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The why:

Deep conditioning usually consists of applying your favorite conditioning product and leaving it in for an extended period. The most ideal setup is to have your child put on a processing cap and sit underneath a hooded dryer for around 15 minutes. Using heat expands the hair shaft and allows the conditioner to penetrate a whole lot better. Heat isn’t necessary, but if a deep condition is what you’re looking for, using heat is ideal. After your child’s hair has processed, rinse the conditioner out with cool water. The cool water will help close the hair cuticle and keep the moisture in!The how:
So when should you deep condition? Doing a treatment after washing your little one’s hair will ensure that the conditioner will better penetrate the hair shaft and will ultimately help your child’s hair take in all of the conditioner’s benefits.The when:

The next, and probably most important, question to figure out the answer to is what type and kind of conditioner to use. There’s no “one size fits all” approach to conditioners for children. If you don’t have the time, energy, or patience to make your own, (which is usually your best option) a general rule of thumb would be to find a conditioner that’s water-based (the first or second ingredient is water) and that has a lot of slip. Behentrimonium chloride may sound a little scary, but it’s actually a good ingredient to look for in a conditioner. It’s a plant based lubricant that has tons of slip and is equally as effective as silicones (which tend to leave build up on hair.) Shea Moisture has a Kid’s Mango and Carrot conditioner that’s great. Kinky Curly also has a wonderful conditioner that my little girl and I use regularly.The what:
Are you deep conditioning your little one’s hair yet? If so, is there a particular conditioner that you love to use? Let me see it in the comments!
Keep lovin' that Afro Baby!

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Blanca Gallegos
December 28, 2017Please, please explain/describe how to determine a toddler’s hair type. A 3 from a 4b from a 4c? These are new terms to me. My granddaughter is 28 months and her hair is past ear length and beautifully curly and if her curl is extended, it’ll reach her shoulders!
myafrobabyadmin
December 29, 2017Have you seen the texture/type assessment? That should help! 🙂 –> https://myafrobaby.com/natural-hair-texture-quiz/
Merlinda B.
January 28, 2018Hi there! My son is 14mo with a 3b, normal density, low porosity afro. He loves washing his hair but I’ve never conditioned his hair and now he can’t even use soap and shampoo like normal, he has to use cetaphil soap only. His hair at the back is now frizzy and gets tangled easily. I usually use Shea butter only on his damp hair to style and braid them for the week for daycare. Any recommendations? He has very sensitive skin, hence the cetaphil.
My Afro Baby Editor
January 28, 2018As far as products I’m honestly not sure. Product selection is all about trial and error, and you’ve got the hardest part down: knowing your little one’s type, texture and porosity. After that, it’s a matter of experimenting, reading labels and narrowing down what works and what doesn’t. This post on Naturally Curly covers some natural hair products for sensitive skin naturals. You should definitely check it out: https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/sensitive-skin-these-hair-products-wont-break-you-out