Making Wash Day Easier For Your Curly Kid

Washing your curly kid’s hair can be stressful for both you and your little one. The tips below will help you stay organized and make wash day a bit more fun for your kids. Even though they are young, talk with your curly kids about each step. Maybe not every step every wash day, but to slowly teach them how to love and care for their natural hair.   

Select Their Hairstyle Beforehand 

Even if your child is a toddler, get them involved in the process of selecting their hairstyles or at least their hair accessories. This will help your child get more excited about the process. You can do this the day of or a day or two in advance. Hop online for inspiration. You can find countless videos on YouTube with step-by-step instructions. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve purchased new hair accessories, consider letting your child pick a new accessory or two. If getting through washing and conditioning is a challenge, select a fast and easy hairstyle such as:

• Hair down with barrettes or a headband
• Half up, half down
• A single ponytail or pigtails
• A simple braid or two

Determine When To Wash

The average curly kid only needs to have their hair shampooed every 7 to 10 days, but there are several factors that can impact their wash schedule. 

• If their hair is damaged or dry you should only wash their hair every 10 to 14 days. If their scalp or hair needs cleansing sooner, co-wash with conditioner. 
• You may not need to wash their hair as often in the cold and dry winter months. Winter is also a great time to add a dehumidifier to their bedroom. 
• If they swim, they will need to wash every single time they get out of the pool. Use a shower cap to minimize washing and co-wash to get the chlorine out. 
• Active kids may need to shampoo more frequently to wash away the sweat on their scalp. 
• Mixed-race kids may need to shampoo or co-wash their hair 1 or 2 times per week. 
• You’ll need to shampoo or co-wash anytime they are sweaty or their hair gets dirty from play. For example, after playing in the sandbox, on the beach, or spending all day outside playing in the sun. 

Timing Is Everything

Finding an ideal time to wash their hair is essential. This goes beyond finding free time in your busy schedule, but a time that is best for your child. For example, some kids will be too tired after a long day, and some will have too much energy in the morning to sit still. Test different times of day to find what works best for your child. 

Consider Making It A Family Affair

If you have multiple kids, make wash day and styling their hair a group event. If your kids are young enough and get along well, pop them in the tub together. Or if your little one likes to shower with you, shower with them and wash your hair together. 

If your kids are older set aside a few hours where everyone washes and/or styles their hair together. This is an excellent time to bond by catching up and discussing the week ahead. 

Get A Few Fun Bath Toys

Keep your child busy while you shampoo, condition, and detangle their hair with a few fun bathtub toys. The more interactive the toys the better. For example, wind up toys that swim, toys that squirt water, waterproof books, floating ducks, and bathtub crayons. 

If your child is older and has outgrown bathtub toys, take this time to chat, play music and sing along, or find a few plastic toys that are water-safe such as fidgets and popits.

Gather Wash Day Essentials

Before you pop them in the bathtub, gather everything you will need for washing and styling their hair. This includes:

• Curly kids shampoo and wash out conditioner
• Curly kids leave-in conditioner or conditioning spray
• A large cup to rinse their hair
• Washcloths
• Body towel
• Microfiber headwrap 
• Detangling brush
• Claw clips
• Shower cap
• Hair oil
• Hair comb and brush
• Styling tools
• Styling products
• And more! 

Shampoo And Detangle

Take their hair out of their hairstyle before they hop in the tub. This will allow you to see how tangled their hair is. If they have small tangles or mats, go ahead and wait until they hop in the tub. If they have big tangles and mats, spray in a leave-in conditioner before they hop in the tub and use a detangling brush or the end of a rat tail comb to break up the large tangles and mats. You can create your own conditioning spray by mixing 1 1/4 cups of water with 3 tablespoons of conditioner into a spray bottle. 

Wet their hair with a cup of water or your detachable showerhead. Apply a moisturizing shampoo designed for curly kids. This will soften their hair, making it easier to detangle. Massage the shampoo into their scalp, then rinse and repeat. Keep a washcloth nearby to wipe away water and shampoo that drips down their face so that it doesn’t get in their eye. 

Condition 

If your little one isn’t yet patient enough for a wash-out conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner. If they are patient enough, go ahead and use a wash-out conditioner. If they are still enjoying their bath, leave their conditioner in for 10 to 20 minutes, securing their hair with a claw clip. If they’re up for it, put a shower cap on their head while you deep condition. Find one with fun colors or cute prints so they’ll want to wear the cap. 

If they will let you, detangle their hair in the tub. Otherwise, rinse out the conditioner and wrap their head with a microfiber towel or headwrap. 

Detangle And Style

Once they are dried off and dressed, put on one of their favorite movies or cartoons to give them something to do while you detangle and style their hair. It’s essential that you have the right type of detangling tools for their hair type. Your kids may have different hair types so you may need to invest in multiple brushes and combs. 

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FroBabies Hair has everything you need to cleanse, condition, and style your little one’s natural curls!