Six months ago, when Bean’s hair finally started coming in, we were delighted with her little pixie curls. She looked like a kewpie doll. And then one day, I was staring down at her wavy/frizzy hair that was either standing on end or stuck into a frizzed out knot and realized I needed to do something.
Luckily for both of us, I’m already a Curly Girl Method devotee — I don’t do the no-poo thing, but I certainly wash my hair carefully and condition without abandon. And I haven’t owned a brush in 7 or 8 years.
Of course, I didn’t want to use hair products in a one-year old’s hair, so I started searching for curly baby hair shampoos and conditioners that were relatively chemical free.
Which is all how I found It’s A Curl Tearless Shampoo and Conditioner. So far, I love it. It has transformed Bean’s hair from wispy and standing on end into a halo of soft, perfect Annie-style coils. I might have to start holding strangers back from petting her.
Alright. But, how to actually achieve those angelic, bouncy, shiny toddler curls? This is our routine.
Bath time:
1. Use a spec of baby shampoo to lather your toddler’s hair. Don’t use your palms to scrub it in, though, use your fingers like you’re giving your toddler a head massage. Be extremely gentle, using circular motions (this is in order to not break up the curls). Rinse.
2. Use a dollop of conditioner and smooth over your baby’s head. Now, before rinsing, use a comb (we’ve had luck with this alligator baby comb) to comb out any knots. Rinse.
3. When you take your kid out of the bathtub, use the towel and just press on your kid’s head. (Don’t scrub with the towel as that will break up the curls too.)
4. Let dry.
In the morning/post-nap:
1. Bean usually wakes up with intact curls on top, but a mess of knots in the back of her head. So, if we’re feeling fancy, this is what I do to get her hair back to curls.
2. Fill a small spray bottle with water, add a dollop of baby conditioner and mix. This will stand in the place of hair product.
3. Spray just enough on your child’s hair to wet it, then use the baby comb to brush out the knots.
4. Baby hair is so fine, that your kid’s hair will likely be plastered against her head now. With the tips of your fingers, fluff up her hair to let the curls take shape, and/or pull strands upwards and release to let them bounce back into curl formation.
5. Let air dry.
Of course, a toddler will still be a toddler and the coils will likely frizz out as they climb slides, roll in grass, or rake applesauce through their hair. But, at least you’re on the road to healthy curly hair care.
