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I have 3 curly haired kids and using leave in conditioners is a part of our everyday routine. Find products that worked for the 3 of them was a challenge because I’m black and they are all biracial with 3 different textures. I’ve also learned that just because a product is marketed for mixed race hair, it doesn’t mean that it will work.
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Why should you use leave in conditioners?
Because curly hair needs moisture! Whether your child is biracial or not, curls need a different maintenance routine than straight hair.
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 lightweight, 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 lightweight conditioners and are often weighed down by the heavier creams.
If you aren’t sure what your curl pattern is, stretch your curl and compare it to the chart below.
I have 4C hair. It is kinky, curly and my curls are teeny tiny. My curls are prone to major shrinkage but hold protective styles really well. It took me a while to fall in love with my 4C hair. Read more about more hair journey here.
Babies can use leave-in conditioner too! Since caring for baby curls is a much simpler process, using a leave-in conditioner keeps 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 strengthening treatment.
Leave in conditioners help to detangle hair & add moisture that can be lost after using shampoo to strip the hair of grease & dirt.
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.
What I love about this brand is the founder, Dr. Ena is biracial and wanted to create a product for mixed-race hair.
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
Honey Baby Naturals
The wonderful thing about this brand is that it was created by a mom of three who wanted a product 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 lightweight leave-in conditioner with great slip. It’s made with certified organic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals.
Need more help finding products specifically for your child’s hair type? Then check out my Amazon storefront! Everything is categorized easily for you!
How often can we use leave-in conditioner in our babies hair?
How old is your baby? What is the texture of your baby’s hair?
Thanks for the post. My son is 9 months old and has a head full of 4C hair. I’ve been using mane choice leave in on him. It works well but I worry about putting conditioner in his hair. What are your thoughts
Do you worry about it getting in his eyes? Baby hair doesn’t need a lot of manipulation. Leave in conditioner should be enough for now.
Amazing! Not a lot of resources on this in Denmark where we live- I have a little 2 year old with 3D hair well below the shoulders.. Mine is straight and Scandinavian so I was at a loss with what to do.
Finding products is always the biggest hurdle. I hope you find what you are looking for.