Black hair styles?

Question

My husband and I are considering adopting a child from overseas. We are considering many different countries, Ethiopia included. Ironically enough, our biggest concern about adopting an African child is the hair - we are both white and I don't know how to do African hair! I don't want something this silly to rule out a child we want - does anyone have any advice, maybe a website or something I can go to to learn about this? I don't know why, I'm just not comfortable asking my black friends...I mean, they never ask me how I do MY hair...;) I'm afraid of looking completely ignorant on the subject in front on them! I love black hair and especially African styles, but I don't have the first clue about how to take care of that kind of hair.

Thanks! :)

Answer 1

I would hope something silly like this wouldn't rule out a child in need of a family.  

I would spend more time being concerned about showing this child what their culture is, and who their relatives are or at least their ancestory and their heritage.

You're freinds of all colors will be a wonderful support system to you.  And as for hair? Little girls are always in pigtails, no matter what the skin color.  Ask one of your freinds to teach you to braid (assuming she knows how to of course).  And for boys, short is easiest, he'd let you know what he wants as he get's older.  

Don't sweat the small stuff.  And hair is certainly small stuff.

Answer 2

We adopted our children internationally, and initially considered Ethiopia as well, and may adopt from their in the future. Here are a few links that hopefully will help you.

http://adoptionshop.com/adoption_product...

http://ethiopia.adoptionblogs.com/index....

http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles...

Answer 3

Why not ask your african friends? I mean, they could probably help you better than anybody else, or any website either...

and yes, ask for their opinion about the adoption, too! they would probably be able to give you very valuable advice...like what barriers colored people face in relation to whites....it might help you when you first meet the child, to understand more things from his point of view... might help you and the child to connect faster & better...

First and foremost consider what is in the best interest of the child...

Yes also be aware of factors such as aids etc...

I wish you and the child you   and the child you are getting all the best!

Answer 4

If it's a boy keep his hair cut. If it's a girl you need to learn how to braid. don't worry about styles, after seeing pictures and styles on other black girls in public you'll find it just starts to come to you. It's not hard to learn how to braid either. I learned from a book. The book came from  cornrows and co. they have a website. Check out the site. You can always take a little girl to a salon to get her hair done in braids once a week and keep her hair washed at home yourself.  either way it goes good luck on your new family.  p.s. you have female friends and you guys don't talk about hair and beauty tips?  you should. don't be shy it's just hair.

Answer 5

Why don't you ask your black friends?That way they can express their opinions about you adopting a black child.I think it's great ,but not everyone does.You will need to put stuff on the child's hair too.Because the scalp gets dry.Also cream for ashy skin.Be careful adopting from another country.They could possibly have aids or hiv.Which is fine if you know what you're dealing with.Good Luck.

Answer 6

Wait and see what kind of hair your baby actually has - there is a lot of variation with hair amongst those of African descent.  And trust me, your black female friends will tell you whether you ask or not, if your baby's hair looks like it needs help.

Answer 7

I understand where you are coming from, my ex boyfriend would have me take care of his daughter sometimes (she and he are black i am white) and she would always have me do her hair. Many boys just keep their hair short, some keep it braided, (i think lil boys look so cute with lil braids!!) and most little girls i see keep their hair braided. Just find a hair salon near you that deals with that and it wont be any issue =].

and good luck with the adoption!