Kids Hair: Drama-Free Detangling

This can be one of the “stressful” duties parents have to deal with. Over the few months I have learnt few simple ways to make this easier. Several factors can contribute to the tangles we have to deal with but we need to take steps to avoid them or reduce the hassle. It can be even more complicated if you don’t understand those little “busy” curls. Obviously, the kids with more “coily-kinky” textures will require more attention than other hair types. 

Items needed

• Purchase from the store – there are many available at the store or online beauty supply stores
• Or DIY: I usually resort to this and have never purchased anything specifically for detangling

How to detangle before shampoo

• In a spray bottle fill with water, spritz on sections of the hair, add coconut oil or other oils, while gently finger detangling the hair
• Add aloe Vera (juice works too)
• Cover with shower cap for about 30-an hour (if you/they have time)
• Head to shower or sink to wash

How to detangle before styling

1. Combine water, leave-in conditioner and some oil (avocado, coconut and/or olive oils), if you have it.
2. Shake well and apply to hair or sections
3. Finger detangle first, and gently comb through using detangling brush from ends to roots – it helps to hold on to the roots to avoid crying and screaming.
   • It sometimes help to add your other styling lotions or sheabutter
4. Proceed to style

How to avoid tangling

• Avoid leaving hair out for prolonged periods – the “fro” look is beautiful but doesn’t help hair growth. Kids hair tends to tangle more if left out. They run around the house, roll on the carpet, sleep on cotton sheets etc. all these don’t help their hair
• Make sure the hair is in protective styles more often (details left for another post) especially during summer and winter months (sounds like all year round – yeah, sort of). 
• Also, don’t keep hair in protective styles for “too” long. I know sometimes it’s convenient and time saving, but resist the temptation. Ideally, braids should only be kept between 6 weeks. Because they are young their hair grow a lot in a short time (at least for many of them). Thanks to the milk, eggs, and good protein and healthy vitamins we nourish them with.
• When braids are out take time to deep-condition, cleanse and condition again
  • Plan a deep conditioning routine and stick to it. I can’t emphasize this loud enough
• Don’t skip too many wash days or weekends. Because they are constantly playing and putting food in their hair, etc, sweat and dirt can accumulate on their scalp.
• Plan to moisturize mid week or weekly especially when you can’t shampoo
• Keep an eye on the products you use and switch if necessary. Some products, especially may dry their hair