These pig-tails present a smooth, neat style.
The hair of African-American or biracial children presents unique challenges if you're not familiar with the texture. Black children's hair is usually dry, so avoid the use of drying products or over washing. Too frequent washing will reduce the necessary hair oils. Because the hair of black children is textured, curly and often wiry, tangles can pose a problem. The child will most likely want to decide how it's styled, so keep in mind the texture of his hair when considering style it.
Instructions
1. Wash the child's hair every week to 10 days with a moisturizing shampoo. Massage the scalp with your fingertips and rub in an outward motion from the scalp to the ends. Rinse well.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to the child's hair after every shampoo. Work a quarter-sized dollop into the hair, all the way to the scalp, and massage with your fingertips. Dry gently by wrapping a towel around the child's head, then squeezing out the water.
3. Apply 1 tsp. of jojoba or olive oil to the child's scalp. Use less on a small preschool or younger child. Work the oil into the scalp with your fingertips.
4. Remove tangles with a wide-tooth comb. Start at the end of the hair and gently comb, working your way to the scalp. This reduces the amount of discomfort the child feels from the detangling process.
5. Blow dry the child's hair if you prefer a straighter style, or want to braid the hair. Use a boar-bristle brush and blow dry as you are brushing it out. If you want a natural look, allow the hair to air dry.
6. Use a pick to style the hair into a natural look. If you want to braid the hair, secure the braids with cloth-covered rubber bands.
7. Pick the child's hair out before bed, unless she wears braids. Cover natural looks and braids with a scarf or do-rag to keep knots from forming while sleeping. Pick out natural looks in the morning and keep braids in place until they start to look disheveled.
Tags: child hair, with your, with your fingertips, , braid hair
