Remember those dreadful days growing up when your mother would sit you down and comb your hair? She would start while your hair was dry and often matted and somehow expect you to sit still and enjoy the experience. Today offering hair care to your children with African American Curly Hair does not have to be so traumatizing. When a consistent strategy in place, you can train your child to be a helper to you in the process of caring for their hair by following a few simple steps.
1. Establish a Scheduled Time and Place
Children love structure. It is in your best interest to discipline yourself to shampoo, condition and style your child’s hair on a regimented schedule. Typically this is anywhere within 1-3 weeks. Most people try to style once a week, but long term styles can last you up to three weeks. Once you chose a date, a place and time, stick with this. Your child will begin to look forward to the scheduled time the two of you have together.
2. Explain Your Procedure in Advance
Before doing your child’s hair, speak with them face-to-face on your goals for their hair and your purpose for doing so. It is great for them to know that this practice is for an important purpose. Tell stories of when you used to get your hair done so that they understand the rich legacy and honor that comes from caring for one.
3. Work Fast Without Rushing
Teach your child/children that you will work as fast as you can with their cooperation. Let them know how long you think it will take and what are some ways they can help you to move faster throughout the process. Find a way for them to assist by holding your combs, rubber bands or a brush. When you need it they will be ready to serve you. This is also great practice for teaching them to do their own hair in the future. Finally, if they every say ouch, always say you are sorry so that they know your intent is only to help them and not to harm them.
Start with these strategies and watch your child become your hair care partner!
1. Establish a Scheduled Time and Place
Children love structure. It is in your best interest to discipline yourself to shampoo, condition and style your child’s hair on a regimented schedule. Typically this is anywhere within 1-3 weeks. Most people try to style once a week, but long term styles can last you up to three weeks. Once you chose a date, a place and time, stick with this. Your child will begin to look forward to the scheduled time the two of you have together.
2. Explain Your Procedure in Advance
Before doing your child’s hair, speak with them face-to-face on your goals for their hair and your purpose for doing so. It is great for them to know that this practice is for an important purpose. Tell stories of when you used to get your hair done so that they understand the rich legacy and honor that comes from caring for one.
3. Work Fast Without Rushing
Teach your child/children that you will work as fast as you can with their cooperation. Let them know how long you think it will take and what are some ways they can help you to move faster throughout the process. Find a way for them to assist by holding your combs, rubber bands or a brush. When you need it they will be ready to serve you. This is also great practice for teaching them to do their own hair in the future. Finally, if they every say ouch, always say you are sorry so that they know your intent is only to help them and not to harm them.
Start with these strategies and watch your child become your hair care partner!
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