Caring for kid's curly hair

If you’ve got a kiddo with curls, you know the struggle is real!

But fear not. That's what Curlytops is here for. We've been on the other side of the brush and believe me when I say it's just as much of a nightmare to be the owner of the curls as it is to be the parent charged with trying to wrangle them.

So before you shave their heads, try these tips.

The number one tip – and you will be shocked by how much of a difference this one makes – is to have your little one sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a sleep bonnet. Forget about those epic matted knots in the morning. 

For long haired curly kids, tie their hair up in a pineapple shape before bed. Yes, in addition to the pillowcase or bonnet. Think of it as tucking those curls in for a cozy night's sleep. All that tossing and turning in the night is the key culprit for creating curl disasters. 

And don't let them go to sleep with wet hair. Wet curls + pillow = a recipe for disaster. I know this is a tough one but always make sure those curls are dry before hitting the hay. Diffuse them after the bath then follow the pineapple/bonnet/pillowcase routine for tangle free tresses the following morning.

The next big tip is quit brushing your little one's hair. Brushes are the enemy of curls, causing frizz and breakage. This doesn't mean they will be getting around with knots all the time. Use a wide tooth comb on wet hair in the bath or shower to detangle. The Clever Curl Treatment or Light Conditioner are great at assisting the detangling process on wet hair.

Always make sure you are using curly girl friendly products. Look for ones without sulphates, silicones, or drying alcohol. These chemicals can mess with natural curls, dry out the hair and even create knots which we obviously don't want.

Once you've washed your curly kid's hair, avoid the temptation to rub it dry with a towel. It's a surefire way to create frizz and disrupt those gorgeous curls. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel or an old t-shirt. Bath towels are out. They're too rough and can cause damage.

And you don't want to wash those curls every day. Curly hair needs its natural oils to thrive, so give them a break and wash them every couple of days.

Lastly, don't tell your curly-haired babies their hair is anything but beautiful. Curl love starts at home. Help them to embrace their uniqueness and beauty. After all, curly hair is magical and deserves all the love and appreciation!

Need a hand getting started?

Download our free Curlytops Curl Cards here.