How can I keep my child's curly hair from drying out and breaking?
Thick, curly hair is more prone to dryness and breakage than other hair types. Gentle handling, a conditioner, and a leave-in oil or moisturizer after washing can help.
Why does curly hair get dry and break?
Thick, curly hair is more prone to breakage and dryness than other hair types. Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to keep its normal sheen and texture. [1][2][3]
Tight styles can also hurt hair. Tight braids, ponytails or buns can cause hair loss, especially along the edges of the scalp at the front, sides and back. [1][2][3]
What helps in general?
Children with dry or curly hair should use a conditioner. After washing and conditioning, you can apply oil or a leave-in conditioner to help with moisturization. [1][2][3]
Keep braids and ponytails loose and use covered rubber bands. Do not yank or pull the comb through the hair, because that can pull out hair or break it. A loose braid before sleeping can reduce friction against the pillowcase. [1][2][3]
Oiling spreads natural oils through the hair to add shine and moisture. People with dry, coarse, tightly curled hair can benefit from it, while fine, straight hair may feel weighed down. [1][2][3]
What a hair butter does and does not do
Oils coat the hair shaft and slow moisture loss. Olive oil, for example, cannot repair split ends or damaged hair, but it may help reduce further breakage. [4][3]
Oils will not stimulate hair follicles or speed up hair growth. A moisturizing butter can support a care routine, and it does not replace gentle styling. [4][3]
When to see a professional
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, or more hair than usual coming out when combing or washing your child's hair. Also see your doctor if persistent hair loss distresses you or your child. [3][2]
Discuss any ongoing hair loss with your pediatrician. Looser styles can help hair loss from tight styling get better, but advanced traction alopecia means hair cannot grow back. It is never too early to see a board-certified dermatologist. [3][2]
If hair does not improve with gentle treatment, or you see hair loss or breaking hairs, see a professional. [3][2]
About Goddess Growth Children's Hair Butter
This is a rich, creamy hair butter for children, sold in a clear jar with a black lid. It is made with mango butter, argan oil, pumpkin seed oil, lavender and rosemary essential oils, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, batana oil, black castor oil and CocoMango fragrance oil. It is meant for curls, coils, braids, twists and ponytails, to soften dry hair, help lock in moisture and make styling easier. It is not a medical treatment and it does not cure hair loss.
Sources
- 6 curly hair care tips from dermatologists
Thick, curly hair is more prone to breakage and dryness than other hair types.
- Teaching your child healthy hair care habits
Children with dry or curly hair should use a conditioner.
- Hair Oiling: 3 Benefits and How To Do It
People with dry, coarse tightly curled hair can benefit from oiling, while others with fine, straight hair may find oiling weighs their hair down too much.
- Is Olive Oil Good for Your Hair?
While olive oil can't repair split ends or damaged hair, it may help reduce additional breakage.