*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.*
As a mom of multiracial children, it has been a challenge to find the right products to help me care for their curls.
I have naturally curly hair myself, but it is a very different texture from both of my children. Finding the right products has been a costly and at times, frustrating venture. I’d love to help take the frustration out of your routine. Just call me the mixed chick hair whisperer and keep reading.
Understand that Biracial actually means Multiracial
Don’t make assumptions about the hair. Just because the child is mixed with two races, doesn’t mean that their hair isn’t infused with all the other genes in their bloodline.
Parents with thick wavy hair can produce an offspring with thick, kinky curls.
Detangle, Detangle, Detangle (while wet)
I cannot say this enough. Curly hair loves water. Never try to detangle curly hair while dry (ouch!!) Often naturals talk about finding a conditioner with good slip.
Slip means that the conditioner aids in detangling and glides through the hair.
Wide Tooth Combs are a Must
Wide tooth combs assist with detangling. They glide through the hair instead of pulling. Your child will thank you! Establish a Night-Time Routine for Healthy Hair Care
Curly hair tangles easily, so having a night time routine to reduce tangles is essential.
At night you have several options: braid or twist hair, put in a pineapple (basically a high pony), or sleep with a satin cap.
Find a Good Conditioner (Leave in and Wash out)
Curly hair naturals talk about co-washing all the time. This basically means washing hair with conditioner instead of shampoo.
I still love the way shampoo cleanses and makes my daughters’ hair feel clean, but there are several days in the week when I simply co-wash.
If your child suffers from a dry, itchy scalp, then a conditioner with tea tree oil may do the trick.
Don’t Fight the Curl, Embrace the Curl
I have heard of many women who are at a loss with their (multiracial) daughter’s hair.
Find products that make the curl come to life naturally instead of finding ways to straighten it. When you find a good conditioner, the curls will respond by spiraling.
Add Gel
How do you know which gel works for you? The right gel holds your curls in place gently without residue. Gel is a wonderful tool for curly girls to add shine, hold & definition.
It has gotten a bad rap over the years, but it’s a wonderful tool to keep the frizz away, and to give your style staying power.
The wrong gel will flake and make the hair hard.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
A good deep conditioner once a week is a must, especially when your hair seems to be lifeless and lack moisture.
Hot oil treatments are also a great way to bring moisture into dry hair. Simply heat the oil of your choice (I love jojoba, almond & coconut) in the microwave for a few seconds, pour over your head and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
Sitting under a hooded dryer will ensure the oils penetrate the hair and scalp. Then wash out.
Recently I’ve discovered a fabulous line of oils, Mammoth Oils. The wonderful thing about this brand is that it combines several natural (avocado jojoba, coconut, olive, castor, argon & almond) oils so you don’t have to!
The creator of the brand is multiracial and she couldn’t find what she needed in a product, so she created her own!
Want to try out this brand for yourself? Enter code CURLYKIDS for 15% off at check out.
Don’t be Afraid to Experiment!
What works for one multiracial person, will not necessarily work for your child. There are a ton of products on the market and it’s often hard to make a decision. Check out YouTube for videos and tips.
Beauty by Lee, Taren Guy & Mahogany Curls are great ones to follow.
Subscribe to Beauty/Hair boxes
There are several companies that make monthly subscription boxes full of products specifically for curly haired individuals.
The boxes are full of a variety of product brands in full and sample sizes. This allows you to try different products for $25-$30 a month without going broke and purchasing products that don’t work.
Are you a total loss when it comes to styling your child’s curly hair? Purchase my e-book, The Frustration-Free Guide to Curly Hair to answer all your curly hair questions + get a guide to products by curl type!