How to Grow a One-Year-Old African American Child's Hair

Many African Americans have very tightly coiled hair that can be difficult to comb or style. Learning how to grow African American hair takes patience, trial and error and an open mind. If you've adopted an African American baby and you're aren't sure what to do with her hair, research techniques on combing, moisturizing, styling and the best products to use. Whether her hair grows fast or slow, keep it healthy. Don't be afraid to ask African American moms and hair stylists for tips; you'll need a competent navigator around unfamiliar territory.

Things You'll Need

  • Wide tooth comb
  • Moisturizer

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn how to groom and style African American hair. While other races have naturally oily hair, African American hair is naturally kinky and dry. Washing your baby's hair more than once per week will strip her hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle. Moisturize her hair at least once a week; try different products until you find one that works for you. According to Baby-Center.com, use products that contain emu oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil or avocado oil.

    • 2

      Comb your child's hair carefully from tip to root, using a wide tooth comb. Combs with small teeth will snatch your child's hair out, as will combing it from root to tip. Work out the tangles at the bottom first, and slow work your way higher as you comb out the kinks in your child's hair. Never comb your child's hair while its dry. Use your fingers and palms to massage moisturizer through her hair first.

    • 3

      Keep your child's hair braided or twisted, once it reaches two inches or longer. Leaving your baby's hair in an Afro allows it to become tangled, making combing difficult. Braiding or twisting your child's hair keeps moisture locked in, and keep kinks from forming. Take the braids or twists down and re-do them often; leaving them in causes dreadlocks to form. Don't braid or twist too tight; excess pulling (especially around the edges) could snatch your child's hair out. Don't use rubber bands to hold sectioned hair; they can also pull your baby's hair out.

    • 4

      Rotate your child's sleeping position. Letting her sleep on the same side repeatedly can cause a bald spot or make her hair grow slowly on that side. Allow her hair to grow in evenly all around her head.

    • 5

      Keep your baby healthy by giving her plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and water. Her hair will thrive if her health thrives.

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