Curly Hair Kids' Products That Won't Dry Hair

Dear Cozy:

I have a 3-year-old, I think 2C, who has dry hair and beautiful curls under, but the top layer is a little less curly. Her hair is always knotty unless she just gets out of the bath with a leave-in conditioner. And that only lasts for a little while. I would like a non-drying shampoo and conditioner, some type of detangler and some type of product to get the curls into shape the next day. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Dear Layered Curls:

For dry hair, you can’t go wrong with a lot of extra conditioning. Try a conditioning shampoo in addition to a great conditioner. I would recommend So Cozy 2 in 1 Tropical Fruit Conditioning Shampoo and then finish off with So Cozy Sweet Strawberry Conditioner. Both products have hydrolyzed wheat protein, which will really help to hydrate her dry hair. You also add a dime-size amount of conditioner to her ends and don’t rinse out. This will help add more hydration.

To help reset her curls the next day and help with hydration, use So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. So Cozy products were formulated specifically for children, so these gentle formulations are packed with vitamins and minerals to promote growth, while at the same time solving problems unique to children.

Dear Cozy:

I wanted to get some advice on how to handle my little boy’s hair. He has tight curly hair that looks dry, and he is always scratching his head. His hair texture is similar to that of my husband, who suffers from dry scalp. I have stopped washing his hair with shampoo/body wash because I fear it is making it worse. I have been researching online for organic hair products (shampoo and conditioners”> to help moisturize his hair but I have found nothing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Dry Curls:

I think it would be a good idea to ask your pediatrician and rule out any medical issues, although it’s unlikely since you haven’t mentioned any rash or skin issues. I would also recommend doing a thorough lice check if his scalp is so itchy. Keep I mind that anyone can get lice and that it doesn’t have anything to do with cleanliness.

If you rule out all of the above and still have itchy head issues, I would limit the amount of times you shampoo, but not cut out completely. You do still need to cleanse about once a week. Be sure to use a gentle formulation made specifically for children, and I would recommend using a 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo like So Cozy Tropical Fruit, as it is enriched with wheat protein, which will help to maintain hydration.

Dear Cozy:

I’m trying to use the shampoo free method on my 16-month-old who has lots of hair. Her hair is 4a. I used Aussie’s Moist Conditioner to co wash and as her leave in. I DO NOT LIKE how her hair feels. Also, there is gunk on some of her strands. As a side note, I used it in my hair for the same purposes and it seemed to work just fine. I’m a 3b. Is Aussie Moist Conditioner a CG approved conditioner? What should I use as a leave in and to moisturize her hair? Please please please help me. I do not know what to do. Thank you.

Dear Aussie:

This is the perfect example of the importance of using hair care products formulated specially for children! As you can see, your hair texture, needs, etc., are quite different from your child’s, so it’s no surprise that your child’s hair reacts so differently to the same product that you used.

I’m curious why you are using the “shampoo free method” on your little girl. Have you tried a gentle, tear free shampoo and not been satisfied? As for a leave-in, try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. Aside from being a great detangler, it’s a wonderful Leave-In Conditioner that you can use as often as you’d like without the hair feeling weighed down or “gunky”.

Dear Cozy:

I have a 3-year-old with beautifully curly hair on the bottom and all around her face. The problem is the top of her head — she has straight hair on top. I don’t know what to do with her hair. No matter what I do it looks like a mess. Most days I just end up putting a head band on her so that she can see (with her crazy hair it is always in her face”>. I just don’t know what to do with her two different hair types. And I’m not really sure what to do with curly hair because I myself have straight hair that won’t even keep a curl. My sister with curly hair says NEVER brush it, just comb; that does keep the curls from frizzing, but doesn’t help with the top layer. Any advice is VERY appreciated!

Dear Crazy Hair:

It is not unusual for a 3-year-old to have more than one hair type—it’s actually quite common! Eventually, her hair will make up its mind and it will all come together. In the meantime, here’s some advice. First, I’d recommend taking her to a stylist that you trust for a consultation. It could be as simple as putting in some long layers on top. Long layers will help lighten up the strands and encourage the curls to come out.

Next, I agree with your sister. Never, ever brush curly hair! It’s true that it will cause frizzing. It’s ok to comb the hair when wet, but then you need to let it dry naturally. If this is a problem with the top, even after you have consulted a stylist, you may want to consider some camouflage tricks. You are on the right track with headbands, but you can also try cute little clips and elastics. Everything with children is just a passing phase, and this too shall pass. Don’t worry!