Whether you're washing, conditioning or styling, African-American hair requires a lot of tender, loving care. Curly or kinky hair dries out quickly and tends to interlock and tangle, which makes styling and daily maintenance more challenging, according to Jena Renee Williams, author of "Kinki Kreations." Dry hair also breaks more often, which stunts its growth. Use these tips to keep your granddaughter's hair healthy and beautiful.
Step 1
Plan your granddaughter's hair-care routine. Her hair texture will determine how long it takes to wash and maintain. For instance, tighter curls take longer to detangle than looser curls. Assemble the necessary tools, such as a wide-tooth comb for detangling, a rattail comb for parting, moisturizer, hair oil and hair accessories.
Step 2
Use a moisturizing shampoo specifically for your granddaughter's hair type for washing once a week or every other week. Any more often than that increases dryness and breakage. Comb through hair before shampooing to reduce tangling. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 3
Always apply a detangling conditioner for five to 15 minutes after shampooing. Rinse thoroughly. Work quickly but gently when washing hair because children become uncomfortable quickly during this process, Williams says. Squeeze-dry hair after conditioning, but don't twist or tug her hair.
Step 4
Part hair into sections with a rattail comb to begin styling, Williams says. Use clips to hold each section in place. Start from the ends of the hair and work your way up to the scalp when combing and brushing for easier and less-painful detangling.
Step 5
Use a blow dryer on low or medium heat with a brush or comb attachment to dry hair and straighten it, if you prefer. Again, start from the ends and work your way up to the scalp.
Step 6
Apply a moisturizing lotion after conditioning and a natural oil such as olive or jojoba to seal in the moisturizer. Use a light moisturizer daily. Avoid using heavy creams or greases.
Step 7
Choose easy-to-maintain hair styles such as braids, twists or cornrows. Never braid or cornrow hair too tightly as it can lead to alopecia or bald patches.
Step 8
Avoid always pulling your granddaughter's hair back from her forehead as this can cause permanent hair loss along the hairline.
Step 9
Tie hair at night with a silk or satin scarf to prevent tangling and breakage.
Step 10
Consult a hairstylist who works specifically on African-American children's hair if you're not comfortable creating styles such as braids or cornrows, or to get additional tips.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not criticize your granddaughter's hair. If your granddaughter gets the message from an early age that her hair is bad or ugly, it can negatively affect her self-esteem, says Williams. It can also encourage her to abuse her hair with chemicals or to hide it under weaves as she gets older.
- Avoid using relaxers to straighten your granddaughter's hair. These products contain harsh chemicals that can seriously burn her scalp and cause sores and bald patches, says Williams.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Detangling conditioner
- Wide-tooth comb
- Rattail comb
- Brush
- Clips
- Moisturizing lotion
- Natural hair oil
- Blow dryer
- Silk or satin scarf
References
- "Kinki Kreations"; Jena Renee Williams; 2004
- Rainbow Kids: Caring for African Hair
Member Comments