Naturals please help!

[Lusa]

I have caucasian friends that adopted a black baby as an infant. She's now three years old, and they're struggling with her hair. Her hair is 4A/B very coarse, and is about down to her shoulders. They are committed to keeping her natural but are at wits end. Her dad thinks they should cut it short because it's not as difficult to manage, and I am trying to convince them not to but to keep it as is. Being that I haven't ever been natural long enough in my adult life, I feel hard pressed to give them "natural hair education".

So, here's my question. Obviously this board is full of really good information but it's a lot to sift through and there's 'insider banter', and I don't know if they would be able to without feeling frustrated. Are there any good books out there that can get them on the right track and as they become more comfortable I can then introduce them to the board? Or does anyone have compiled notes they are willing to share.

TIA.

 

[Anancy]

When i was a child, all my mum did for my hair was plait it, in was always in plaint, cornrows. She did not relax it or add any extentions and did not apply heat to it.

My hair and scalp was moisterised everyday.

I had healthy thick, soft hair as a child. I guess what im saying is whatever they do make sure that they use protective styles and moisterise her hair. Less munipulation is more i think.

Check out the forum for childrens hair, i bet you could get lots of tips from there.

 

[CarefreeinChicago]

hi

1. Do not comb that baby's hair while dry.
2. Try carols daughter hair products they sell them at sephora.
3. Box braids and leave it alone

That's all I could think of at work.

 

[SNyeema]

Check out the forum for childrens hair, i bet you could get lots of tips from there.

I was going to say the same thing.

 

[Cheleigh]

Here's a link to a few books from Amazon.com on natural hair and kids.
http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Good-Hair-Childrens/dp/0060934875/ref=pd_sim_b_1/103-8869658-4933429

I've heard good things about "Kids Talk Hair" by Pamela Farrell and "It's all Good Hair."

 

[Lusa]

When i was a child, all my mum did for my hair was plait it, in was always in plaint, cornrows. She did not relax it or add any extentions and did not apply heat to it.

My hair and scalp was moisterised everyday.

I had healthy thick, soft hair as a child. I guess what im saying is whatever they do make sure that they use protective styles and moisterise her hair. Less munipulation is more i think.

Check out the forum for childrens hair, i bet you could get lots of tips from there.

I know they have been getting her hair braided which is nice, and I am sure has aided her hair growth, they are just trying to figure out what works when she's not in braids. Moisture is key, and I keep emphasising this. I think what I am going to do is based on the recommendations I get, I will buy the products for her, and write down how they are to be used and give them as a "starter kit".

 

[Lusa]

hi

1. Do not comb that baby's hair while dry.
2. Try carols daughter hair products they sell them at sephora.
3. Box braids and leave it alone

That's all I could think of at work.

Jonah, the dad, is the one that primarily does her hair since he gets the kids ready for school and he says he doesn't comb it when it's dry but wets it with water to make it easier. Cmw45 recommended Stay So Fro as a moisturiser, and maybe he can use this in morning when he's trying to comb her hair.

I will look into Carol's Daughter too.

 

[Lusa]

Here's a link to a few books from Amazon.com on natural hair and kids.
http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Good-Hair-Childrens/dp/0060934875/ref=pd_sim_b_1/103-8869658-4933429

I've heard good things about "Kids Talk Hair" by Pamela Farrell and "It's all Good Hair."

I looked into buying "It's all about hair" when I considered going natural. Thanks for the link, I am going to check this out when I get home.

 

[turnergirl]

There is a forum all about caring for natural children's hair. I will find the address for it. I think twists are a great idea. They are easy to do, they can wash her hair with them in, which is a great idea and take the individual twists down and retwist and detangle it every 2 or 3 weeks.

 

[mahoganee]

Here's a link to a few books from Amazon.com on natural hair and kids.
http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Good-Hair-Childrens/dp/0060934875/ref=pd_sim_b_1/103-8869658-4933429

I've heard good things about "Kids Talk Hair" by Pamela Farrell and "It's all Good Hair."

This is what I was going to recommend also.

 

[ThursdayGirl]

I wouldn't recommend cutting it unless they are going TWA short. Longer hair has more weight and may stretch out more. That said, it might be time for a trim. My comb outs are really good and easy with good ends.