisturize dry hair and the scalp.
Styling:
Refrain from styling that will cause matting and braided styles should not stay in longer than two weeks.
Daily Moisture:
Focus on the ends of the hair using products that are creamy in texture. Do not brush or comb the hair in a dry state. Mix a little olive oil and water in a spray bottle to apply prior to brushing and combing. Keep away from products that cause a greasy/weighted feeling and/or cause a crunchy sound.
Night Night!
Braid loosely in about 4 braids before bed to keep. Trust me, this keeps the hair from becoming tangled while your child sleeps.

 

 

Some Favorites: Treasured Locks, WEN for Kids, Curly Q’s

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