As a mom who is mixed and has curly hair, and whose kids also have the same beautiful, unpredictable curls, I know the struggle is real! You want cute hair accessories to express your curly kiddo’s unique personality. And above all else, you don’t want those same accessories to rip and tear that delicate hair. Can’t we have it all!? Yes, mama. Yes we can.
Here’s a list of hair accessories that are curly hair friendly:
Remember the first time your little one proudly sported those cute little pigtail puffs made with those colorful rubber bands? Adorable, right? Until the tears flowed as you tried to remove them, leaving behind a trail of breakage and frizz. Rubber bands are the archenemies of mixed kid curls, their harsh grip causing damage and tears. When we put our hair up, the tension from the rubber bands caused so many headaches. The tight pulling affected our hairline too! Try gentler alternatives like scrunchies or seamless elastic bands.
Remember the days of waking up to your kids' disaster of frizz? Your look of despair as you realize it’s going to be a tough start to the day? Oh yes you do! It might’ve even been this morning! Cotton pillowcases can be a nightmare for mixed race curls, snagging and roughing up the delicate texture. Upgrade to a satin or bonnet or pillowcase, and you’ll realize just how much easier it is to style hair that hasn’t been going through your kid’s gymnastics all night! It took quite awhile for my daughter to get used to the bonnet. So we used the satin pillowcase until she got used to it. But if your curly kid hates the bonnet – get the pillowcase!
Mornings can be chaotic, but remember, healthy curls need extra TLC to survive the rest of the day. Ditch the brushes and their potential for breakage. Instead, try a gentle, two-tiered brush like Tangle Teezer or a wide-toothed comb. My daughter and I love how much faster (and less painful!!) detangling became.. Plus it was so much quicker. We originally used a Denman brush, but it took too much time and it took fifty brushes to get the tangles out. We’re Tangle Teezerians (wonder if I can trademark a trademark) for life!
Now, the fun part! Here are some cute and safe hair accessory ideas:
• Scrunchies: These fabric-covered elastics are gentle on curls and come in countless colors and patterns, adding a vibrant touch. My daughter loves mixing and matching them with her outfits, creating her own unique style.
• Seamless Elastic Bands: These don’t have the headache-inducing rubber inside. They won’t tear your kiddo’s hair. And you won’t tear out yours!
• Clips: Snap clips or alligator clips are ideal for pulling back bangs or sections of hair. Choose smooth, rounded edges to avoid snags. My son loves using them to create his own "mohawk" styles.
• Barrettes: Barrettes with rounded prongs offer a gentle option and make it easier to match with you, mama. They come in various styles and sizes, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to a dressy outfit.
• Headbands: Opt for soft, flexible headbands that won't dig into the scalp. Consider embellished versions with flowers or feathers for a touch of uniqueness. There are hundreds of styles to suit whatever your kid is wearing for the day.
• Bows: BOWS. We love all the bows! Fabric bows attached to alligator clips add a pop of color and can be dressed up or down with ease. They're perfect for special occasions or simply adding a touch of cuteness to everyday hairstyles.
• Ribbons: They come in all shapes and colors with material that won't damage curls. Braid them in, wrap around some pigtails...the creative fun with these are endless!
Don't underestimate the dual benefit of braids and twists: adorableness and protection. They retain moisture, prevent tangles, and minimize frizz. Experiment with different styles and let your child's individuality shine through! Braiding sessions can be a fun bonding experience, allowing you to share what happened during the day and laughter while creating beautiful hairstyles. Don’t worry about it looking perfect! It’s been years and I still can’t get perfectly smooth braids. It’s all about having fun and protecting those curls!
Remember, the key to accessorizing mixed kid curls lies in balance: prioritizing gentle methods while fostering their self-expression. With a little creativity and these curated suggestions, you can keep your child's curls happy and healthy, allowing their unique personality to blossom.
Share your favorite hair accessory tips for mixed kids in the comments below!
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