Help with Toddler's Curly Hair.

I have very curly hair that, unfortunately, I inherited from my father whose way of dealing with it was to keep his hair very short. My mother has stick-straight hair and never had a clue how to take care of mine. Basically, keep in mind that curly hair is NOTHING LIKE straight hair. It can only be combed with a wide-toothed comb while wet with conditioner in it, or it will pull and hurt and then get frizzy and icky. If her hair is dry and needs taming, make sure to wet it and/or use a spray-in conditioner/detangler before using the comb. When in doubt, over condition...it's the one thing that makes the biggest difference.

Good luck!

Here are some ideas from a hairdresser!: First off, "DONT CUT IT!" cause you'll regret it!!! Paul Mitchell makes a GREAT detangler, you spray it into wet hair and it helps you comb it without as many tangles. Another one to try (and you'de have to ask at the salon, they might even have to order it. I could get it for you, are you near West Haven?!) is a leave-in conditioner by "ICON". Sprayed into wet hair, makes it easier to comb thru. When you're combing this kind of hair, always start at the ENDS, comb gently so you don't damage/break the hair. As you get those tangles out, put the comb in a couple inches above that point, comb down till those tangles are out, then put the comb into the hair a few inches above that spot. Some people make the mistake of putting the comb right into the hair on the top of the head: this only pushes the tangles INTO a hard knot way above the ends of the hair, where it can't be combed OUT of the hair! Another GREAT product for curly hair is this: Paul Mitchell's "Gloss Drops". This is put in slightly damp or dry hair. You only need a TEENY bit, as this will make her hair look like an OIL SLICK if too much is put in! You put about the size of a dime in the middle of your hand, and rub your hands together, so your hands are covered with a thin coating. Then, gently tap your hands onto and around the hair, so you're putting a thin coating on the hair, evenly. Once you think you've transferred the product into the hair fairly well, take your hands and hold onto the hair, and slide your hands down the hair, to really spread it out better, and then brush or comb it as the last step. If you didn't use too much of the product, your daughter's hair will be more shiny, easier to comb, will not get frizzy... and also it puts like a protective coating on her hair for the day. Makes it super shiny, and it really smells great, too. If you wanted to make a trip to West Haven, I'd put it in and actually show you how to do it yourself LOL.... good luck! If you have any questions you can write me back! :)

K.

B.,

Hi, my daughter is 10 and has the exact same type of hair. I have used "Silk Strate" by "Biosilk" for years. It was recommended to me by the owner of a salon. I use a wide tooth comb in the shower with the conditioner and then put the Silk Strate in after and it just makes the ringlets without any frizz or buildup. It's shiny and bouncy and you only need to use a little. I do not use detanglers or leave in conditioners per the salon. We just use a spray bottle with water in it to touch it up the next morning and a wide tooth comb if needed. It costs about $12-$14 but it solves the tears and frustration between the both of you. You can buy it at the discounted hair product stores. Good Luck!!

B.,
Your daughter's hair sounds lovely, and I can see how you have become attached to it. However, contrary to the other postings, I think that you need to trim off the bottom. The very thin baby hair is probably what is causing you the most trouble. Take off two inches, and you may not even miss it. Then, the other styling tips that the other postings have given you will work even better.

I remember having hair like you are mentioning when I was a young girl. My Mom didn't want to cut it, either, and she finally decided to always put my hair in braids so that neither of us would have to endure the brushing of tangles. This was a waste of my beautiful locks! However, you might want to do that when your daughter is going swimming. It will prevent the hair from swirling in the water.