All curly hair is different, so what may work for one person does not work for another. This is why I have 10000 types of curl cream in my bathroom lol. It's also why some people will say you can brush out curls, others will say never do it, etc. |
Washing hair every other day or fine a couple times a week is fine. But you do need to wash private parts daily on kids. |
Oh really? Says who? Keep it on the other thread crazy bath lady. |
I have curly hair as does my 3 yo. It’s not dry though. Anyway, we only shampoo once a week.
For my kid, since her hair seems to get dirtier, I sometimes co-wash in between shampoos with Paul Mitchell’s conditioner. Comb the conditioner through wet hair with a wide tooth comb. Never comb dry hair. Barrettes or Alice bands to hold the hair off the face, not hair elastics or Bobby pins. You already did the right thing by cutting her hair dry. |
OP here, thanks so much everyone. One more question - does anyone have a recommendation for a tear free shampoo I can use? Her eyes are so, so sensitive and she's kind of drama queen about getting shampoo rinsed out. |
I don't have a suggestion on a tear free shampoo, but my kid is the SAME WAY--even water in his eyes makes him crazy. We just try to be very careful with a dry washcloth on his forehead to soak up any water, and live with the fact that probably his forehead hasn't been properly cleaned in ages. Oh, and we bribe with gummies, placed prominently where he can see them during the hair washing. GOOD LUCK. |
A brush destroys curly hair. I have s daughter with curly hair who constantly gets compliments on her beautiful hair. We comb it with a comb everyday. If it’s tangled, a tiny amount of coconut oil makes it look lush and helps reactivate the curls. Sometimes I even add a little water if the curls are really frizzy but it’s rare that I need to do that. After the hair is combed, you can help shape the curls with your fingers but that’s all! It is downright cruel to use a brush on curly hair - don’t do it! You’re basically creating tangles and split ends - ouch! |
Most tear free shampoos arent going to work for curly hair. It has sulfates that will dry the hair out. Have your daughter wear swim goggles while shes being shampooed and shampoo in the sink as opposed to the bath.
You need a mouisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Dont be afraid of oil. |
I’m a straight-haired mom of a preschooler with curls. I’ve never used oil in my hair. Can someone explain to me how to apply the coconut oil?
I am trying but am so bad with her hair. |
I started cowashing my frizzy wavy preschoolers hair and it's made a huge difference. That and lots of really heavy curly girl approved leave in conditioner. Her hair is porous and soaks up the moisture like a sponge. |
Don't use shampoo. Just deep conditioner and your fingers for combing. I have straight hair but my DD has a spectacular head of curls, as in we literally can't go anywhere without comments and occasionally people asking for photos. I had to do a quick and deep dive into the world of curly hair care, but it was worth it. I would read r/curlyhair on Reddit or the curly girl book. And keep experimenting! Also, I pay more for DDs haircuts than my own. We go to a curly specialist. I have had curly haired adult women come up to me and emotionally thank me for obviously learning how to care for curly hair. |
OP here - this would require DD being willing to keep her goggles on, which is a whole other story and one of the biggest pains in my ass this summer, lol! But honestly, PP, it's actually a brilliant idea, and I think I'm going to try it tonight!! |
What conditioner/leave-ins would you recommend? |
I'm OP and with coconut oil, I just use a tiny amount and rub it in like any other product. This is what my mom did with me when I was little ![]() |
Coconut oil |