How to Style Black Children's Hair
The hair styling options for Black children are numerous. The vast differences in hair texture and opinions of the "correct" standard of beauty gives parents many different decisions to make, especially for young girls and pre-teens. It is a completely personal decision whether to keep the hair in its natural state or to use a pressing comb or chemical relaxer to straighten the hair. Various hair-braiding styles have also become popular in the past several years for both girls and boys. The styling options chosen first depend on the decision of whether to have your children wear his or her hair natural, straightened, or braided.
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Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Conditioner (based on hair type)
- Moisturizing agent (suitable for child's age)
- Towels
- Rat tail comb
- Hair clips
- Wide-toothed hair comb
- hair or blow dryer
- Medium-bristle hair brush
- Hair accessories
- Pressing comb
- Specially designed hair pressing oil
- Chemical Relaxing Kit for children's hair
- Hair curlers (optional)
- Curling iron
- Satin scarf or pillow case
Instructions
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How to Style Black Children's Hair
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1
If you are going to style your child's hair in a natural style, braided or use a pressing comb for straightening, first wash the hair with a gentle shampoo and use a deep conditioner as recommended. If you are going to use a chemical relaxer, do not pre-wash the hair (skip to Step 5).
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2
Use a thick towel to gently squeeze out excess water. While hair is still damp, section the hair with the pointed end of the rat tail comb and keep the sections separate using hair clips. Use the wide-toothed comb to carefully de-tangle each section of the hair before carefully blow-drying using the medium setting to avoid damaging the hair.
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3
For natural or braided styles, use the medium-bristled hairbrush on completely dry hair to help to distribute the moisturizing agent from the roots to the ends of the hair. Arrange or braid the hair into the chosen style, using hair accessories if desired.
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4
If using a pressing comb, apply pressing oil to small sections of hair at a time before gently pulling heated comb slowly from roots to ends of hair in single strokes. Always test the heat of the comb first on a paper towel or cloth.
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5
If using a chemical hair relaxer, start with dry hair and follow the included instructions carefully to avoid hair and skin damage. Most relaxer kits include the appropriate shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer.
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6
There are many books and websites that have pictures of different hairs styles for children. Depending on your choice, use of hair curlers or curling irons is optional. Tying or wrapping the hair in a satin scarf at night or using a satin pillowcase is recommended to protect the hair and keep the hairstyle neat for up to a week.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you style your child's hair at home, practice with different styles and designs.
Most people learn to style their child's hair from their elders or friends.
If you decide to use a professional stylist, make sure that he or she is experienced in working with children and their more fragile hair.
Excessive use of rubber bands and beads can cause premature hair breakage.
Chemical relaxers can interfere with the natural hormonal changes in young children if used at too early an age.
