It doesn’t take much for kids to get a serious case of “bed-head” – snarls, knots, flat spots, and frizzy ones. You could almost form a Dr. Seuss story from a kid’s hair! Due to active play habits, curly kids get tangled and “bed-headed,” too. They may not be the first to pick up a brush or comb or simply know how to style their hair.
Luckily, with the right tools and know-how, these tangled situations can easily be avoided and repaired.
Bed-Head Solutions
1. Choose a “kid-friendly” detangler and leave-in
Image Source: @3kaanatural
There are lots of them out there, and finding something that nourishes your child’s hair as it repairs is important. Some leave-in conditioners can also be used as detanglers for your child. Kids like bright packaging and tasty scents, so look for something that appeals to their senses. That way, they’ll get more excited about this step than dread it. Make sure part of your nighttime hair care routine for your kids is helping prevent tangles.
Image Source: @motherhustler._
Try one of these faves:
Read: 5 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Moms of Curly Kids
2. Keep a wide-tooth comb by the bathtub.
It’s a good idea to keep one by your bathtub as part of your child’s nighttime hair-cleaning routine so you can remove knots and tangles while their hair is wet. But don’t wait until bath time to work out the knots; they may only worsen as the day progresses.
Image Source: @ashelychacon00
Here are some perfect detangling combs for the bathroom:
- NaturallyCurly Shower Comb
- Tangle Teezer The Wide Tooth Comb for Curly Hair
- GOODY Total Texture Detangling Handle Comb
3. Walk them through the styling process
Image Source: @be_yzee
If they want to help, let them know what you’re doing and how. Stand in front of a mirror and show them how you are helping care for their waves, curls, and coils. Kids love to exercise their independence, so why not teach them the tricks of the trade? Have fun with the process.
Need some inspiration? Watch this adorable video:
Image Source: @desiraeathome
4. Cleanse their hair routinely
Shampoo and condition as usual. For kids with thicker curls and coils, you may also opt to use a leave-in conditioner in addition to a moisturizer. Leave-in conditioners can be a key step in keeping little curls looking their best and may help avoid the possible “poof” effect kids tend to have throughout the day.
For wavy-curly kids with finer strands, a light leave-in (even a combo of water and some conditioner) can add much-needed moisture and prevent frizz. Remind your little ones not to run their fingers through their hair too much (yeah, right!).
5. Before bedtime, braid it up
Image Source: @cali.aka.sarah
For kids more prone to tangles at night, you may want to put your child’s curls in a loose ponytail or even create twists/mini braids. Their next day, curls, coils, and waves will be smooth and shiny. Try using a silk or satin pillowcase–like the “big kids” do–to help avoid tangles and matted-up curls at night.
In the morning, show your child how to style their hair. Model it with them so they learn just what to do. And yes, while children can certainly have a mind of their own at times, they will appreciate their beauty lessons. Encourage them to style their hair with their fingers or just some refresher spray for their curls. You may also want to show your child how to make a quick ponytail or a braid for quick-fix moments.
After a few tries, you may catch your child spending a few extra minutes practicing independently in the mirror. It may be time to say goodbye to kiddie bed-head once and for all!
