Curly hair comes in all different types and textures, and no two curly haired cuties are alike! However, there is one thing that most kids with curly hair have in common: frizz. Frizz and tangles are often inevitable parts of the curly-haired kid experience. All hair is beautiful, including frizzy hair — but excess frizz can often cause tangles and breakage. Fortunately, there are many ways to mitigate the frizz and keep your kid’s curls healthy and happy! Learn more about why frizziness happens, and create a hair care routine that works for you and your kid! Your little one’s curls will thank you.

Why does frizzy hair happen?

What causes frizz in the first place? Frizz occurs when hair is especially dry, damaged, or exposed to friction. Curly hair is especially delicate, so it is more susceptible to frizziness. Heat is a common culprit of frizz — both from nature, and from your straightening iron! If you’ve ever had a bad hair day in the summer, you know that heat (and especially humidity) can cause frizziness. The heat from styling tools, such as blow dryers, can cause heat damage and lead to frizziness or breakage. 

It’s also important to remember that harsh chemicals are an enemy of curly hair. It is possible that your kid’s curly frizz is due to the wrong cleansing and styling products. Many ordinary kids’ shampoos and conditioners feature the same harmful chemicals as adult hair products —  including parabens, sulfates, and even formaldehyde. Colorful kids’ products may also feature harmful dyes and synthetic colors. Be sure to take a close look at the ingredients listed on product packaging, and look for paraben-free, natural ingredients whenever possible.

How to protect hair against frizz

There are many tips and tricks to help protect your kiddo’s curls from dread frizz. Friction caused by hair rubbing against a pillow at night is a common frizz culprit. Sleeping on top of hair overnight can cause damage and breakage. If your toddler’s curls are less defined when they wake up, blame their pillow!

The best way to combat nighttime frizz is through 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...that’s right, 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 frizz 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. SoCozy’s Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner is the perfect product for keeping curls moisturized, de-tangled, and frizz-free. The natural and non-toxic formula features keratin, soy protein, and kiwi extract for softness and moisture. 

How to care for frizzy, curly hair

When to wash:

Keep your kiddo clean, but remember to wait in between hair washes! 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. To refresh hair and mitigate frizz in between washes, a curl spray is the way to go. 

SoCozy’s Curl Spray is the perfect product to keep curls in tip-top shape. The spray features hydrolyzed keratin, which protects the hair by leaving a protective barrier on the hair shaft. This helps to increase hair strength and minimize damage caused over time. It also includes soothing watermelon seed oil, as well as plum seed o3il to seal and bond damaged cuticles, and increase hair elasticity. Generously spray onto damp or dry hair, and use as a refresher in-between wash days to revive curls quickly. 

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 — this can lead to breakage and frizz. 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: Style 

Use hands to spread a small amount of styling cream, foam, or mousse through damp hair. SoCozy’s Curl Volumizing Foam is an excellent product to provide natural looking control and keep curls conditioned. This product provides natural frizz relief without harsh chemicals or buildup.

Keep your kiddo’s curls healthy and frizz-free! 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. Plus, you’ll find that your kiddo’s hair is a whole lot healthier in the process! Using naturally hydrating products, such as SoCozy’s Curl Collection, is a great way to help keep curls hydrated, bouncy, and defined.