Solutions for ultra fine hair

[Anonymous]

DD has that white-blonde, baby fine, flyaway kind of hair. We’ve kept it about shoulder length to minimize tangles but it is still like a ridiculous birds nest in the back every morning. I’ve switched conditioners (away from honest co to something I hoped would be sleeker/less likely to tangle) and tried using the honest company detangle spray, but it’s not working. (I swear the spray makes her hair even more likely to tangle).

Any products, tips or tricks for getting a 4yo’s hair even slightly more tamed? She hates brushing (it’s better when she does it herself but she can’t really get the back effectively, and that’s where it’s worst), and putting it up in a ponytail is a fool’s errand (she pulls it right out)

[Anonymous]

The honest spray worked well for us, but you may just need to try a few that work.

Also try a silk/satin pillowcase.

[Anonymous]

When you condition, start about an inch from the root, use double what you think you need, and leave a very fine residue. Have her comb it with a wet comb (double row, offset, widely spaced tines) as she gets out. Wrap a towel around her pillow. She can use the same comb in the morning, no product necessary, misting with just water takes care of any strange waves. Or wash in the morning, send to school with damp hair (30 minutes is usually plenty for baby fine hair to air dry).

[Anonymous]

Is her hair dry? Does her scalp get greasy and smelly if you go too long between baths? If not, you can seriously up your conditioner game. We use shea moisture conditioner to cowash then a thick leave in conditioning mask after. Always sleep in a ponytail (make it non-negotiable for bedtime. Make her understand that she won’t have painful tangles in the morning if she sleeps with it pulled back). Then use a spray bottle of water to rewet in the morning then a wide tooth comb or wet brush.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like she's running the show here. If she were my 4 year old (and I had the same situation with my preschooler), I would give her the choice between cutting her hair or letting me brush it. Basic self-care and maintenance is not something that is up for debate in our house. You can try having her do the brushing and direct her to the back until it's mostly done, then giving you the brush to "check" her work. But show her some pictures of stacked bobs and let her choose if she wants that or the brush.

[Anonymous]

Braids might be more comfy than a ponytail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Braids might be more comfy than a ponytail.

+1. I was just about to make this suggestion. My DD hates sleeping in ponytails but loves braids. She showers at night so I braid her wet hair before bedtime. She loves her wavy hair in the morning.

[Anonymous]

Do you use a Wet Brush? Those are much more forgiving than standard brushes and wide-tooth combs.