African American Children's Hairstyles and Tips

Braiding

Many people choose braiding as the default method of styling their African American child's hair. There are many creative styles that can be created with braids, from French braiding, to zig zag parts and cornrows.

Braided hairstyles can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, and these styles can greatly enhance a little girls appearance. Take care in braiding your child's hair in a way that will not cause permanent damage.

Do not pull the child's hair when braiding. This can cause tension baldness that may be permanent.

Do not braid the hair all the way to the edges. The edges of a child's hair are extremely fragile and will break. Severely damaged edges may never grow back.

Natural Hairstyles

If you choose to let your daughter's hair be natural and free, you can enjoy a simpler hairstyling routine. There are many black children's hairstyles that require little maintenance. However, you will still need to care for the child's hair and maintain its health. For children's whose hair is worn loose or in a natural style such as locs, the key is to keep it conditioned and moisturized.

Keep the hair tangle free by detangling with a rubber pick.

Don't comb through the child's hair. This will create damage and may break the delicate hair strand. Use a paddle or soft bristle brush to give the hair body. Cover the hair with a satin bonnet before bedtime. Keeping the hair covered with hold in moisture and prevent tangling. Parting the hair into sections and making a few large braids will also prevent tangling.

Relaxed/Processed Hair

Many experts advise against using chemical relaxers in a child’s hair before the age of twelve. Young hair is extremely fragile and chemicals can burn and damage a child’s sensitive scalp. However, if you are going to treat your daughter’s hair with chemicals, make sure to keep in mind the following tips:

• Make sure the relaxer is specially formulated for children’s hair. Using adult relaxers on a child’s perfect locks can be harmful and cause permanent damage. Don’t over-process the hair. Avoid using flat irons, straightening combs or hair dryers on newly-treated hair.
• Don’t pull or put tension on the edges of the hair. The hair is already weakened by the chemical and is more susceptible to breakage.

Accessories

Adding accessories can dress up an ordinary hairstyle and make it extraordinary. Follow these tips when choosing the right ones for your child’s hair.

• Avoid heavy beads that weigh down the hair. Limit the beading to no more than three or four per braid.
• Don’t use rubber bands on the hair. This can cut through the hair strand and pull the hair from the scalp.
• Beware of tight barrettes, clips and ribbons. Anything that adds tension to the hair has the potential to damage your child’s hair.

There are many factors to consider when choosing black hairstyles for your child. Make sure to care for the child’s hair and use care in selecting chemicals, styling tools and accessories.