Mixed Kid Curls: Shrinkage Shenanigans and Our Never-Ending Quest for "Normal" Hair (A Millennial Parent's Guide)

Remember spending your 20s figuring out who you were, constantly evolving and defying expectations? That's kind of like mixed kid curls, especially when you're navigating the 3a, 3b, and 3c spectrum. Throw in the added fun of figuring out what "normal" even means when there’s 1000s of videos to overwhelm you with what’s “best,” and you've got a recipe for some truly...epic hair adventures (and maybe a few meltdowns).

We searched through 1000s of videos to help grow mine and my daughter’s curly hair. We tried all the hacks promising cascading curls down to the floor. Our hair just wouldn’t grow longer. You know what we found throughout several weeks of mind-numbing Cocomelon episodes? None of the hacks matter. All the curl types grow differently!

Our hair type is more 3b/3c (check out our post about hair types). Which for us, means our looser 3b hair hangs down the sides of our hair in pretty ringlets, while the tighter 3c hair shrinks up in the back like a cute bob. And all of it was the exact same length if you pulled them straight. It was infuriating! So we braided the 3c curls to “stretch” it out which would “force” hair length. It was a long, frustrating process and for what? To literally try and change the physiology of our curly hair? No!

We're here to make it easier to understand the growth and shrinkage of mixed kid curls, using social media references because why not? And...because my kids look at me crazy when I don’t want to try every new TikTok trend they throw at me (thanks, Ryan!). Time to embrace that natural shrinkage, mama!

Imagine Type 3a Curls as the Indie Musician:

These loose spirals, like our carefully curated online personas, are all about effortless vibes. Growth might be subtle, like their follower count slowly rising, but it's steady and reliable. Shrinkage? Think of them like filtering stories, suddenly appearing shorter and tighter (but still so freaking cute!).

Think of Type 3b Curls as the Social Media Influencer:

These springy, defined coils, like that TikTok star you secretly follow, are full of personality and crave attention. Growth? Think of viral content – one minute they're barely reaching your shoulders, the next they're blowing up in voluminous, bouncy curls! As for shrinkage? Imagine them going "incognito" in a bun, hiding their likes and comments for a while. Don't be surprised by their unpredictable-ness!

Type 3c Curls are the Bold Entrepreneur:

These tight, dense ringlets, like that inspiring side hustler you admire, are full of potential and require some serious dedication. Growth? Think of a slow and steady climb, like building a business from scratch. Shrinkage? Imagine them transforming into a compact, impenetrable fortress – sometimes frustrating, but always full of potential. Be their biggest cheerleader, invest in the right tools, and watch them SHINE!

Parental Power Tools (aka Survival Hacks for Millennial Parents):

    • Deep Conditioning is like our weekly therapy sessions: Nourish those curls with monthly deep conditioning treatments, just like we prioritize self-care – it promotes growth and creates a calm, pampered environment. Like our kids need more pampering, right?

    • Detangling is like navigating rush hour traffic: Patience and the right tools (wide-tooth combs, non-greasy gels) are key to avoiding meltdowns (both yours and theirs!). Think calming music and distraction techniques like audiobooks.

    • Styling is like expressing ourselves through fashion: Explore different styles – bantu knots, braids, all natural – to celebrate your child's unique texture and combat shrinkage while letting their individuality shine. Bonus points for matching hairstyles with your next outfit, mama! It is so cute, I promise!

    • Moisture is like our morning coffee: Keep those curls hydrated with water-based products, just like we need our daily dose of caffeine to survive the day – it's essential for growth and keeps them happy and healthy.

Remember, every mixed kid curl is unique, just like our generation is diverse. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, so embrace the journey, celebrate their growth spurts, and don't get discouraged by shrinkage. It will happen! Mine’s still shrinking and it’s been 84 years...(I know you got that reference!)

With a healthy dose of humor, patience, and a whole lot of love, and more patience, we'll help our amazing mixed kiddos rock their curls with confidence, even if "normal" is just, well, themselves!

Remember that confident curls = confident kids. And that’s our job as a parent!