If your little one is lucky enough to have curly hair, you know that protecting those lovely locks is a big job. A gentle and consistent hair care routine is a must — from shampoo to sprays, and everything in between! With curly hair, one of the most important hair care steps comes after all the washing. If curly hair does not dry properly, it can lead to frizz, breakage, and a flat-out flattening of your kiddo’s curls. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to help maintain the curl-power during dry time. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks to help keep your kid’s hair curly once dry.

Washing and Drying Curly Hair

To keep your curly-haired kiddo’s head healthy, it’s extra important to maintain a balance between washing and waiting. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, partly because natural oils that build up between washes have a hard time traveling down the root to the shaft of the hair. Luckily, an oily scalp is better disguised by curly hair, too! Washing less frequently, and with the right moisturizing products, could keep both the hair and scalp conditioned naturally for longer. For curly hair, allow three to four days in between washes. A good leave-in conditioner can help to maintain moisture in between washes. Mist over dry hair to calm frizz and boost shine.

Step 1: Shampoo

Begin your hair care with a hydrating curly hair shampoo. SoCozy Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser is a great, gentle option that cleans while maintaining moisture. Gently massage into hair and create a lather, then rinse. 

Step 2: Condition

Apply conditioner to freshly shampooed hair. Distribute evenly and gently finger-comb the conditioner into hair. Use a hydrating product made with natural ingredients that is specifically designed for curly hair, such as SoCozy’s Ultra Hydrating Curl Conditioner. 

Step 3: Comb

To de-tangle, use a wide-toothed comb and gently comb through the conditioned hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. Remember to never brush your curly kid’s hair — a wide-toothed comb is the way to go!

Step 4: Rinse 

Gently rinse out the conditioner. For extra hydration, do a quick rinse and leave in a small amount of the conditioner to lock in lasting moisture. 

Step 5: Dry and Style

Wring dripping water out of the hair and gently blot away excess water with a towel. If you’re looking for a quick tip to fight the dreaded frizz, ditch the towel for a cotton T-shirt. The shirt has a smoother texture without the rough grooves on towels, meaning it will absorb the water without disrupting your kid’s curl pattern. Plus, picking out an old “T-shirt towel” makes for a fun bath time activity!

Next step: Part the hair and apply a dime-size amount of styling cream or mousse. Then, gently scrunch the hair from tip to roots. Let air dry.

If you’re in a rush to dry, be cautious with the blow-dryer. The heat from styling tools, such as blow dryers, can cause heat damage and lead to frizziness or breakage. If blow-drying curls, be sure to use a diffusing attachment.

Protect Hair Overnight

There are many tips and tricks to help protect your kiddo’s curls from flatness and frizziness. Friction, such as hair rubbing against a pillow at night, is a common culprit of frizz. Overnight, sleeping on top of hair can cause damage and breakage. If your toddler’s curls are less defined when they wake up, this could be why! 

The best way to combat nighttime frizz is through protecting your kid’s hair with a protective style or hair wrap. One popular (and fun!) protective style is the pineapple method, which gets its name because it makes hair look like a pineapple! To achieve the pineapple style, turn your kid’s head upside down and gather your hair up high, as close the top of the head as you can. Loosely secure with a scrunch or cloth to keep it in place, and voila! 

Another way to protect hair overnight is with a headband or hair wrap. Satin products are particularly great for curly hair, as they prevent frizz and breakage. Additionally, braiding hair in one or two braids is an excellent way to protect your kid’s hair at any time of day.

Another important form of curl protection is leave in conditioner! Leave in conditioner is a must have for curly hair — it locks in much-needed moisture and makes sure that hair remains smooth and hydrated. Natural products with non-toxic formulas are key. Look for ingredients like keratin, soy protein, and kiwi extract for softness and added moisture. 

Reviving Curls

In-between washes, curls can sometimes deflate. If your little one wakes up to a head full of frizz or flattened curls, using a curl boosting spray is a great way to revive the curls. These sprays restore curls natural balance and keep hair healthy and hydrated between washes. Since curly hair can be dry and prone to breakage, formulas with a blend of olive oil and jojoba oil offer needed strength and shine. 

Keep your kid’s curls in shape! Developing a consistent hair care routine, protecting curls overnight, and using natural products with lots of moisture are all great ways to help minimize frizz and maximize volume. Plus, you’ll find that your kiddo’s hair is a whole lot healthier in the process! From wet to dry, SoCozy products can help take your kid’s curls to the next level!