I can remember being in a beauty supply store and hearing a young mother ask a sales clerk if a particular brand of kiddie relaxer would work for her daughter’s hair...urghhh!!!  I wasn’t surprised when he shook his head yes.  So, I had to intervene. Out of curiosity I asked the mother the age of her daughter and she said 12 months of age.  I almost lost it.  I took her to the side and explained to her the problems associated with placing a relaxer on a child’s hair and scalp, and the even BIGGER problem with placing the relaxer on a very young child.   

Too many people believe that it’s easier to care for chemically treated hair, and that natural hair is very difficult to care for.  Actually it’s the total opposite. 

African-American hair in its natural state is already very fragile and delicate.  A chemical process makes the hair even more fragile and delicate. Now couple the chemical process with the state of the hair and add a sensitive scalp and you have yourself a recipe for disaster.

Armed with the proper techniques and tools for children’s hair can make caring for it simple and fun.

Tools:

Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Cone Free Conditioner

Moisturizer (Shea Butter, Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk,etc)

Oils (Jojoba, Grapeseed, etc)

Wide Tooth Comb

Boar Brush

Barrettes, Beads, Cover Elastics, etc

Most importantly PATIENCE and LOVE

Removing the relaxer from the hair.  I do not recommend cutting the relaxer out of the hair all at once; commonly know as the “Big Chop.”  Have the ends of the hair trimmed on a regular basis (every 2-4 weeks), this will help to reduce knots and tangling of the hair. 

Wash the hair once a week or every two weeks.  Do not wash the hair too frequently, because the washes may dry the hair.  See Shampoo and Condition.

Deep condition the hair after every wash.  Place a plastic cap over the hair.  For younger children place a plastic cap over their head and let them play.  Their body heat works well in providing the necessary heat.  For older children place a heating cap or warm damp towel over the covered head.  Rinse thoroughly.

Spray a Leave-In Conditioner after the deep conditioner.  A leave-in conditioner such as Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner.  (For a list of ingredients see Commercial Products.)

Allow the hair to air dry.  Do not blow dry the hair.  This may cause the hair to dry and break.

Moisture, moisture, moisture.  Moisturize the hair with a moisturizer, such as Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk.  (For a list of ingredients see Commercial Products.)

Style the hair.  Style the hair in a low maintenance style such as cornrows, plaits, two strand twists, plaits, etc.

Protect their hair at bedtime.  Place a satin scarf or cap on their heads before bedtime.

Note:  The transitioning time differs for each child.  The amount of time depends on the state of the hair, heredity, maintenance, grooming, etc.  Please be patient during this process.  Talk to your child and explain what is happening.  Teach them to appreciate their hair and how to care for it.