Curly Hair Care

*This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links on this page.*

Detangling curly hair without breakage is tricky.

I have 3 children, and all of them have (different types) curly hair! The process of caring for their hair has come through trial and error. I have curly hair myself, so I know that detangling curly hair without breakage can be tricky.

Here are a few tips that I’ve used for detangling curly hair without breakage:

Keep hair in protective styles

My girls love wearing their hair out, but the days that I allow it are few and far between. Frequent styling, washing, and even tossing and turning at night cause damage to your hair from the constant tugging and pulling on the ends, which are the most fragile part of your curls.

Protective styles can be as simple as buns, twists, pigtails and updos or as complicated as braids and cornrows.

Wash & Detangle Weekly

How often should you wash curly hair?

Some curly hair textures (like my 4c hair) only need to be washed weekly. Others feel and look best washing 2-3 times a week.

Spending time weekly to make sure you hair is clean and free of knots will reduce your time working knots out of your curls in the long run.

Some curly girls choose to wash more than once a week, but honestly it depends on your hair and lifestyle. Curly girls who are more active and use more products will need to wash more frequently than someone who isn’t as active.

Let Conditioners (Leave In & Wash Out) Do the Work For You

When I don’t take the time to properly condition my hair, the knots are out of control!

Using deep conditioners & leave in conditioners weekly make it so that detangling is a breeze. The products soften the hair and work the tangles out so that I don’t have to fight with my curls to style them.

Mielle Organics Babassu Oil And Mint Deep Conditioner  is hands down one of my favorite deep conditioners and works on all hair types.Knowing your curl pattern will help you know what kind of products your hair needs.

For example, my youngest daughter has wavy, curly hair. Her curls don’t do well with thick butters and creams because they weigh her hair down.

Some of my favorite leave ins for her hair are Kinky Curly Knot Today & Camille Rose Naturals Moisture Milk.

Bonus Tip: Trim Hair Regularly

Since my son has been born, I haven’t done the best job of taking care of my 4C hair. Late nights (and not sleeping through the night) has caused me to take the quick and easy route. I mostly wear my hair in a puff, and washing/conditioning/detangling takes no more than 10 minutes.

Unfortunatly, I have been the worst at keeping my hair trimmed. Shortly after the baby was born, I noticed that no matter how much deep conditioner I used, my hair still stayed in knots.

I finally scheduled an appointment with my beautician and an inch had to be cut off.

Two weeks ago, I cut another inch off.

It hurt because I’ve been working so hard at growing out my hair, and it finally touched my shoulders!!  (Those of you with curly hair know this is a big deal because curly hair shrinks)

But now my hair is healthy and tangle free, so bring on the length!

Are you a total loss when it comes to styling your child’s naturally 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! 

Want a larger, comprehrensive list of safe(organic) products for your baby’s skin and curly hair? Then I’ve got you covered. For only $20, the Curly Hair & Skin Care for Babies & Toddlers E-book gives you tips for nighttime care, tips for handling cradle cap, a bonus list of YouTube vloggers to follow and so much more!! Click here if you want to purchase.

What social media channel do you use to follow your favorite curly girls?

While Facebook holds a soft spot in my heart, Instagram is probably my favorite.

Not only do you get to follow their stories and videos, but you also get to interact with them. Several of these curly girls have been around for years, so you really get to follow their curly evolution through their Instagram feeds , stories, and live videos.

Charmsie

 

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✨2019✨ Let’s Grow & Glow babyyy … vision boards done? 🙋🏽‍♀️ closet clear outs? deleting excess photos from your phone? unsubscribing from email lists that are taking over your inbox ? 😬 What’s your “reset” tradition for the new year?? I’m currently stuck on deleting photos, because I apparently need 12,000 photos of my son napping lol | Lips @fentybeauty #stunnalippaint + Swim Top @riotswim + Earrings @zara✨

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀Charmaine💋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (@charmsie) on Jan 1, 2019 at 3:07pm PST

Chamsie is just what her name says–a charming curly mama of 1 with a head full of vibrant, beautiful curls. If you love a curly girl who appreciates all things animal print, then Charmsie is ya girl.

She has a bold style that exudes confidence and she shares tips on how to have a stand out style of your own.

Naptural 85

 

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Hey guys! 👋🏾😘 I just really wanted to remind you, as you’re scrolling through this materialistic, numbers-obsessed social media platform, that no matter what you’re doing in life, YOU ARE NOT your bank account 🙅🏾 YOU ARE NOT your follower count 🙅🏾 YOU ARE NOT your labels 🙅🏾 No human being is better than another human being 💯 We are all made of the SAME MATTER and how you feel and make OTHERS FEEL is what TRULY matters. #thatisall XO! 😘✊🏾❤️

A post shared by Whitney White (@naptural85) on Mar 29, 2019 at 10:44am PDT

Whitney is an OG in the curly girl vlogger world. She is queen of the DIY products and this year she  launched her Melanin hair care line (which I am loving!)

I love that she shows us that looking good doesn’t have to break the bank–or include toxic chemicals.

Melissa Chanel

 

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The Cantu Paris takeover was def one for the books! We were able to chat with #ParisNaturals about their favorite Cantu products/styles and gave away some concert tickets! Thank you to @olivialvs for hosting, my Cantu Crew @mmerrity & @stikupon for the hard work and fun, as well as @gtworldofbeauty Paris for letting us take over the store, Cantu style! #melissachanelworks #CantuCrew #naturalhair #parisfrance

A post shared by Melissa Cantey (@melissachanel) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:21am PST

 

If you are obsessed with Cantu, fashion and sneakers, then Melissa Chanel is the girl to follow. She’s as sweet in person as she appears online. She’s one of my personal favorites because I’ve known her since college and she’s your  quintessential fashionable curly girl next door.

Halfie Truths

 

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16mo in this BF game. I honestly never thought this would be us, but I’m so grateful to my body that it is. – We are currently night weaning using Dr Jay Gordon’s cosleeping method + last night…. wasn’t awful 😂. Our plan is to self wean, but like with all plans in parenting <and life> it’s subject to change. – On the last day, of a year that dragged my ass, I am filled with so much gratitude… for my body + for my spirit, they truly have endured✨ – What are you grateful for as this season come to an end? – Shirts + sleeping method are linked in my story💚

A post shared by Kenya Raymer (@halfietruths) on Dec 31, 2018 at 12:36pm PST

 

Shel brings all the truths. She documents her journey to motherhood and all things in between. This curly girl gives you the real and holds nothing back.

Themariaantoinette

She is the well rounded curly queen. She’ll give you a gorgeous beat face in one square, quick and easy hair tutorials in the next and suggestions for your home in another. Talk about #momgoals!

 

 

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Did y’all see my Therapy Highlight!?!?! I have officially “graduated” from therapy!!! So this is my current and forever #mood! . . When I read the DM that said “graduated” it just resonated with me so deeply. Just like school we graduate but we should never be done with bettering ourselves. This was my second go round with therapy and I am better for it. Check out my stories and share them with someone who might need a little encouragement on going to therapy! We are in this together and none of us are alone! . . Happy Friday #MASquad!!!! Love y’all to the moon and back and thank you for all of the support love and encouraging words! #theMALife #mentalhealthawareness #therapyforthewin . . PC:// @meccagamble

A post shared by Maria Antoinette Loggins (@themariaantoinette) on Mar 15, 2019 at 5:34am PDT

Taralindaaa

 

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It’s wash day! I only have time to wash my hair on the weekend so by that time, my hair is dry and in desperate need of a good cleanse and moisture. I can give it that and more with @rawsugarliving’s New Truly Unruly Shampoo and Conditioner. I LOVE a great shampoo and conditioner duo that makes me look forward to wash day. This shampoo has one of my favorite ingredients, apple cider vinegar which is awesome for cleansing while fighting frizz, along with avocado and rosemary oil. The conditioner has tons of slip for detangling and then I top it off with the All That Shine hair masque. The mask melts into my hair like butterrrr. • • Just like their body products, @rawsugarliving’s hair products are made cold pressed ingredients that smooth and tame unruly curls🤗 Plus, @rawsugarliving gives me another reason to stock up on my favs. For every product purchased, a fresh bar of soap is given to a family in need. You can find them at your local Target or Walgreens.🧡 #rawThankYou #rawlovin #Ad

A post shared by Tara (@taralindaaa) on Mar 9, 2019 at 6:15am PST

When you scroll through this mama’s page, you’ll want to stay all day! She’s a teacher and mom of 4 that always looks so put together!

shanillia26

 

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Some new hairstyle inspiration for the mommys who can not cornrow! @shanilliandjanelle – –

A post shared by Mommy of Shanillia and Janelle (@shanillia26) on Mar 1, 2019 at 9:58am PST

This dope mom is one to follow for so many reasons! Her braiding skills are creative & amazing and she always slays too!

 

 

lynnettessilhouettes

 

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Pillow pink ✨🌸 #32weekspregnant . #motherhood #babies #mommy #mommyandme #babygirl #pregnant #pregnancy #momlife #mom #kids #cutebabies #cutenessoverload #toddler #mommylife

A post shared by Carmen Lynnette Graham (@lynnettessilhouettes) on Feb 4, 2019 a

t 5:38pm PST

This gorgeous mom of 2 is 1/3 of the beautiful My natural sistas. I started following them 5 years ago on YouTube when I was newly natural and had no clue what to do with my natural hair.

Arethoseyourkids

 

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My kids are biracial & have 3 different curl patterns. Different curl patterns could potentially =spending more💸💰 on hair products. @manyethnicities gets it. Their products add moisture to my kids curls without being too heavy. The ingredients are simple & safe & smell amazing!! The best part? When my husband is braiding the girls hair at night, he specifically requests the leave in cream. Win!! Check out my link in profile for tips for curly, wavy hair. #partner

A post shared by Diedre ❤ Are Those Your Kids (@arethoseyourkids) on Feb 4, 2019 at 2:21pm PST

Me! I’m bringing you all things multiracial motherhood! I share my favorite tips & products on my timeline and stories for naturalistas and their kids.

There are so many more curly ladies on Instagram, so it was hard to narrow this list down to just 10.

It took me awhile to love my kinky, coily 4C hair. 

When I was a young girl, I always wondered how my hair was so curly when it was wet, but then “nappy” when it was dry. 

Before the natural girls rock movement, most black women were wearing their hair all natural with minimal products, straight with a relaxer, or curly with a texturizer. 

The minute your relaxed hair started to take on its curly natural state, you were clowned by classmates about having “nappy hair.”

I saw afros as outdated styles from the 70s and never had a desire to have one. 

Fast foward to my late twenties, and I was sitting in the dermatologist office being told that my scalp would feel so much better if I stopped getting relaxers. Because it was a black women suggesting it, I listened to her advice, but it fell on deaf ears. There was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I was walking around with a big afro. 

At my next dermatology visit, I had made it 12 weeks without a relaxer, and I was still alive. I torture I had endured for relaxers no longer seemed worth it. I “sacraficed for beauty’s sake” but my scalp was irritated, peeling, itchy and scabbed over. 

After cutting my straight hair off and doing the big chop, I slowly started to embrace the new me. The learning curve was tough, but now I’m so in love with my kinky, coily 4C hair.

Here’s why:

You Can Shock People With the Length

My daughters are 7 & 5 and they love commenting on things that are similar and different about us. My oldest daughter loves to tell me how short my hair is compared to hers. What she doesn’t realize is that 4C hair has major shrinkage. 

So even though my hair looks short, it actually has a decent amount of length!

Styles for Days

When I first went natural, the thought of maintaining a thick head of hair was very overwhelming, so as my hair grew, I cut it. I kept it short on the sides and long on the top. 

It was easier to maintain while raising 2 toddlers, especially on wash days. Now I”m trying to grow my hair as long as I can, just to see what it will look like. 

Now I wear my hair in a variety of styles–braids, buns, puffs. You name it, I’m willing to try it!

Your Afro Can Get as Big as You Want It To Be

I love experimenting with different protective styles to manipulate the looks of my curls. Twist out provide amazing definition, and the opportunity for your hair to get bigger as each day passes. 

And with 4C hair, bigger is always better!! If you don’t feel like rocking the super defined look, you can wear your afro as is!

Less Frizz

Kinky, coily 4C hair is very forgiving when it comes to frizz. If an older protective style begins to frizz, it only makes the hair bigger and more fabulous!

 

Share this with another person who loves their 4C hair!

I have 3 curly haired kids and using leave in conditioners is a part of our everyday routine.

Why should you use leave in conditioners?

Because curly hair needs moisture. The right leave in conditioners have a combination of oils and other natural ingredients that keep the hair shaft healthy and moisturized.

They are also great for detangling! They are best applied to wet hair after it has been washed & conditioned, but can be applied to damp or dry hair.

Some leave in conditioners are light weight, while some are in cream form and heavier. Knowing your curl pattern will help determine the kind you need.

4C hair (kinky, coily curls) typically loves the heavier creams, and wavy curls prefer light weight conditioners and are often weighed down by the heavier creams.

Babies can use leave in conditioner too! Since caring for baby curls is a much simplier process, using a leave in conditioner keep your baby’s hair moisturized while they sleep and play.

What’s the difference between deep conditioners & leave in conditioners?

Deep conditioners add moisture back into dry hair, reduce frizz and are washed out. Deep conditioners can sit on the hair up to 30 minutes and applied with heat for a deeper strenghtening treatment.

Leave in conditioners help to detangle hair.

Keep in mind that the first 5 ingredients are the ones that pack the biggest punch. Try to steer clear of conditioners that include harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens and ingredients that you can’t pronounce.

Here are some great leave in conditioners that are perfect for curly kids:

Many Ethnicities

Many Ethnicities  makes a wonderful cream based leave in conditioner. It works wonders on my daughter with 3c hair, and my husband won’t braid her hair without it.

The Mane Choice

The Mane Choice is personally one of my favorites. In my house, it works for my daughters with 2c & 3c hair. Their leave in also works for me. I love that they make leave in creams and sprays, so you can find a variety of leave in conditioners that fit your specific hair needs.

                                 

 

Taliah Waajid

Taliah Waajid Children Tangles Out Today Leave-in Conditioner & Detangler, 8 Ounce is good for all hair types. It’s lightweight, but leaves a nice sheen on the hair and is easy to apply on either wet or dry hair.

Honey Baby Naturals

The wonderful thing about this brand is that it was created by a mom of three who wanted a prodcut that would work for her kids’ different hair types. Necessity is the mother of invention right?

Mielle Organics

Mielle Tinys & Tots Sacha Inchi Detangling Conditioner is a light weight leave in conditioner with great slip. It’s made with certified organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals.

What are some of your favorite leave in conditioners for curly haired kids??? If this post was helpful to you, I’d love if you could give it a share!

 

Are you a total loss when it comes to finding the best products for your curly haired kids? Purchase my e-book, <—-(click here to purchase)

The Frustration-Free Guide to Curly Hair to answer all your curly hair questions + get a guide to products by curl type! 

This post is sponsored by Many Ethnicities, but all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links on this page.

Black women spend an estimated 7.5 billion dollars on hair care products in the U.S. I can’t even begin to imagine how much women in general spend on products–especially curly hair products.

As a curly haired woman with 3 curly haired children, it has been exciting to see that several black owned product lines exist specifically for curly kids.

The Mane Choice

The Mane Choice is one of my favorite product lines. I met the founder, Courtney at the Natural Hair Show in 2015. She is just as beautiful, knowledgeable & kind in person as she is online.

I love their products because despite the 3 curl types in my home, The Mane Choice works for each of my curly kids. It leaves my kids curls moisturized, shiny & soft to touch. My girls even ask for the Mane Choice by name. It doesn’t get better than that!

Shea Moisture

Shea Moisture has such a vast product line that is curated to solve a variety of curly hair problems.

Their curling gel souffle is a favorite of mine, but the kids line doesn’t work as well for my children.

 Miss Jessie’s

Around since 2004, this brand was formed by two sisters, Miko & Titi Branch. The name from the brand came from their grandmother. 

Miss Jessie’s is a more expensive brand, but I absolutely love their Multicultural Clear gel. It is light weight and provides the perfect amount of hold and curl definition for my curly kids.

Curls

Mahisha Dellinger launched her brand, Curls, in 2002. Frustrated with the lack of brands for natural curly hair, she singlehandedly built her empire.

This brand has a product line for curly kids & babies.

Eden Body Works

I was first introduced to this brand at a natural hair show. The facinating thing about Eden Body Works is that is was created by Jasmine Lawrence when she was only 13 years old. 

Many Ethnicities

As a mom of multiracial children, I love that this brand was created by Dr. Ena Hennegan, a mother, a board-certified, practicing family physician in suburban Chicago. As a multiracial woman herself, she knew the needs of other multiracial, curly haired individuals.

She has 3 daughters with 3 different textures of hair, so her line of children’s products aims at solving the unique challenges that come with having multi ethnic hair.

The best part about these products is that my husband loves them! He doesn’t complain about braiding the girls hair at night when he’s using the Many Ethnicities Kids Leave In Conditioner.

Do want to try Many Ethnicities? Then use code “Take20” to receive 20% off your order at manyethnicities.com

Are you a total loss when it comes to styling your child’s naturally 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!