Caring for your Black or Biracial Child's Hair

When adopting a child of another race (that includes African American heritage) you must educate yourself in hair care. Black hair isn't just a wash and go experience. 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.

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.

What You Need 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)

* 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.

AVOID TEARS...* Combing and De-tangling

To avoid pain, tears, and massive hair loss when combing out kinky hair, part the hair into four sections. Get a tight grip on the hair (not to hurt your child) and start combing at the bottom and work your way up to the top, section by section. If her hair is extremely thick and coarse, secure the combed out section with a pony tail holder to avoid further tangling. You should always use a moisturizer when combing her out hair, doing so will help to soften the hair and ease comb-ability. NEVER USE WATER TO “WET” THE HAIR!

Remember:How your children look can shape the conclusions outsiders draw. Children notice others' assessments and often interpret them as evidence of their own inadequacy. Young children are very concrete. They need to feel beautiful and handsometo contribute to a sense of pride in who they are. If their hair is a source of frustration and unhappiness, not just for them but for you, they may begin to develop low self-esteem."

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