Products & Tools
Finding the tools and products that are right for your Afro Baby’s hair is at the heart of how to create a regimen for your child that actually works. Using the wrong tools or products can mean the difference between consistently healthy hair and ‘stunted’ hair growth.
THE ESSENTIALS
Tools You'll Need for Detangling
Wide-tooth Comb
*Tip: Never use a comb with small teeth to detangle. Some naturals elect not to use small teeth combs at all in their hair care regimen outside of making parts.
Spray Bottle(s)
*Tip: Hair detangles easiest when damp and saturated with a “slick” conditioner. Create a cocktail of water and conditioner in your water bottle and use during your detangling process.
The Tangle Teezer
*Tip: This is also an optional tool, but many in the natural community swear that it detangles just as good as finger detangling; and it feels great on the scalp to boot.
Denman Brush
*Tip: This brush is completely optional but many curlies swear by this tool. Its nylon bristles have been known to make detangling a whole lot easier and are great at distributing product.
Tools You'll Need for Conditioning
Plastic Caps
*Tip: Plastic processing caps will be invaluable in you and your child’s natural hair journey. You’ll use them for pre-pooing and deep conditioning regularly so stock up. (Of course, if you’re out of processing caps you can always use a grocery bag.)
Distractions
*Tip: If you have a wiggly toddler to contend with, distractions should be on deck before you begin handling their hair. Snacks, favorite toys, cell phones and tablets can all work wonders at keeping “the crankies” away during hair time.
Honey & Bananas
*Tip: As an alternative to a harsh store bought deep conditioner you may opt to create your own deep conditioning treatments for your little one until they get a little older. Bananas and honey are the ingredients some fantastic deep conditioning treatments, so have some of these on hand.
Applicator Bottle(s)
*Tip: Applicator bottles are perfect for applying homemade conditioners, oil mixtures, or other cleansing products.
Tools You'll Need for Washing
Plastic Clips
*Tip: You’ll find that plastic hair clips will become indispensable. Use them during your conditioning and washing process to keep hair sectioned. Conditioning and washing hair in sections keeps hair from knotting and tangling.
Bonnet or Hooded Dryer
*Tip: Little to no heat is best when it comes to taking care of your little one’s natural hair; but when you’re doing a conditioning treatment on your little one’s hair, a hooded dryer can be your best friend. Use heat during conditioning to help product penetrate the hair shaft.
Microfiber Towel
*Tip: Regular bath towels have the potential to pull and break hair strands and create frizzies. Purchasing a microfiber towel is a great investment when it comes to drying your little one’s hair.
Tools You'll Need for Styling
Edge Brush
*Tip: Of course a new toothbrush would work just as well, but the thin nylon bristles on edge control brushes are perfect for smoothing unruly flyaways and laying those edges like a champ.
Herbal Gel
*Tip: Used in tandem with the edge brushes, an herbal gel will help to make protective styles look neat and tidy and can ultimately make the style last a little longer.
Rubber Bands
*Tip: You may be surprised to find these on the list; but the reality is that rubber bands are perfectly okay to use if used properly. They should not be wound too tightly, and when it’s time to remove them cut them out carefully with nail clippers or child safety scissors.
Satin Hair Bonnet
*Tip: In order to reduce friction from bed clothes, maintain moisture, and extend the wear of a protective style, a satin scarf or hair bonnet is a necessity.