Solutions For Your Toddler Hair Care Woes From Hairstylist Adrienne Leak
Beauty Of 5: Solutions For Your Toddler Hair Care Woes From Just For Me Hairstylist And Parenting Expert Adrienne Leak
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Caring for my daughter’s hair used to be a piece of cake. Wash days were quiet and peaceful. Moisturizing and detangling was simple and I could easily put her hair in a protective style while she slept in my lap. Then one day I woke up to a toddler who protests getting her hair done by shaking her head no and removing my hands from her hair, refuses to lay back so that I can rinse shampoo and conditioner out of her hair, and flings her bonnet across the room as soon as it is placed on her head at bedtime. The struggle is real, y’all, and it can be tempting to give up when a strong-willed tot is fighting your attempts to protect their hair every step of the way.
I know that I’m not alone, which is why I was thrilled to connect with Just For Me hairstylist and parenting expert, Adrienne Leak, who offered practical solutions for all of those hair-related struggles that come with parenting a toddler.
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When she doesn’t want to wear a bonnet
“Toddlers can be a bit rambunctious as it is, so the last thing any parent wants is a fight right before bedtime,” said Leak. “To avoid the tantrum, pre-oil your fingers and hands with Curl Peace Nourishing Hair and Scalp Butter and massage gently through the scalp and hair without disrupting the current hairstyle. The light soothing fragrance and massage usually help to calm the child to prepare for bed. Once the child is relaxed it’s much easier to slip their satin cap/scarf on.”
As for those little ones who continue to protest, Leak recommends this. “If they are still resistant, a satin pillow or satin fitted bedsheet works fine. Their hair will have added protection from the Hair and Scalp Butter while the satin will prevent moisture from being absorbed from the hair,” she advised.
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When wash day is a struggle
If your toddler is not a fan of wash days, Leak says that preparation is just as important as technique.
“Know the personality of your child. If they respond well to playfulness you can utilize bath time and make it a song or game,” the 20-year veteran said. “If they respond well to skin-to-skin bonding, then make this the opportunity to share bath time and make it relaxing for them. Either way, make sure you are prepared with everything you need during this time.”
Additionally, Leak advised weary moms to try the following to make wash day a little easier.
- Have a premade basket full of your favorite Curl Peace hair products and hair tools.
- If you do not have one try installing a hand sprayer in the shower. This is a great tool to have because you have more control over the water.
- Try the water visors for kids to help avoid getting water in the eyes.
- Let them help you. The toddler stage is the time our babies are discovering their independence and the more we allow them to help the more they feel confident and the easier our jobs become.
- Be patient. This process can be difficult as is without adding our stress emotions into the equation. Relax and breathe, sis!
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When keeping her hair hydrated feels like mission impossible
Persistently dry hair is an issue frequently cited by Black moms across parenting message boards and Facebook groups. To combat this issue, Leak recommends regular wash days and utilizing a single product line, such as Curl Peace, to ensure hydration
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“Make sure to have regular wash days (every 2 weeks minimum). Cleanse thoroughly to avoid product build-up so that the hair can receive moisture during the shampoo/conditioning process,” says Leak. “Always follow Curl Peace Ultimate Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner with the 5-in-1 Wonder spray and Nourishing Hair and Scalp Butter regardless of which of the other styles you use. These ensure that you protect and seal the moisture in as well as build shine.”
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When you’re unsure about deep conditioning
You may have noticed that not many children’s lines offer deep conditioners. But if you feel that your child’s hair requires deep treatments, Leak recommends utilizing regular conditioning with light steaming.
“Curl Peace products are so well formulated that it provides all of the moisture and protection that our babies need at this stage through preteen,” she said. “However, if your baby has low porosity hair then it’s never too early or too late to add light steam while conditioning. The handheld steamers are the best option for this. Every 2-4 weeks is sufficient.”
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Styling without causing damage and laying those edges
I’m ashamed to admit that I allowed relatives to pressure me into styling my daughter’s hair before I feel that her delicate strands were ready. The end result was breakage in a few small areas. When it comes to toddler hair, Leak recommends low-tension twisted styles to avoid damage.
“Any type of twisted hairstyle. Very little tension is required to achieve these styles so they work well to keep the hair up and out of the way. Simple single twists using a Curl Peace 5-in-1 Wonder Spray (lightly mist), Defining Curl and Coil Cream and finishing with the Nourishing Hair and Scalp Butter are my favorite go-to for the little ones,” she said. “If you find yourself needing a little extra hold at the hairline try adding the Curl Smoothing Ponytail and Edge Control. And remember ladies, a little goes a long way!”
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As for the great debate about those ponytail holders, Leak had this to say: “Ponytail holders are OK to use in moderation if they do not have the metal link and little tension is used.”
