How to Style African-American Hair for Infants

Protect the African American infant's hair with gentle hair styling.

Take care when styling the African American infant's hair. African American hair tends to be dry due to low oil production. Because of varying hair types, it is best to use the gentle approach when caring for the infant's hair. It is important to care for the health of the scalp and hair before styling. Keep the hair clean and free of tangles to produce styles that frame an already cute face.

Things You'll Need

• Tear free shampoo
• Cup
• Towel
• Brush
• Hair oil
• Comb
• Barrettes
• Hair band

Instructions

Hair Care

1. Shampoo the infant's hair with a tear free shampoo at least once or twice per week. Rinse the hair thoroughly by pouring a small cup of warm water over the entire head.

2. Dry the head gently with a towel or allow it to air dry for a few minutes. Brush the hair to untangle it.

3. Apply a light oil on the hair to moisturize it. Rub the baby's scalp to massage the oil into the scalp.

4. Part an infant boy's hair and brush it to the side to slick it back.

5. Adorn an infant girl's hair with small barrettes or a hair band to hold her hair back.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep an infant boy's hair curly, do not brush the curls too much. If the baby's hair is long enough, add twists or small braids.

• Do not add petroleum jelly or mineral oil to an infant's hair because it may clog pores. Do not wash an infants hair daily since it causes dryness.

References

• Baby Center: African American Babies' Hair Care