[kenyacrew]

My ds is 2 years old. There is a lot of talk about what to do with little African American girls’ hair, but not a lot for what to do with boys’ hair. I’ve been using Baby Love in his hair every morning before combing it. I wanted to know if there was anything different that I should put into his hair (basically anything that is better than Baby Love). Baby Love has seemed to work so far, but our Target stopped carrying it so I figured if I was going to change, I might as well do it now! His hair is cut with a number 2 shaver, so that should tell you how long his hair is. I also didn’t know if there was any specific type of shampoo anybody recommended and even how often to wash it! You would think that after two years, I would finally have figured out what to do with his hair, but apparently I’m still confused! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[nickchris]

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/ was recommended to me.. my son has a lot of fine hair and "hair milk" was recommended, also check out the hair threads for other recommendations based on hair texture. Good luck.

[proudmomof4]

I take my son to the barber shop every two weeks. AA boys hair is just like AA girls hair so hair dressing works for just a short time and then we have to do something different for both. For the boys they need a close hair cut and shape up. For the AA girls, if the have extremely kinky hair, a perm is needed.
Just my two cents

[lovebeingmom2006]

I can't wait until my son's "FIRST B-DAY". That is when he is getting is first haircut. His "BP"s" are both from Africa and his hair tells the story. It is vey kinky and dry. I tell him everyday "I can't wait until your first b-day, we have an appt with the barber. "HA,HA,HA"!!!

[Guspiv]

I would say take him to the barber and have it cut lower if you are having problems maintaining it. Depending on the type of hair he has.

[sistasonya]

A new fresh cut will make it easier to maintain. It is best to keep it cut short and take him to the barber often. Brush his hair daily to make sure it is maneagble

[kakuehl]

My 2 yr old grandson is biracial with very curly hair. All my daughter does is spray it with water so it curls. She does not comb or brush it. (That was definitely a learning for me.)
Kathy

[nickchris]

Hi everyone,

AA hair care:
Those who have problems with their dd/ds WITH dry hair should research the posts on hair care. See my answer above regarding "carolsdaughter products" AA hair is very fragile and needs to be moisturized, the scalp shoud be moisterized also. The proper care and grooming of an AA child is very important for their self esteem.
Also putting a 'perm" relaxer is usually not what most AA parents do to their young DD, such harsh chemicals is not good for the hair and scalp, especially if done by inexperienced hairstylists.

[nickchris]

Biracial children needs special hair and skin care also. My son has the same type of hair and it needs to be brushed and moisterized with very light moisterizers, depending on the texture.Everyone,s hair needs ot be brushed daily to get rid of old hairs..

[leaabc123]

To go back to what nickchris has suggested, perms are not reccomended, especially not before age 8 or so. Can be really damaging to hair and scalp.

AA hair does not have to be dry and kinky. If you find the right products and haircare tools, you won't have a problem.

Kids pick up on the smallest details and will know if you don't like their hair. That will lead to major self-esteem issues.

I would suggest checking out the carol' daughter website as well as reading the book "It's all good hair".

[Guspiv]

If you refer to some of the posts on transracial adoption forums and old posts from this forum, you'll know that all AA (and biracial) hair is not the same. No less beautiful, but all different textures, lenghts and variations of curls kinks etc. The main key is MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE. Our hair does not need to be shampooed everyday, and when it is you should use a moisturizing shampoo of some type. Treat it everyday with moisurizing products, (cremes, lotions or hairdresses). The thinner the hair the more lightweight the product you should use. If your son has a close hair cut you should brush it, if it is longer you need to comb out the tangles daily. Especially with shorter shaved, dry hair you need to moisturize and brush it daily.

[DebCsMom]

Our AA son is 2 1/2. I keep his hair short. I moisturize it daily with "MOTIONS Hair & Scalp Daily Moisturizing Hairdressing" I wash his hair about every 2 weeks. After I wash it I either put in "Blue Magic" Conditioning Hair Dress or "DOO GRO" Medicated Hair Vitalizer Triple Strength. He has very nice hair, I think. When I put it in I make a game out of it. I apply it thickly & we play, "Hair Salad, Hair Salad" as I rub it all in down to the scalp! I also use the same products on our AA daughters hair who is 3 1/2 & has VERY thick hair!

On our Biracial daughter I sometimes use the Pantene products, but not all the time. I LOVE using "Parnevu Leave In Conditioner" on her hair! After washing her hair I spray it with a light leave in conditioner & then the Parnevu. Every day when I style it I use that also. It doesn't leave her biracial hair greasey but makes it VERY managable to comb through. If I leave her hair down, I use "Long Aid Curl Activator Gel with Aloe Vera"