It’s never too early to rock an awesome ‘do! If your lucky toddler has a head full of bouncy and beautiful curls, then together, the two of you can master the art of the best caring for gorgeous, but high maintenance hair. A consistent hair care routine and safe and natural curly hair products can help your kid take their hair to the next level. Learn more about how to define toddler curls with a few of our favorite curly tips and techniques.

Hair Care Routine

The best way to ensure incredible curls is to develop a consistent washing and conditioning routine. From bath time to bedtime, there are lots of important steps to creating wonderfully defined curls! 

When to wash:

Did you know that it’s possible for hair to be too clean? This is especially true for curly hair. It’s important for natural oils to build between washes to maintain healthy hair and a healthy scalp. Allow three to four days in between washes. A good leave-in conditioner, such as SoCozy's Detangler & Leave In Conditioner, can help to maintain moisture in between washes. 

Ready to wash?

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. SoCozy Ultra Hydrating Curl Conditioner is the perfect conditioning product for soft and shiny curls. It uses natural ingredients like mango seed butter and papaya extract for its ultra-hydrating formula. 

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. 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 (or use a diffusing attachment if blow-drying).

Step 6: Protect while you sleep

Did you know that curls can lose definition as you sleep? Overnight, sleeping on top of hair can cause damage, breakage, and frizz. 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.

The Best Products for Curl Definition

Take your kid’s curly hair to the next level with products that really make them pop! So Cozy has an excellent line of salon quality curl products that restore curl’s bounce and shine, while infusing them with added moisture. Here are a few of our favorite curl-defining products for kids of all ages.

SoCozy Curl Spray

Some call SoCozy’s Curl Spray a mira-curl! This leave-in spray restores curls’ natural balance, reduces breakage and improves elasticity. The trusted formula features Vitamin B5 to repair, nurture, and hydrate, and jojoba oil for strength and shine. The spray even included olive oil, which works great to replenish dry strands and detangle. Generously spray on to damp or dry hair. Use as a refresher to revive and define curls quickly.

SoCozy Detangler & Leave In Conditioner

This Leave-In Conditioner is perfect for keeping curls moisturized and de-tangled while between washes. The Detangler & Leave In Conditioner works in seconds to detangle hair — without the tugging and tears. The natural and non-toxic formula features keratin, soy protein, and kiwi extract for softness and moisture. Spray generously from root to tip, then work in with hands or a wide tooth comb from the bottom up. Mist over dry hair to calm frizz and boost shine.

SoCozy Curl Volumizing Foam 

SoCozy’s SoCozy Curl Volumizing Foam is a rich and luxurious foam that provides natural looking control and adds volume, support, and shine. The foam features natural curl-enhancing ingredients, including panthenol and keratin. Additionally, hydrolyzed proteins softens the hair and adds structure. Using the pump foamer, simply apply two to three pumps evenly distributed through damp curls.

SoCozy Sensitive Styling Foam 

This product is a life-saver for sensitive scalps! SoCozy’s Sensitive Styling Foam adds softness, bounce, and definition to hair, without any of the buildup that can cause dryness and breakage. The foam provides a natural-looking hold without disrupting the balance of a sensitive scalp. It features Rosemary Extract to stimulate the scalp, as well as Soy Protein for softness and volume. Simply pump the foam, and apply evenly through damp hair.

Curly hair is the ultimate accessory, and each head of curly hair is beautifully unique and expressive! Make sure your kiddo’s curls are rightfully showcased with SoCozy’s natural curl-defining products. With the right routine and products, your kid’s curls will look and feel fine and defined!