Wash day – a day that many naturals love, while other naturals dread. It is a day to care for our curls and make sure that we keep them in the best condition possible.

We may have mastered wash day on ourselves, but what about our little ones? Wash day should be simple and fun for them too! Keep reading to see some of our curly kid wash day hacks. Comment below with your favorite!

Use gentle or ‘for kids’ products

As adults, even we hate getting soap and product in our eyes, so who’s to say that our curly cuties are any different? Instead of using harsher shampoos, which are formulated with chemicals to really remove product build up, opt for a kid friendly natural shampoo.

Their hair won’t be totally stripped, there won’t be excessive breakage, and kid products normally smell super yummy!

Section their hair 

Detangling is an important step in the wash day process, and breakage can happen if it isn’t done correctly. Instead of washing their hair as a whole, section their hair just like you would section your own. This will make the detangling process so much easier. Washing and styling will be much easier too.

Keep them occupied

We all know that little ones have a problem with sitting still for too long, especially if they feel like their hair is being yanked and pulled.

To give yourselves both some peace of mind, create a fun wash day game or have them do an activity while you care for their hair. This way, you can do what you need to do and you won’t have to hear “Are we done yet” for two hours.

Use a wide tooth comb 

Like we said before, detangling children’s hair can be a tough process. If you’ve tried finger detangling and it’s too stressful or time consuming, opt for a wide tooth comb instead.

Make sure to use the comb gently, so you won’t have to worry about excess breakage. Try slightly dampening hair, saturate with conditioner, and work your way up from tips to root with the comb while hair is in sections. You should experience easier detangling and better overall hair health.

Try low manipulation styles 

After all that work of washing, conditioning, and sealing your little one’s hair, you may not be ready to let them run around with a full fro that will allow even MORE tangles to take over.

To preserve their hair for a week or more, practice low manipulation or protective styles. For example, they can have a full twists for a week or so, then wear a twist out for a day or two before wash day. You keep their hair maintained (and ends protected) this way, and you also get the best of two styles.