If you have a child with curly hair, you know it can be a challenge to keep their locks looking their best. Curly hair is often dry and frizzy, tangles easily, and can be difficult to style without the use of products with harsh chemicals.

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for caring for kids’ curly hair. We will recommend products and tools best for use in curly hair, and we’ll give some tips to help you manage and style your child’s curls!

Curly Hair Basics

Before we dive into what products and tools will help you care for your child’s curly hair, we’re going to share a few beautiful facts about hair with curls. 

But first, we want to emphasize just how much we love curly hair! 

Natural curly hair is full of personality and charm. No two curls are alike, and kids with curls can often be identified by their unique hair type. We love working with all kinds of hair in our kid-friendly salon, and clients with curls often become some of our favourite haircuts.

Curls are caused by the shape of the hair follicle, and they can occur in any ethnicity. Now, let’s explore a few more reasons why wavy, curly and coiled hair is beautiful.

Fact One: There are 4 Types of Curls

While we know no two curls are the same, curly hair can generally be broken down into four categories. 

These categories can be used to help stylists and curly-haired beauties figure out what products and tools will elevate their hair type and style.

The four main types of hair include:

• Type 1: Straight Hair. Hair does not curl.

• Type 2: Wavy Hair. Wavy hair has some curl. Those with wavy hair tend to have the most variation in their circles. Loops may not extend from the root of a strand to the tip.

• Type 3: Curly Hair. Curls extend the entire length of the hair strand. Loose, tight, or somewhere in between, type three curls are the most common type of curls.

• Type 4: Coiled Hair. Coiled hair is the most delicate type and grows in a natural zig-zag fashion rather than in circles, like wavy or curly hair.

Hair curl types three and four can be further divided into subsections. For more detailed information on the different kinds of curly hair, visit this site.

Fact Two: Curly Hair Needs Moisture

Curly hair is naturally more dry than straight hair types. This is because natural oils produced by the scalp can’t travel as easily over the length of a strand of curly hair. 

Curly hair naturally sits further away from other hair strands than straight hair. This exposes it to the drying effects of harsh weather more quickly than non-curly varieties. 

Fact Three: A Person’s Curl Type Can Vary

Have you ever seen someone with a mop of curls at the nape of their neck but have slick straight tendrils around the face? Did you assume that was a unique styling choice? While that may have been a personal choice, it may be the natural uniqueness of their hair!

Just as curl types vary from person to person, they can also differ from one area of a person’s scalp to another.

Now that you know a bit about curly hair let’s discuss how to care for it!

Caring for Curly Hair

Caring for your child’s curls is relatively easy once you get used to an appropriate hair care routine and use the right products. We recommend trying the following suggestions:

• Use more conditioner than shampoo. It’s okay to skip the daily use of shampoo to keep hair hydrated but don’t skimp on conditioner at every bathtime.

• Avoid brushing curls when dry. Curly and coiled hair can become damaged when brushed when it’s dry. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb and gently comb through tangles. Leave major detangling sessions for when hair is wet, such as after a bath or shower.

• Indulge in satin. Satin pillowcases or sleep hats help curls and coils stay hydrated during sleep time. This can help cut back on dealing with significant tangles each morning.

Curly Hair Shampoos and Conditioners

When it comes to caring for curly hair, it’s essential to use products that will help to add a generous amount of moisture and safely condition the locks. Look for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners; sulphates can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving curls more dry.

Some of the most common sulphates found in hair care products include:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Sodium.
• Laureth Sulfate Sodium.
• Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium.
• Lauroyl Isethionate.
• Sodium Lauroyl Taurate

In addition to being sulphate-free, curly hair cleansers and conditioners should contain nourishing oils, such as shea butter, argan or coconut oil.

Curly Hair Styling Products

Styling products are used to keep curly hair free from damage and well-hydrated. In addition to keeping tangles at bay, good curl care products tame unwanted frizzies.

A list of essential curly hair products includes:

• High-Quality Detangler. After shampooing and conditioning, use a detangling serum or conditioner to help remove any knots or tangles. 

• Leave-In Conditioner. A good quality leave-in conditioner is also essential for curly hair – it will help keep the locks hydrated and prevent frizz.

• Light curling gel. Running a dollop through wet curls will help define them and keep them looking fresh and bouncy.

One of the best things you can do for your child’s natural hair is to learn how to style it correctly. There are many different ways to style curls, and what works for one person might not work for another. Experiment until you find a style that your child loves and that will stay in place all day long!

For quality curly hair products ideal for kids, visit our online shop.

Consult the Kids Curly Hair Experts at Lizzy Lee & Me!

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful in caring for your child’s curly hair. If you have any questions or need more advice, be sure to reach out to us. We love helping parents take care of their kids’ hair and want to make sure everyone has the best possible experience with curls.

In the meantime, what other hair care tips are you looking for? Let us know in the comments below!