How to care for my foster child's hair? ?

Question

I will be taking in a foster child who is a 3 year old little girl who is African American. I just realized that I know nothing about caring for African American hair! Can anyone give me a few tips? Special conditioners, how often to wash...etc. I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you!

Answer 1

Awww..that is so beautiful! I have always thought foster parents and adoptive parents were WONDERFUl.

Anyway, African American hair is typically very dry, and because of this is susceptible to breakage, and should be washed every week or every two weeks with shampoos that contain moisturizing elements, humectants, and is sulfate free. Our hair does not produce a large amount of sebum, so it's best that you use natural products with carrier oils that contain vitamins and minerals  on this little girl's hair. Comb her hair from the BOTTOM up to the root with a wide tooth comb (and ONLY a wide tooth comb...this is very important). Oil is good for Black hair, so what might be "too greasy" for your hair is actually healthy for the child's. I have Black children (multiracial actually) and I use Mineral Indulgence which is a 100% natural hair care line for Black women. Their customer service is wonderful and they should be able to answer any of the questions you have in regard to hair. I use the Napturally Sulfate Free Shampoo, the Shea and Mango Butter Conditioner, the Jojoba and Coconut Setting Lotion, and the Kiwi Coconut Hair smoothie on my kids hair. These products are healthy for the little girl and wont harm her scalp and cause chemical reactions like store bought products will.  Comb the little girl's hair out (so it wont be tangled when you wash it) and wash it with the Napturally Sulfate Free Shampoo ..follow up with the shea and mango butter conditioner. This should leave her hair VERY detangled and manageable. Part her hair in four sections and comb each section of hair our throughly. Apply the smoothie on to each section of hair until each section is deeply moisturized. Braid each section of hair up individually, and then put a satin hair scarf over her head. When you unravel the braids in the morning, she should have curly/wavy, detangled hair that smells HEAVENLY. Now, keep in mind what type of rubber bands are best for the girl's hair...use rubber bands that are covered with material so it wont break her hair off, and refrain from using bows and hair clips that could cause breakage as well. At this point her hair should be fairly moisturized, and you can put her hair in two ponytails. You should not have to keep reapplying the Kiwi smoothie to her hair every night...you can lightly spritz it with the Jojoba & Coconut Hair Lotion before you braid it at night sometimes...if you feel as if her hair is not excessively dry.

I hope I helped you out..and good luck!

Answer 2

use conditioner for curly hair