Every parent knows that managing a little person’s hair can be both a precious bonding experience and a test of patience. But when you get the right routine in place, you’ll not only create healthy hair habits for your child but also set the stage for them to love and cherish their natural hair as they grow. So, what does the ideal hair routine for your little one look like?
In this article, we have some ideas we’d like to share with you.
1. Wash day magic
Wash days don’t have to be traumatic. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, such as MPL’s Charcoal Shampoo, to cleanse their scalp without stripping away natural oils. Follow this up with a conditioner that makes detangling a breeze. Make it fun—turn wash day into storytelling time or play some Cocomelon in the background.
Pro Tip: Wash your child’s hair every 1-2 weeks depending on their activity level, hair type, and whether protective styles are in place.
2. Detangle with care
Don’t let detangling end in tears. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers and always work in sections. Spritz their hair with MPL Fermented Rice Water for slip and strength before detangling, and be gentle — this step is key to keeping their locs healthy.
Bonus: Detangling sessions are a great opportunity to teach your little one about patience and care for their hair.
3. Moisture is key
Children’s hair is especially prone to dryness, so hydration is critical. Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner and seal in the moisture with shea butter or a rich oil like MPL’s Black Castor Oil or Clove Hair Food. This step locks in hydration and protects their delicate strands.
Pro Tip: Always moisturise their hair at night, especially if they sleep on cotton pillowcases.
4. Protective styling done right
Opt for styles that don’t pull too tightly on the scalp, such as two-strand twists, chunky braids, or cornrows. Avoid over-styling and let their hair breathe between styles. Protective styling not only keeps their hair neat but also minimizes manipulation, which reduces breakage.
Reminder: Keep the scalp moisturised even when it’s in a protective style.
5. Teach love through haircare
Beyond the physical care, use your time together to affirm the beauty and uniqueness of their hair. Tell them how strong, beautiful, and versatile their hair is. These moments can build their confidence and ensure they grow up loving their natural hair.
The right hair routine for your little one isn’t just about healthy hair; it’s about nurturing a relationship with their hair and instilling confidence in their natural beauty. With the right products, care, and love, hair-care time becomes a cherished experience for both of you.
Love, MPL Your Hair Doctor
Comments