Managing kids with natural hair

I remember when I was nine years old my mom relaxed my hair because it was really difficult for her to manage. I would cry every Sunday when she attempted to wash detangle dry and style my hair to go to school for the week. She tried many different products and yes they worked but to me it was still painful. i knew it was more painful for her to see me gush it pain and even more painful to deal with 2 heads because my twin sister.

Mom i knew you tried your best  and this gave me the driving force to create 10 strategies in managing kids with  natural hair.

Be Patient 

Understand that you won’t figure it all out right away and that this is not a race.  

Do Your Own Research

People can give you advice, but you must also go out there and gather information for yourself. 

Try Products

In order to find out which products work best for your child’s hair you are going to have to give some products a try.  

Be Patient with Your Child

 find out best products, best routines, best hairstyles etc.

Develop a Routine

Kids respond better to routines.  Choose a day that will be “Wash Day”.  Select a special towel.  Keep all hair supplies in a decorative carry all containers. 

Keep Your Child’s Mind Busy

Taking care of natural hair takes time.  Find ways to keep your child’s mind occupied

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Take Breaks

Depending on the style that you may be working on, it could take a lot of time to complete.  Make sure that breaks are taken at least every 30 minutes to an hour.  The will break up the monotony.

Confirm Comfort

Constantly check on them while you are doing their hair.  Ask them if they are comfortable or if they need anything.  Use this time to let the child know that they are your main focus.

Reach Out

Look for support online!  Find groups of like-minded people to share your successes as well as your failures (www.OurNaturalKids.ning.com)

Practice!

Practice makes perfect!  You will notice as you continue your journey that your skill levels will begin to increase and sooner than later you will become your own expert on YOUR child’s hair.

 You can develop your own top 10 list of things that helped you as you go along.  For those of you who have this all figured out, what are some of your best practices from when you began to manage your child’s natural hair?