[Sunshinemom]

We're in the process of adopting a two year old little boy. He's half caucasian, one quarter Hispanic and one quarter African American. With that said, his hair is totally African American and I'm at a loss of what to do!I can't get a comb through his hair. When he's in the bath I put a ton of conditioner in it and after much stuggling and tears (sometimes on his part, somtimes on mine), I can get it combed out.But once morning rolls around he's got these teeny tiny tight curls again and I put a conditioner in it again, but neither of us have it in us to fight the hair battle.He's getting a haircut later this week, but is my only solution to keep it VERY short? I'm not looking for him to have an Afro, God knows I have enough time getting four boys out of the house in the morning without having to spend much time on his hair, but do I have options?Any help or advice would be appreciated!

[sdiedre]

Umm - not sure why the curls are a problem....I would check with a local AA hairdresser for suggestions on product. AA hair requires ALOT of protection....my fs gets vaseline in his 2x a day. Same goes for the skin. I know, it sounds very counter-intuitive to cc's (I am one! And shuddered at the thought of using vaseline, but it works). Aveno has a great skin product for the younger ones, as well.

Use a wide toothed comb and really work the product into his hair so that it saturates the scalp. I would have it cut short and let the curls be curls....properly moisturized, they are gorgeous!

[bellazmama]

Keeping it short, especially in the summer, is usually the best option. Just be sure that you apply sunscreen to his head if he's just had it cut. Also, apply almond oil or some other natural oil to his scalp every day.

[nickchris]

I have 2 aa boys with different texture hair, and one dd. I agree keep it short, but not all the way down to the scalp (prevents hair bumps) a little bit on top, and a slight fade in the back is very cute on small boys. Use a little bit of natural oils (jojoba, almond) try in a small spot to make sure he does not react to the product. Do not worry about the sheen, or how his hair curls, as long as the hair is kept pliable. Use a wide tooth comb or a pic after his bath to comb out his hair, if it is short use a boars bristle brush to keep it brushed. (soft bristles) React positively to his "curls" and this will encourage him towards spending the time to groom his hair later on, and like who he is. Please do not use vaseline, it clogs the pores, and attracts dirt to the hair. Most blacks do not use such products anymore (I am aa)

Best wishes, and try sites such as this for your resource.
Natural Black Hair Care
specific to children
Natural Black Hair Care

[DianeScraps]

How often are you washing the hair and what are you using?

For my oldest daughter we don't actually shampoo the hair, only conditioner (sounds weird but it works) and we only do that 1-2 times per week. She has hair down past her shoulders now, and it is in sooo much better condition then when she moved in.

[Linny]

Nickchris:
THANKS SO MUCH for your links about natural hair care!!!!!! You have NO idea how much better I feel having someone 'say' that keeping the hair natural and simply styled is a GOOD THING!
Being the 'seemingly CC momma' to three AA babies....one a boy (infant) and two are now pre-schoolers......I find sometimes that I have to 'quietly fight' for justifying why I don't put the girls' hair in fancier and complex styles!!! (My college-aged friends tell me I'm doin' it right though!!! )

Thanks....like I said, you have no idea ((hug)) and I just bookmarked this great site!

Most Sincerely,

Linny

[nickchris]

No problem Linny :-), I am very conservative with hair styles, no crazy amount of hair accessories, and no chemicals in my dds hair. My grandmother, and mother kept my sisters, and my hair natural, since it just take a little more time to address the overall health, moisture issues, and combing.
There is no one approach fit all blacks, since we are all from different walks of life. kwim? The most important thing is that both boys and girls need to feel good about themselves, and learn about proper grooming.

Originally Posted by Linny

Nickchris:
THANKS SO MUCH for your links about natural hair care!!!!!! You have NO idea how much better I feel having someone 'say' that keeping the hair natural and simply styled is a GOOD THING!
Being the 'seemingly CC momma' to three AA babies....one a boy (infant) and two are now pre-schoolers......I find sometimes that I have to 'quietly fight' for justifying why I don't put the girls' hair in fancier and complex styles!!! (My college-aged friends tell me I'm doin' it right though!!! )

Thanks....like I said, you have no idea ((hug)) and I just bookmarked this great site!

Most Sincerely,

Linny