[surfmama]

Aren't we a fun bunch? I have 4 adopted AA girls (and 2 AA boys, their hair is soooooo easy!) and had to learn to do their hair....practice, practice, and more practice!

I found the Loreal for kids shampoo (Suave for kids also works the same) worked better than the Just for me line. And they have one for after swimming too. Pantene conditioner (the new AA line is REALLY nice, I am trying out all their products out right now) and using the right hairbrush is important. My kids get lots of carpet fuzz in their hair, a soft natural bristle brush works well when you do small sections. I use big plastic hair clips to section first (using my fingers to part) and later use the handle end of a rat tail comb to do final parts before styling. The smaller the braids/twists, the longer they stay and look nice. I use the blue grease more in the summertime to protect their hair from sun/chlorine, yes, the braids stay in. Rubber bands can be used, but I find cutting them out is easy and saves the hair from breaking.

The books already mentioned are good resources. I just wish there was a book dedicated to hair styles, I am constantly looking for new cute ways to do their hair. It also took me many months to learn how to cornrow.

I was told by an AA hairdresser not to even think about straightening their hair until middle school age. After one trial week of blowdrying/hot combing till straight, I was sold on waiting. I LIKE not having to brush and style hair every morning!

I bought a 2 sided tackle box at Menards and store all our "hair stuff" in it (ponytail holders, rubber bands, barretts, etc.). It is easy to tote around and keeps everything in one place.