Caring for your Black or Biracial Child's Hair

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"I think that one of the great gifts we can give our girls is a genuine love and appreciation for their hair texture in its natural state, whether it is loosely curled, tightly coiled or anywhere in between. We can learn to care for hair gently, and then teach them how to do it. We can also help by initiating an open, age-appropriate dialogue about prevailing beauty standards."

There are excellent Products for African American and Multiracial / Biracial / Mixed Race Children's Hair Care on the market today. Your black or biracial child's hair will require maintenance and care to keep it beautiful and manageable. There are also resources in creating your own natural products. Now that my biracial children are older I am seeking ways to educate them on caring for their own curly, kinky and coiled hair. Resources are now plentiful!

Hair is an adoption issue.

For White parents of Black children (full or biracial), doing your child's hair is totally different from doing your own. It's something most Caucasians never had an opportunity to learn about. It is essential to your children's sense of identity and self-esteem that they are given the opportunity to look like they are well-cared for and groomed; this is particularly true for transracial families, already subjected to unusual social scrutiny by others who aren't quite sure you are really a family. Keep in mind the desire to want to have hair that is different comes from our culture but also for our own desire to "find ourselves". Having long flowing straight hair myself, I desired curly hair filled with body. Your child's desire to have different hair shouldn't be looked down upon. Nor should you wish or desire anything different for your child than hair that is healthy.I think that one of the great gifts we can give our girls is a genuine love and appreciation for their hair texture in its natural state, whether it is loosely curled, tightly coiled or anywhere in between. We can learn to care for hair gently, and then teach them how to do it. We can also help by initiating an open, age-appropriate dialogue about prevailing beauty standards. - Happy Girl HairTHINGS TO HAVE ON HAND... * Wide-tooth comb or pick... the wider the better (Goody has a variety of combs available at most grocery stores) * Natural bristle brush (The Body Shop has a nice selection of brushes) * Hydrating shampoo * Moisturizing Conditioner * A daily moisturizer – this will add needed moisture, and ease comb-ability

Check out a local Beauty Supply shop for black hair care products, trust me, you'll have a store of your own soon. Some products you'll use everyday, some every other day, some once a week or a couple of times a month.

We use products from Curls Inc, and Just for Me, we also use Fruitess for Curly hair (for my daughters with looser finer hair). We recently started using a blend of products that includes more shea butter and coconut oils.

* Black hair is extremely fragile. A gentle touch is required to avoid unnecessary breakage and hair loss. Therefore, always use a wide tooth comb or pick when combing the hair. Avoid fine tooth combs as they snag and pull out curly/kinky hair. Invest in a quality brush; natural boar brushes are the best.

* Curly/kinky hair needs moisture, moisture, and more moisture! Consider this when purchasing hair care products. Avoid drying products such as hair spray, mousse, holding gels, etc. Opt for moisturizers, leave in conditioners, and styling lotions. There are many companies to choose from. It is important to find the product that works for your child's hair. You don't want a product that's going to attract more dirt, weigh the hair down or be TOO oily. Finding that delicate balance is pretty important. That means experimenting with different black hair care products.

The HARDEST and potentially the MOST PAINFUL part of hair styling curly hair is De tangling...

AVOID TEARS...* Combing and De-tangling

Yes, I know if you have a girl you want to know HOW to style her hair. So check this out.