Chances are if you have a curly, active kid, you usually end up with a curly, sweaty kid by the end of the day. Chances are even higher that your little curlies aren’t in love with lots of hair grooming, before or after their sports practices either.
As the mom of a little curly girl, and a curly girl myself, I understand the “tug of war” with pre and post active little ones. Just hearing the words “but mommy, my hair is fine…” with a twinge of winey has often set the stage for some ugly scenes. However, I’ve learned a few strategies that have helped me to reduce the post-playground tears for our curly wee-ones.
Sporty Curly Kids
Detangle
Use a light mister of gentle conditioner and water or detangler on hair post shower/bath. This helps to keep little curls healthy and seems to assist in enlongating a shower or bath day, when possible.
Cotton headbands
During active sports and play time, I usually make headbands a must. You can find great, bright colored, cotton bands at any drugstore which are perfect for little girls and sports.
Have your kids select different colors for different days and outfits or combine one or two headbands (one thick and one thin”> to “dress up” their look a little more.
Mini braids
At almost any length you can find enough hair to braid, keeping the form of the curl and avoiding extra bathes.
Braids are great for highly active sports and games and are a great way to keep your child’s hair out of their faces as well. Tie cute clips, ties or ribbons to the end of each braid to make it more fun too!
Lavender mist
On warm weather days I bring a water mister with some lavender drops (oil essence”> mixed in (use distilled water”> and mist my child’s hair during breaks. I’ve even taught her to do it herself.
The lavender is cleansing and the combo is refreshing for curls and the scalp. (Note: with colder weather you can still do this, just make sure it’s once you’re in the car or at home and in a warmer place.”>
