I. Introduction
Before we start our blog and indulge ourselves into how to take care of kids curly hair. I would like to ask you all a question. How did you manage and handled your curls when you were small? Did you feel you are different or you use to embrace your curls naturally and confidently?
Well, I never used to embrace my natural curls. I didn’t know how to care for them and always used to make mistakes. Now, when I am a grown up, I researched a lot and gained knowledgeable insights about how to care for curls.
Being a parent, it is our duty to keep our child safe and also guide them about the curls. Accepting the curls and embracing them confidently is needed the most. It is true that kids with curly hair can face many negative comments from peers.
You should first make your kid understand, why some hair are curly and some straight, it is not a defect, and it is just a type of hair. Instill in your child the importance of self-confidence and self- love.
In this blog, you will understand how to take care of your kid’s curly hair and how to teach them.
II. Understanding Kids Curly Hair
A. Types of Curly Hair
1. Classifying Curls: From Loose Waves to Tight Coils
We all know curls are being categorised into three categories and each category has three more types. From loose waves to tight coils curls are divided according to the diameter of hair. Let’s understand curl type first and then we will move on to how curls affect styling and also curls basic care-
• Wavy Hair (Type 2) – This type of hair when gets dried forms an S shape.
• Curly Hair (Type 3) – This hair has a proper loop defined and makes smaller S shape.
• Coily Hair (Type 4) – This forms smaller curls and are tight in nature with lots of volume.
All the above curl types are further categorised into three sub category-
Type 2A- Although they are classified as curly hair, they can be easily straightened. They are not much voluminous.
Type 2B- This hair type is flatter on the top of head and they are thicker than type 2A.
Type 2C- Their S shaped pattern is more defined and they are also more prone to frizz.
Type 3A- They are largely loose curls, but they are very delicate. So touching them again and again can lead to breakage.
Type 3B- This hair type is more towards dryness.
Type 3C- They are slightly towards type 4. Tightly packed corkscrew curls, which frizz quickly.
Type 4A- They are densely packed and lacks hydration.
Type 4B- Fragile hair which are prone to dryness. They are z-shaped coils.
Type 4C- More fragile than 4B and gets shrink after they get dry.
2. How Curl Type Affects Styling
Now, you all know that curly hair is little difficult to style. And I being a curly haired girl understands it better. Since childhood, I just use to tie my hair with a scrunchie and that too low. Because the more higher my ponytail, more frizzy hair comes in play.
Later, I discovered how to style curly hair and the best way is to let them flow naturally. Apart from keeping curls open, the other hairstyles which look good on kids are-
- Loose braids– This helps the kids hair to be protected and also not being tight, so that your kids feels uncomfortable.
- Messy buns– One of the quick kids hairstyle that looks stylish and keeps the curl defined too.
- High ponytail– Well, gone are the days when there was no high ponytail for curly hair. But now, with good hair care you can tie your ponytail high enough to make the curls look amazing.
- Braided ponytail– This kids curly hairstyle helps to protect the hair from being getting in way when they are playing.
B. Hair Care Basics
1. The Importance of Proper Hair Care
Giving your kids curly hair a proper care is must. Proper care of curly hair helps to tame the frizz, keep the curls soft and more defined and also keep them tangle-free. Following are some steps to take care of kids curly hair-
• Never use dryer on kid’s hair. It will damage them at a very early stage.
• Make them sleep on satin pillowcase.
• Use microfiber towel to dry your hair.
• Tell them not to touch their hair too often.
• Use leave-in conditioners.
• Do not over wash their hair.
• Use wide toothed wooden comb to de tangle kid’s hair.
• Air dry hair as much as possible.
2. Selecting the Right Products for Kids Curly Hair
After understanding the steps for proper hair care, now is the time to choose right products for the curls.
• The product which you use on your kids curly hair should be moisturizing.
• They should be free from any chemicals like sulphates and phthalates.
• Choose product according to hair type.
• Use cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo.
• Keep a detangling spray with you.
• Use shampoo with natural ingredients like Shea butter and Oat extract.
• If you feel your kid’s hair are damaged, use water and aloe vera juice.
• Give hair the sufficient protein like wheat and quinoa.
• Natural oil and butter are perfect ingredient for kid’s curly hair.
• Use olive oil for hair massaging.
III. Daily Haircare Routine
A. Washing and Conditioning
1. Choosing Curly Hair-Friendly Shampoos and Conditioners
Using a good shampoo and conditioner is the starting point for taking care of curls. It is necessary to use shampoo and conditioner which are especially designed for curly hair and are safe for kids.
Baby shampoos are delicate and helps to prevent any scalp irritation. They are tear-free and does not cause itching in your little one’s eyes.
Let’s see some of the amazing shampoo and conditioner for kids-
- Hello Bello- Its key ingredients are marshmallow, coconut and aloe vera extract. This shampoo is perfectly safe for kids curly hair. It helps to soothe the scalp and softens the curls.
- Cara B- An absolute tear-free and organic shampoo formulated with Aloe vera, coconut oil and vitamin E. It is tear-free shampoo and helps to protect your kid’s curly hair.
- CeraVe- This brand makes super gentle products for baby. It’s free from all the chemicals and is loaded with vitamin E. This shampoo helps to maintain the pH balance of the hair and keeps the curls healthy.
- Shea Moisture- A hypoallergenic brand, which makes kids friendly shampoo loaded with oat milk, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and rice water. This brand is known to make hydrating products for curly hair.
2. The Right Way to Wash and Condition
After gaining the knowledge about curly hair friendly shampoo and conditioner. Now, let’s understand what the right way to wash and condition is.
• First wet your kids hair.
• Take shampoo in a cup and dilute it.
• Apply the shampoo only on scalp, applying it on hair strands makes strands dry.
• Massage the scalp for few minutes.
• Rinse it off with water, while rinsing the shampoo, it flows down via hair strands and cleanse them.
• Remove excess water.
• Apply conditioner only on hair strands.
• After applying conditioner, de-tangle your hair with the help of fingers or wide toothed comb.
• After 5 minutes, wash the conditioner with cold water.
P.O.V. Wash shampoo with warm water and wash conditioner with cold water.
B. Detangling
1. Techniques for Pain-Free Detangling
Hair tangles are the major problem in curly hair and especially in kid’s curly hair. It breaks the hair and makes them weak. But with patience and right way you can minimize the pain of detangling.
• Conditioner- Applying conditioner is the most important step in the hair care. It softens the hair and locks the moisture in the hair. After you apply conditioner, detangle your kids hair locks with either finger or comb.
• Detangling Spray- This is worth the money. Detangling spray reduces tension between hair locks and makes it easy to detangle. You can use the spray both on damp and dry hair.
• Oils- Applying oil on your hair strands helps to condition hair and keep them moisturized. After you have detangled your kids hair, apply few drops of oil, it penetrates the scalp and reduces dryness.
• Wide toothed comb- Wide toothed comb helps to detangle hair in painless way. They are gentler on hair and does not make it weak.
• Comb from bottom- Whenever you start combing, always start it from bottom. First comb the bottom hair and then move on to the top. This helps to prevent hair breakage.
• Detangle with your finger- Detangling curly hair with finger is one of the best way to take care of kid’s hair.
2. Avoiding Breakage and Frizz
Let’s understand ways on how to avoid hair breakage and reduce frizz.
• Sleep on satin pillowcase.
• Use a satin head bonnet while sleeping.
• Try diffuser to keep your curls bouncier and defined.
• Avoid touching your hair as much as you can.
• Apply oil on your hair.
• Always de tangle your hair when they are wet.
• Avoid brushing hair.
• Use wide toothed comb to detangle hair.
• Try braided hairstyles to keep hair in position and avoid detangle.
• Get your hair trimmed every 4-6 weeks.
• Don’t rub hair harshly it cause hair breakage.
C. Styling Products
1. The Role of Leave-In Conditioners and Curl Enhancers
Well, just like shampoo and conditioner has their own role in taking care of curls. Similarly, leave-in conditioner and curl enhancer are two best products when it comes to curls.
Leave in conditioner helps to lock the moisture in hair. It keeps the curl healthy and hydrated. This conditioner is applied on towel-dried hair. It helps to nourish and hydrate the curls and keep them defined.
After you have washed the hair, take a cotton t-shirt, remove excess water from hair and then apply leave-in conditioner or crème. Scrunch your kid’s curls and this way you will feel the curls are heavy and defined properly.
Leave in conditioner can be applied on all the hair. It is lightweight and provides immense hydration to hair.
Curl enhancer is another lightweight conditioner which protects hair from frizz and does not weigh it down. It makes hair soft and shiny. Applying curl enhancer, improves curls, give them soft look and helps to provide control over the curls.
2. How to Apply Styling Products for Best Results
Ok, so now we know that styling product is necessary for your kids curls but another important thing is how to apply the styling product on curls.
The best way to apply styling product is when the hair is wet. Applying product on damp hair helps to evenly distribute the product and make the curls look defined.
For example- apply leave in conditioner when hair is wet. This helps to keep the hair tangle free and define the curls properly.
IV. Hairstyling Tools and Accessories
A. Combs and Brushes
1. The Best Tools for Curly Hair
Taking care of curly hair is one amazing and interesting task as you get to know about many hair tools which exist.
• The ultimate detangler- Helps to detangle hair easily.
• Styling brush- You can style your kids curls according to your choice.
• Hair bonnet- Protects curl in the night-time. Now, I don’t think kids will wear it, so, better to use satin pillowcase.
• Diffuser- Helps to dry and define curls properly. Not needed if you can air dry your kids hair.
• Microfiber towel- Absorbs excess water.
• Silk pillowcase- Reduces friction in hair and helps to tame frizz.
• Silk scrunchies- Do not break hair.
• Scalp shampoo brush- This is something new and amazing. It evenly distributes shampoo, cleanse scalp and helps in hair growth.
2. How to Comb and Brush without Damage
Generally curls are not to be brushed when they are dry as they cause frizziness and breaks hair. But if you comb and brush your kid’s hair in correct form, then you can avoid frizziness.
Proper brushing of hair requires time and patience, but the end result will be beautiful.
• First add proper moisture in the hair. This can be done, when you apply conditioner or leave in conditioner.
• Now the initial detangling of hair can be done with fingers.
• Start working on kid’s hair from bottom.
• Brush the hair evenly.
• Sometime, we skip baby hairs but it is good to even brush those.
B. Hair Bands and Clips
- Accessories That Won’t Damage Curls
Well, who doesn’t like to accessories their curls? After all, curl fashion is in trend. There are some hair accessories, which do not damage curls instead give it a beautiful look.
- Silk Headbands- If the curls are smaller in length, then you can go with headband.
- Baseball Hats- Helps to give your kid a new and stylish look.
- Silk Scrunchies- This helps to keep the kid’s curl hairstyle secure properly.
- Fun Ways to Style with Clips and Bands
Since kids do not care for their hair much, it is our responsibility to style their curls in a way that it does not bother them.
Butterfly clips- These clips are beautiful and draws attention to the hair very quickly. They come in different sizes, and helps to keep the curls in place.

Hair claws- If your kid’s hair are long, then hair claws will come in handy. They are super helpful and comes in different sizes.
Headband- Well, headband have never been out of fashion. They look smart and keep the hair strands away from the face.

Hair bows- Bows are always in fashion and looks good on kids. They are one perfect hair accessory for curly hair. You can add hair bows on your ponytail, head crown etc.
V. Basic Kids Curly Hair Styles
A. Ponytails and Pigtails
After understanding almost everything about curls, now is the time to look after hairstyle for kid’s curly hair. Ponytails and pigtails are two very common and trending hairstyle amongst kids. They help to keep the curls out of face.
Ponytails

• There are many places where you can make your ponytail. It can be high on head, low at the neck or to the left or right side.
• Grab your moisturized, tangle free hair and tie them up with a scrunchie.
• Make sure the ponytail is not too tight.
Pigtails

• Pigtails look cute and give your kid a new look.
• Divide your hair into two equal section.
• Grab your hair from either side and tie them up with a scrunchie.
B. Braids and Twists
Braids and Twists hairstyles are the one that keep your frizz in place and also helps in detangling. There are many different braids which you can try.
• Curly crochet braids- Crochet braids are different and they are very popular amongst the black hair.

• Long hair with twist braids– If your kid has long curly hair, then this one is good for you. In this hairstyle, you can secure the curls in a braid.
• Crown braid- This braid brings elegance to your look and personality.
• Loose curly braid- This is loose braid, having loose braid does not tighten your hair and hair breakage reduces.
• Fishtail braid- This braid style looks so flawless and helps to protect hair from breakage and frizz.

• Curly space buns and Pigtail braids- Well, many times we feel that our child should have space buns and pigtail braids and this confuses us. How about both the hairstyles together.
C. Top Knots and Buns
If you like to secure your kids curly hair in a neatly, tightly bun, then following are the options for you-
• Pinned chignon- A chignon pin is a two pronged hair pin which helps to secure bun and makes your bun looks like French pleat. This is one elegant hairstyle.
• High bun- This bun is made on crown of your head. Gather all the hair on top of head and secure it with an elastic band.

• Mid-level pigtail buns- Divide your hair into two parts. Start by creating two pigtails in the middle of your head.
VI. Advanced Curly Hair Styles for Kids
A. Curly Updos
Braided bun- One of the stylish hairstyle for your kid. This advanced hairstyle comes with a great personality touch.
• Make vertical cornrows braided into a ponytail.
• Make many pony with this style.
• Tie all the braided pony in a bun.
Sky high ponytail- This is one simple and amazing hairstyle. The beauty of this hairstyle is it is very easy to make, and you can pair it up with funky and casual look.
• Gather all the hair properly.
• Take them up on the crown of your head.
• Tie it with an elastic.
• For baby hair, use pins to secure.
B. Curly Frohawk
This is one bold and stylish hair choice for your kid. Giving your kid this hairstyle will surely keep them apart and will make them grab lot of compliments.
The frohawk is created from the natural curls. Their natural hair texture is to get fluffed up or bouncy. And this characteristic of hair can be used in styling the hair.
How to get that perfect frohawk
• Refresh your curls with a conditioning mist.
• Divide hair into four sections. Tie each section into a ponytail.
• Fluff each ponytail for the frohawk look
• Apply oil to give it a finishing touch.
• That’s it the frokawk look is ready.
VII. Tips for Maintaining Kids’ Curly Hair Styles
A. Nighttime Haircare
It is necessary to have a night routine for your curls. Curls gets damaged most during night time. The cotton pillowcase causes friction and leads to hair breakage.
• Use a satin pillowcase- This helps to reduce friction and frizz in the hair.
• Pineapple method- Grab all the hair and tie them up at the crown of kid’s head.
• Satin head bonnet- Cover the pineapple hair with a satin hair bonnet. This helps to protect your child’s curls at night.
• Conditioner- Make sure to apply leave-in conditioner before your kids hit the bed. This will keep their curls moisturized.
• Moisture retention- Curls tend to be dry, they need extra care and moisture. You can spritz the hair with water and then apply light weight oil like jojoba to lock the moisture.
Benefits of Satin Pillowcase
If you are thinking why is it necessary to have a satin pillowcase? Then let’s look at the benefits which the satin pillowcase offers-
• Reduced friction- Satin is a smooth material, it creates less friction and reduces the chances of hair breakage.
• Hair health- Sleeping on satin material helps to preserve hairstyle, as it reduces frizz during the night.
• Less frizz- The smooth surface of satin helps to reduce friction for curly and unruly hair.
• Hypoallergenic- They are resistant to dust and other pollutant material.
• Hydration- Satin does not absorb water as the cotton does. It keeps your hair hydrated as the oil and product used on our curls are not absorbed by satin pillowcase.
B. Refreshing Styles
1. Reviving Curls between Washes
Curls tend to become dry and frizz 2 days after wash. It is the natural tendency of curly hair to become unruly, tangled and dry few days after wash. Washing hair again and again is not the solution. So, you can try reviving curls between hair washes.
• Use a refreshing spray- You can have a refreshing spray, to refresh your kids curls. Take some water and add leave-in conditioner in it. Spritz the solution over curly hair and reactivate the curls.
• Steam treatment- If you do not wish to wash your kids hair, you can just have a steam bath. The steam will help to reactivate and reshape your kids curls again.
• Diffuser- Using a diffuser, keeps your kids curls defined and in shape. Use it on low heat setting and gently scrunch the curls.
• Dry shampoo- Not many a times this will be the scene, but if you feel your kids hair is greasy, then it is good to use a dry shampoo. Dry shampoo absorb excess oil and also adds volume.
• Reactivate and refresh- This technique you can apply, when you don’t have much time. Simply spritz water on the curls, this will reactivate the styling products you used on your kids curls.
2. DIY Refreshing Sprays
DIY refreshing sprays are cost-effective and valuable. It is very easy way to maintain your kids curls between washes using the DIY sprays.
Some of the DIY recipes are-
a. Aloe vera and Lavender Refreshing Spray-
Aloe vera is very beneficial and helps to strengthen hair. It controls the grease in your hair and also protects it from UV rays.
• Take ½ cup of aloe vera gel.
• Add distilled water in the gel.
• Add few drops of lavender essential oil.
• Mix the ingredients and store it in a bottle.
• Spritz the mixture onto your hair and let the hair dry naturally.
b. Green tea and Honey Spray-
Green tea helps to get rid of split ends. It cures the damaged hair and cuticles, making the hair smooth from root to tip.
• Take 1 cup of brewed green tea
• Add 1-2 tbsp. of honey
• Few drops of essential oil
• Mix all the ingredients together in a spray bottle.
• Shake the bottle properly.
• Spray the mixture on your hair and scrunch your curls.
C. Dealing with Weather
1. Protecting Curls in Humidity and Dry Weather
Curls are very delicate, they get affected by the weather very easily. There are ways to protect curls in humid weather.
Deep condition regularly- Deep conditioning your hair keep your hair hydrated and make it less prone to frizz. Look for ingredients like glycerin in deep conditioning products.
Limit heat styling- In humid weather, it is necessary to limit heat styling. Styling your hair with heating tool will cause split ends and damage hair cuticles.
Satin accessories- Satin headband, satin scrunchie, satin bonnet, using satin accessories helps to keep the hair dryness in control and reduce friction.
Hydration and moisture- It is necessary to keep your hair fully hydrated and moisturized. A good hydration in hair helps to keep frizz away and also create a barrier against humidity.
2. Tips for Outdoor Activities
It is true that kids do not care for their curls much. They like to play outside and be carefree. Therefore, it is necessary to follow some tips for outdoor activities.
• Tie their hair up in a bun or a braid style. This will keep their hair secured properly and keep them tangle free.
• Use UV protector for hair.
• Use an anti-frizz serum to tame flyaways and control frizz.
VIII. Celebrity Kids with Curly Hair
A. Inspiration from the Stars
There are many star kids who have got curly hair and they embrace their natural curls.
- Blue Ivy Carter- Blue is the daughter of Jay-Z and Beyoncé and she has beautiful curl. And the way she embraces it naturally makes her a youth icon.
2. Willow Smith- Daughter of Will smith and Jada Smith, her curly hair is an icon from when she was young.
3. Rumi and Sir Carter-

Another twin baby of Beyonce and Jay-Z. They both have unique personality which makes them popular amongst their fan.
4. Ava Philippe-

She is the daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe. Her natural curls define her looks.
5. Stormi Webster-

A beautiful curly haired daughter of Kylie and Travis Scott. Her hairstyle is a great hit on social media.
IX. DIY Haircare Recipes
A. Homemade Hair Masks
Using DIY hair masks helps to keep your hair healthy and curls bouncy in a very cost effective manner.
Some of the hair masks using kitchen ingredients are-
• Egg Mask for Damaged Hair
Egg helps to provide immense moisture to hair. It is rich in protein and helps to restore hair strength.
Hair Mask:
Take 1 egg and whisk its egg white properly.
Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil
Take ½ avocado and mash it.
Mix egg white and mashed avocado.
Apply the mixture on your hair.
Leave it for 20-25 minutes.
Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Honey and Egg for Hair
Egg is an amazing ingredient for hair. It is not only moisturizing but also provides protein to hair strands. Honey helps to keep curls soft and smooth.
Hair Mask:
Separate egg white from yolk
Whisk the egg white properly
Now add 1 tbsp. of honey in it.
Apply the mask on your hair strands
Let it stay for 20-25 minutes.
Wash it off with cold water.
• Rice Water and Avocado
You must be knowing how effective rice water is for hair. It easily penetrates and helps to repair any damage. Avocado also is a rich source of nutrients, it is loaded with vitamin B complex which helps in hair growth.
Hair Mask:
Soak one cup of rice
Strain out the water from rice.
Take half an avocado and mash it properly
Mix rice water in mashed avocado.
Apply the mixture on your hair.
Let it stay for 20-25 minutes.
Wash it off with shampoo.
B. DIY Detangling Sprays
Detangling sprays are necessary for kids too as kids keep on moving from here and there and do not care for their hair. Using DIY detangling sprays helps to keep kids away from any market chemicals.
a. Jojoba oil detangler-
- Take 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil
- Add 10 drops of geranium oil in it.
- Transfer the oil mixture in a bottle.
- Add water in the remaining bottle.
- Gently shake the mixture
- Spritz the solution on your hair.
b. Flaxseed hair detangler-
- Take ¼ cup of flaxseed
- Add water in it and keep it on saucepan.
- Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Make sure the solution becomes thick.
- Add few drops of essential oil in it.
- Transfer the solution in a spray bottle
- Spritz it on your hair.
X. Caring for Kids’ Self-Esteem
A. Fostering Confidence
• Never let your child feel that having curls means something different.
• Curls are beautiful, unique and different this is what they should know.
• Always tell them to be proud of their curls, this is a gift to them.
• Give your kid a hairstyle that gives them self-confidence.
B. Teaching Haircare
It is very necessary to build confidence in your child regarding their curly hair. Kids are very gentle and get affected a lot with little comparison or demotivation. It is of utmost importance that kids learn to accept their personality and feel proud of it.
This helps in building their self-esteem. Hair plays an important role in person’s self-image and self-esteem. Keep following things in mind-
I can understand this very properly. I used to always straighten my hair for any function. Never understood how beautiful my curls are and I should embrace them.
So, from childhood make your kid understand the importance of hair care. How to keep your curls defined, soft and smooth.
• Start by teaching kids to embrace and love their natural curls.
• Make them understand that there curls are fragile and they need to be handled with care.
• Teach them how to wash hair properly. Make them understand the difference between shampoo and conditioner.
• Curly hair tend to be dry, so it is necessary that kids know that there hair require Moisturization.
XI. Conclusion
So, now you as a parent might have understood how to take care of your kid’s curly hair and also how to boost confidence in your kid for their curls. But for all these things, the first thing which you need to do as a parent is accept your kid’s curly hair.
Be patient about the curls, if you too have curls, you must know that caring for curls requires immense patience. Give your kids amazing hairstyle so that there curls do not tangle and give them a new look.
Kids are very fragile to any comment. So, prepare your kid to face the world and any negative comments about their curls proudly and with confidence.
Show your child images and stories of people with curly hair in books, movies and media. This helps them to understand that curly hair is diverse and beautiful.
Teach your kids the importance of hair care and how to maintain the health off curls.