Ethnic Hair: Cornrows and Curls

and other things you should know before caring for your black child's hair

Ethnic haircare is a very sensitive topic for many interracial families. Should you use braids, cornrows, straighten or allow the child's hair to grow natural? The texture, curls of your child's hair could very well be tied into you child's self identity. As such, it is very important for parents to understand that how we address, approach and care for our children's hair, will ultimately have a significant impact on how our children will perceive themselves, their race, and your view of your racial differences. Cornrows and braids can seem pretty intricate. In fact the different texture and curl of ethnic hair can seem outright intimidating!

It is all to easy to mistakenly cause a child to feel inferior or less than simply because we avoid handling or neglect hair - which is in this society, is a primary element in defining "beauty." Haircare is essential for a child's self esteem.

Curly, frizzy hair is sometimes considered a problem and also ugly - an transracially adopted child can be made to feel unattractive and ugly. So, what do you do when you're a White parent and you're absolutely unsure about what to do with your child's haircare?

Well, take a deep breath! Acknowledge that it's just different from yours, that's all, and that's ok. Then do some research and figure out what haircare works best. If you'd like to learn from others, take your child to a salon that is experienced with his or her specific style of hair and get the benefit of their expertise. Most stylists will be happy to educate you about the best haircare solutions for your child.

As you research hair salons, be sure to accurately describe your daughter's hair type. Not all African-American women have the same type of hair. To help you in your research, I've provided links to a few sites to get you started. When all else fails, never be afraid to ask for help!

Here's some tips from one salon:"African hair is made of the same “stuff” as non-African hair. The difference lies in the way those components are put together or the structure of our hair. The structure of our hair can cause it to be more prone to breakage and dryness. Because of this, black hair care needs are different from those for other types of hair. Our hair can have up to twice the amount of “cuticle” or outer layer. Our hair is kinkier which makes it more difficult for the oil secreted from our scalps to reach the ends of the hair. But, keep in mind there is a continuum of hair types. Especially since most of us are of mixed heritage, African American hair and bi-racial people's hair can vary widely. Even within a single head of hair, there are different hair types. So, there is no one solution for the care of all African American hair."

Looking for MORE ideas on how to style for your daughter's hair?