Summer Haircare Facts vs. Myths

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. 

If you have a blonde-haired child in your family who lives a dip in the pool, you’re probably aware and wary of the effects of chlorine...and with good reason! The chlorine in pools can sometimes tinge blonde hair with a light shade of green. 

But, no matter your child’s hair color, swimming has the potential to damage hair, and chlorine is not the only culprit. Whether your child is swimming in a lake or a pool, continuous exposure to water and sun can be tough on hair. From swim meets to pool parties, kids spend a ton of time having fun in the water, especially in the summer. 

It’s important to make sure your child’s hair is protected while they swim. 

How does swimming damage my kid’s hair?

Swimming is lots of fun — but especially in pools with chlorine and other chemicals, swimming can also cause issues for your kid’s hair. Children’s hair tends to be particularly fine, so chlorine and other pool chemicals are more widely absorbed into the hair follicles. Chemicals like chlorine can make hair brittle, sticky, and dry. 

Even if you’re not swimming in a pool, submerging hair in water for long periods of time can strip moisture out of hair and cause plenty of tangles. Even forgetting the water for a moment, staying out in the sun for too long can cause dryness and damage to your young one’s head! Fortunately, with a consistent hair care routine for your kid’s swim sessions, you can protect against swim damage and help your kid’s hair thrive at the pool and beyond.

How can I protect my kid’s hair when swimming?

Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks to help protect your kid’s hair from damage:

Before swimming:

Before your kid goes swimming, there are a few simple ways to protect from damage. A great way to protect the hair is to wet hair thoroughly before entering the pool. This allows less space for chlorine and other chemicals to permeate the hair follicles. For children with longer hair, another helpful step is to put hair into one or two tight braids before entering the pool. This will prevent tangles and make long hair easier to manage upon exiting the pool. 

Another simple and effective step you can take before swimming is to use a pre-swim conditioner. So Cozy’s Swim Leave-In Conditioner is an excellent option that defends hair from harmful pool chemicals. Spray generously and evenly distribute onto wet or damp hair before entering the pool or water.

A swim cap is the best way to prevent harm to your kid’s hair, because it separates hair from the water entirely. A child swim cap could be a successful option for you and your child for ultimate hair protection. However, swim caps don’t work for every kid, and it is absolutely possible to protect your kid’s hair without a swim cap.

After Swimming:

After swimming, your first step should be to immediately rinse hair thoroughly. You’ll want to wash and wring out any salts or chemicals that may have permeated. Next, wash hair with a clarifying shampoo or kid swimmer’s shampoo. So Cozy’s Swim 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Wash is a great option — gently massage through wet hair and scalp to create a lather, and rinse.

As a follow-up, it’s also a good idea to use a leave-in swim treatment. So Cozy’s Swim Leave-In Treatment + Detangler helps to restore hair and infuse it with moisture that may have been lost while swimming. Simply spray generously on wet or damp hair after swim time, and leave in for conditioning and treatment.

What products help protect my kid’s hair when swimming?

For your little swimmer, you need a shampoo and conditioner that will protect and repair against chlorine damage. Chlorine is notorious for drying out hair and skin  — so if your kid swims regularly, it’s important to take extra care. SoCozy’s Swim 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, Wash is a convenient all-encompassing product that features activated charcoal, a compound that naturally removes chlorine and green tones from the hair. The formula also includes jojoba oil for strengthening and protection, and coffee seed extract for softness. 

SoCozy Swim Leave-In Conditioner 

Add even more moisture into your swimmer’s hair routine! SoCozy’s Swim Leave-In Conditioner is formulated to protect and repair hair from harmful pool chemicals. It’s infused with beeswax and jojoba oil to prevent chlorine damage, and includes Vitamins A, D, and E to protect against sun exposure. Plus, it features a fresh and fabulous vanilla-lime scent!

SoCozy Swim Leave-In Treatment + Detangler

This hair treatment is the perfect product to use after exiting the pool. This lightweight, ultra-hydrating leave-in conditioning treatment protects, repairs and restores damage caused by pool chemicals, saltwater, and the sun. The Swim Leave-In Treatment + Detangler features activated charcoal, as well as Vitamin B5 for hydration and sunflower seed extract for smoothness. 

SoCozy Sensitive Styling Foam

Frequent swimming can often cause the scalp to become dry, flaky, and sensitive. It’s important that swimmers choose simple and natural styling products to avoid excess buildup and breakage. SoCozy’s Sensitive Styling Foam adds softness, bounce, and definition to hair, without any of the buildup that can cause dryness and damage. 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.

If your little one loves to swim, it’s so important to make sure that their hair stays healthy and protected while in the pool. From chlorine to sun damage, many hair concerns can come along with being a swimmer. Fortunately, a consistent hair care routine filled with safe and natural swim products can prevent damage and protect against harsh pool chemicals. With the help of SoCozy’s swim hair care, you’ll have a happy swimmer with a healthy head of hair!

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!

Why is My Kid’s Hair So Dry?

There are so many causes of dry hair, from environmental impacts to genes to simply using the wrong hair products. Many people complain of having dry hair in the winter—low humidity and changing temperatures can cause hair to become straw like. That said, having dry hair all year round is an annoying but common phenomenon. Chances are, if your kids are playing outside, swim in a chlorinated pool. UV rays and chemicals could be contributing to their hair’s dryness. Kids with curly or natural hair experience dryness or frizziness more often, but these environmental factors only make it worse. Fortunately, there are products and grooming tips we can recommend to help keep your kid’s hair moisturized.

How Often You Wash

You may have heard that your scalp and hair suffer when you wash your hair too much or use the wrong hair cleaning products.This can apply to kid’s hair, too! Because everyone’s scalp is different, some kids’ hair is more prone to dryness while others are more prone to oiliness. If your child’s hair is brittle, you may want to consider washing it less. 

Avoid Sulfates

Using sulfate-free shampoo is important to keep your child’s scalp and hair healthy and moisturized. Sulfates are a chemical used in many household cleaners, which on its own are already a turn-off. Sulfates strip your hair of its natural oils, resulting in dryness and frizziness. 

Using Conditioner

Using the right products can make a world of difference for your child’s hair health. Our 3 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash cleans away dirt and grime, and restores moisture. It contains kiwi extract and Vitamin B5, both of which promote hair growth. It also contains keratin, which strengthens individual hair follicles. 

After you wash your kid’s hair, you can then use our Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner for extra protection. It contains kiwi extract, which conditions and moisturizes their hair, soy protein that stimulates hair growth, and keratin.

We also make a line of hair care products especially for children with curly or natural hair, whose hair might be more prone to dryness. While many generic shampoos strip the hair of its naturally occurring oils that keep it moisturized, our Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser cleans your child’s hair and restores moisture. The combination keratin, plum oil, and olive oil seal and bond damage cuticles and form a protective barrier around the hair shaft. Follow this with our SoCozy Ultra Hydrating Conditioner for even more hair hydration.

The combination of mango seed butter, rice protein, and papaya extract protect and moisturize your hair, without weighing it down, leaving your child with bouncy, shiny curls. To lock in moisture, you can spray your child’s damp hair with the SoCozy Curl Spray, a leave-in conditioner. You can also use this on days between washes, on dry hair, if your child’s curls need a refresher.

As we mentioned earlier, chlorine is not friendly to hair. Overexposure to chlorine can leave hair with green tones, and very dry. For this reason, we created the SoCozy Swim Collection to combat the damaging effects of chlorine, saltwater, and the sun. We make our Swim 3 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash with activated charcoal, jojoba oil, and coffee-seed extract to fight hair damage. We also created the Swim Leave-In Treatment + Detangler, made with activated charcoal, Vitamin B5, and sunflower seed extract. It’s designed to remove green tones and restore moisture to the hair.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Kids get distracted easily and often forget to drink water, but hydration is one of the keys to hair health. Remind your child to drink water, as it will help keep their hair moisturized. There are many kid-friendly water bottles and straws available that will help make drinking water more “fun.” Fruits and veggies also contain lots of water and help with hydration.

Limit Use Heat of Products

As you probably know, regular use of heat products on hair can cause damage and dryness. Let your child’s hair air dry, or use the blow dryer on low heat, if necessary. 

Don’t Brush When Wet

Brushing your child’s hair when it’s wet can cause breakage and disturb the scalp. Instead, use a wide-toothed comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair. If your child’s hair is seriously knotty, you can use a detangler to help.

While there are many possible causes of dryness, you can follow these tips to keep your kid’s hair moisturized. Some kids are more prone to dry hair than others, which is why we made our specialized Curl and Swim Collections. SoCozy is here to help keep your child’s hair moisturized. For more advice on hair care for your kid, take a look at our blog.

If you’re noticing snowy flakes in your child’s hair or on their scalp, neck or shoulders, there’s an obvious culprit: dandruff. Dandruff can occur at any age, and is super common in adults and children alike. In addition to being itchy, uncomfortable and annoying, dandruff can also cause a major shift in your kid’s confidence. Dry skin from the scalp can present noticeably all over hair, and sometimes even clothes. Fortunately, dandruff poses no serious medical threats and is treatable with a consistent hair care routine and gentle, natural products. Here are a few tips and tricks that work wonders to keep your kid’s dandruff off of their head, and off your mind.

What is dandruff?

Most of us can recognize dandruff by the appearance of white or yellowish flakes on the scalp and head. But what exactly is dandruff? Dandruff, formally known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes flaky skin to form on the scalp. The form of dermatitis can also form in other areas of the body. Head dandruff is not contagious, and is not particularly dangerous, but it can certainly be a nuisance.

Often, the foremost symptom of dandruff is the appearance of these flakes. That said, even if you haven’t spotted dandruff yet, there are other signs and symptoms that indicate a dry scalp. They include:

• Dry and flaky skin that worsens in cold weather
• Dry skin on the face, ears, or area surrounding the eyebrows and forehead
• Flaky skin on other parts of the body with hair
• Mild to moderate redness in the area affected
• Temporary patches of hair loss in extreme cases

If your kid’s scalp is looking dry and/or flaky, don’t sweat it. Once you’ve identified the issue as dandruff, you can begin to understand the causes and put your kiddo on the road towards dandruff recovery!

What causes dandruff in children?

Although dandruff can be unpleasant to deal with, it is not an indication of poor hygiene. Dandruff is quite common in children, teens, and adults! The exact cause of dandruff is not known, but there are many factors that could potentially contribute to the presence of dandruff.

Some researchers believe that dandruff could be caused by an overproduction of oil in skin glands and hair follicles. This can be related to shifting hormone levels — which is why pre-teens and young adults may be more prone to flaky scalps.

Additionally, there are several other existing skin conditions that can cause dandruff-like symptoms. The flakes associated with dandruff could also be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Dry skin caused by cold weather
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema — all of these conditions can cause dead skin cells to build on the scalp
• Washing and shampooing hair too often, or not often enough
• Harsh or toxic hair-care products

Whatever the cause, dandruff can be easily treated with the right scalp and hair care.

What are the treatment options for my child’s dandruff?

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure to dandruff, there are many products and techniques you can use to give your little one’s head some reprieve. A consistent hair-care routine and gentle products are your best line of defense against dandruff. Here are a few tips to find the hair care routine that works best for you and your kid.

Safe and Gentle Hair Care Products

The best thing you can do to help treat your kid’s dandruff is to ensure that their hair care products are non-toxic, free from harsh chemicals, and full of natural ingredients. Look at the label on your kid’s hair care products — parabens, sulfates, and even formaldehyde could be lurking in plain sight. These harmful ingredients are all too common, even in “kid-friendly” products. They can strip away natural oils, and leave the scalp feeling raw and dry.

Look for hair care products with natural ingredients instead. Essential oils such as tea tree and lavender, soy, kiwi and rosemary extracts, and Vitamin B5 are all excellent examples of natural ingredients that calm sensitivity and provide safe and gentle moisture. 

Consistent Washing Routine

Did you know that it’s possible for your kiddo’s hair to be too clean? If you’re washing your little one’s hair every single day, this may also be contributing to their dandruff. Important natural oils build on the scalp over time, and washing too frequently can strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils. 

To prevent over-washing, find a consistent hair-care routine that works for you and your little one. Two to three days between washes (or sometimes longer for curly hair), is the best way to maintain a healthy and balanced scalp. 

Over-The-Counter Dandruff Shampoo 

For moderate to severe cases of dandruff, a medicated shampoo is sometimes needed to mitigate the dandruff. If you’re finding that your child’s dandruff persists in spite of your efforts, it may be time to take a trip to the drug store for a dandruff shampoo. 

Hair Care Routine for Dandruff

Here are a few of our favorite safe and natural products that can help to keep dandruff at bay.

SoCozy 3-in-1 (Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash) 

SoCozy’s combination Body Wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner is a great defense against dandruff. This gentle product is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic colors, and other harsh chemicals. The great-smelling formula contains Vitamin B5 to repair and nurture the hair, kiwi extract which moisturizes the hair and scalp, and Keratin for smoothness and strength! SoCozy’s products are nut-free, gluten-free, and non-toxic for kids with additional sensitivities. The convenient 3-in-1 formula assures all-over cleanliness, and saves you time and tears!

SoCozy Sensitive Styling Foam 

This product is a life-saver for sensitive scalps! SoCozy’s Sensitive Styling Foam adds softness and bounce to hair, without any of the buildup that can cause flaking, dryness, and dandruff. The foam provides a natural-looking hold without disrupting the balance of oils on the 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.

SoCozy Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner

If you’ve ever worked to detangle your kid’s hair, you know that tangles and dandruff don’t go well together. Avoid the tugging, and make the detangling process painless with SoCozy’s Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner. The Detangler works in seconds, providing sensitive scalps with a quick reprieve from knots and leaving hair smooth and easy to manage. Spray generously and then gently comb through damp hair to detangle. The Kiwi Extract and Keratin in the product make it a great Leave-in Conditioner, moisturizing the hair and scalp all day long!

Help your kid break free from the flakes! If your child is suffering from annoying dandruff, there are lots of ways to find relief. With the help of SoCozy’s best-selling and great-smelling products, you can help to rescue your kid from an itchy scalp, one shampoo at a time!