When working on a toddler’s natural hair, the number 1 rule of thumb is to keep things super simple. In this post, we have 4 natural hair care tips for toddlers.
Our first tip is simple:
Keep It Simple
Think about it: protein treatments, hair masks, a million and 1 products, and 50 different bonnets for 50 different occasions—we need a lot to help us manage our hair!
That comes with being an adult because we have full control over our hair and sometimes we make great decisions, and other times, we have to repair the damage from the bad ones. Toddlers, however, do not have all of this to deal with. So to play it safe, keep it simple!
A gentle shampoo and conditioner with light oil and cream should do the trick. Shea Moisture Kids 2-in-1 Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo and Conditioner is a great place to start for wash days, and The Mane Choice Kids Strawberry Moisturizer is a soft (and sweet-smelling!) touch to your child’s waves or curls.
Try All-Natural Products First
Natural alternatives tend to be the healthiest way to go for adults and can be especially beneficial for your toddler.
There are a lot of hair products that are filled with all types of sulfates, parabens, and other toxic ingredients that can be potentially harmful in the long run.
Shea butter, sweet almond oil, mango butter, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, jojoba, and rose water are just a few of the many options you have to work with!
With all new things, try any natural oils, gels, and extracts on a patch of your child’s skin first to make sure they aren’t allergic before applying it to their hair or scalp.
Lay Off All The Accessories
Hair ties, bows, barrettes, knockers, rubber bands, extensions, and whatever else you like to adorn your hair child’s hair with is great in moderation!
However, when you use too many or use them too often, the tension can create breakage, thinning, and even alter the way your child’s hair grows; This is especially true for toddlers who already have slow hair growth.
Instead, follow this rule of thumb, or something similar:
- Is this worn at the roots or touching the scalp? Wear on occasion.
- Is this worn at the ends of the hair? Once or twice a week is fine.
- It’s cute, but does it do more harm than good? Toss it or swap it for something else.
Go for Low Manipulation
Protective styles are styles that prevent your hair from becoming damaged or allow them to heal from damage by protecting the strands and ends for a period of time.
Low manipulation styles promote growth and protect your hair from unnecessary tension by requiring little to no work to achieve.
Toddlers tend to only need low manipulation styles as opposed to protective. Low buns, chunky twists, loose braids, wash and go, and loose ponytails are all great examples of low manipulation hairstyles.
Need a cute style option, we loved this one:
For more hair care tips click here.
