Biracial hair care is a beautiful journey that begins with as many questions as there are curls. From their kinks to their coils, they remind us just how beautiful curly hair can be. In the process, they also remind us how difficult it can be to maintain healthy natural hair as it grows longer.
I remember my mother learning how to do my hair as a kid. Each time she did a new hairstyle, it was like we had reached a milestone in the process of learning about my hair.
As I grow older, my hair has grown into a significant aspect of my identity as a mixed-race woman. Learning about my hair has become a privilege. Here are essential tips you’ll need to pass along the same love and attention of curly mixed hair to your children.
This post is all about biracial hair care.
Moisture Retention and Porosity
One of the most challenging parts of having biracial hair can be moisture retention. When we talk about the porosity of our hair, we are referring to our hair’s ability to absorb moisture after it has been dampened.
Have you ever gotten frustrated because just after washing your kid’s hair, it seems like the water just isn’t reaching their scalp?
Typically children with natural hair have a lower porosity in their hair follicles. Low porosity means their hair has a more challenging time absorbing and maintaining moisture.
So, how do we even begin to combat dry hair?
Tip #1: Less shampoo, More Conditioner
Hair with a higher porosity tends to take better to shampoo because it often has an easier time producing oils, and those oils have an easier time traveling down the hair follicle.
Since natural hair is low porosity, shampoo can become very damaging when done in excess. Stripping your child’s hair of its natural oils can become harmful when it already struggles to maintain the moisture that it does have.
I highly recommend that you do not shampoo more than once a week. The thicker it is, the more likely you would want to wait two weeks between shampoos.
If you prefer to wash your child’s hair more often, consider co-washing instead. This process is just washing your hair like you regularly do, using only conditioner. There are even some products coming out as co-wash conditioners. They are made to be more cleansing while adding moisture to the hair.
Tip #2: Oil is Your Friend
The next tip is to remember that natural oils are natural hair’s best friend. Not all oils are equal, just like not all hair is made the same. When finding the best oil for your child’s hair, some trial and error might be needed here.
Some oils like tea tree, coconut, and argan oil will be slightly lighter on the hair than oils like black castor oil, which is very thick. The type of oil you prefer can change based on your hair’s needs.
Feel free to switch it up if it feels too thick in your child’s hair or you don’t like how the texture leaves their strands. Taking the time to find the right oil can make drastic differences in the health of your child’s hair.
If you are at all like me, a concoction of oils that smells good and has a little bit of everything might be the way to go. Applying this to your child’s scalp and hair 1-5 times a week is sure to keep them and their hair happy.
Remember when using oil that a little bit really does go a long way, and you often use more than you think. So, if your child’s hair seems to be drowning in it, decrease the amount you are using.
Tip #3: NEVER brush dry hair
This is a simple yet very overlooked rule when it comes to natural hair. Any hair with texture should not be brushed while it is dry due to moisture retention difficulties and the ends of the hair. Natural hair being a low porosity leaves it more vulnerable to breaks and split ends.
The best way to handle your child’s natural hair is while it is wet. You can brush it in the shower while applying conditioner for the best results. Plus, managing their hair this way will make your life so much easier. This process helps disperse moisture evenly across the scalp while helping knots in the hair to loosen up.
When you brush their wet or damp hair, always make sure to start from the bottom up. Brush the ends of the hair clear of any tangles, and slowly move to the top of the head.
Tip #4: Protect Their Hair!
The best way to ensure all your attempts at moisture retention do not go to waste is by styling your kid’s biracial hair in protective styles.
Protective hairstyles are like twists or braids that lock the hair into itself and create more protection for their hair. These hairstyles help with moisture retention, hair growth, and hair maintenance.
Typically simpler protective styles can stay in for a week or two without anything more than oil and maybe a quick wash.
Another way to keep the hair protected is to put the hair away before bed. It may not be ideal to have your child wearing a nightcap, but it is worth giving a try for the sake of their hair. They also make silk or satin pillowcases that serve the same purpose. Taking care of their hair at night can make all the difference during the day.
This post was all about biracial hair care.
All these tips will help you keep your child’s hair moisturized and healthy every day of the week.
Learning is always the first step to truly understanding your child’s biracial hair care, and if you are taking the time to learn more about your child’s curly hair, you are already on the right track!
If you found this helpful, make sure to check out How to Keep Your Child Still For Hairstyling.
Other posts you may like:
- Dos and Don’ts of Mixed Curly Hair + Mistakes to Avoid
- 4 Easy Ways to Care for Your Baby’s Mixed Hair
