Embracing and Caring for Mixed-Textured Hair
By Delia Douglas Haight
As a mother of a multiracial child, I’ve learned that raising my beautiful little one involves a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and daily practices. One of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects has been understanding and caring for her mixed-textured hair. It's a journey of love, learning, and embracing her unique identity.
Embracing the Journey
From the moment I first laid eyes on my daughter, I knew that her hair was a crown she would wear with pride. Her curls, waves, and kinks tell a story of her rich heritage and diverse roots. But, with this beautiful hair came the responsibility of understanding how to care for it properly. It’s more than just a routine; it’s about teaching her to love and cherish every strand that makes her unique.
Understanding Mixed-Textured Hair
Mixed-textured hair can vary greatly from one child to another, even within the same family. It can range from loose waves to tight curls and everything in between. The key to managing this hair type is understanding its unique needs. Mixed-textured hair often requires more moisture, gentle handling, and specific products designed to enhance its natural beauty.
Building a Hair Care Routine
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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Mixed-textured hair tends to be drier and more prone to tangling. A good leave-in conditioner and regular deep conditioning treatments are essential. On wash day we use CurlyKids HairCare Detangling Shampoo, Dentangling Conditioner followed up with Deep Conditioner to seal in moisture and keep her hair hydrated.
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Gentle Detangling
Detangling can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it becomes manageable. A wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush works wonders. Always start detangling from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage. I find that detangling her hair while it's wet and saturated with a conditioner that has “SLIP” to it makes the process much easier and less painful. A new product that is great is CurlyBaby Curly Detangler.
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Protective Styles
Protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns help in minimizing breakage
and keeping the hair manageable. These styles also reduce the time spent on daily styling,
giving us more quality time together. Plus, they are a beautiful way to celebrate her heritage.
Teaching Self-Love and Confidence
One of the most important aspects of caring for my daughter's mixed-textured hair is teaching her to love and embrace it. I want her to see her hair as a beautiful part of her identity, not something to be tamed or altered. We spend time together exploring different hairstyles, learning about the history and significance of various hair traditions, and celebrating her unique beauty.
Learning and Growing Together
As a mom, I’m constantly learning. I’ve joined online communities, read countless blogs, and watched numerous tutorials to educate myself about mixed-textured hair care. Additionally, I’ve found a sense of community in connecting with brands like CurlyKids, CurlyBaby and CurlyChic that share similar values and provide products for us, by us (plus the events and workshops they host are great for networking and so fun). I’ve also learned to listen to my daughter,
understanding her preferences and what makes her feel comfortable and confident.
Celebrating Heritage
Hair care is a powerful way to connect with and celebrate our family's diverse heritage. Whether it's through trying traditional hairstyles, using products that reflect our cultural roots, or sharing stories about our ancestors, we are continuously weaving a rich tapestry of love and identity.
Raising a multiracial child with mixed-textured hair has been a journey filled with love, learning, and growth. It’s about more than just managing hair; it’s about fostering self-love, confidence, and a deep appreciation for our unique heritage. Every curl, wave, and kink is a testament to the beauty of diversity, and as a mom, it’s my joy and privilege to help my daughter embrace it fully.
In this journey, remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is the love, patience, and commitment you bring to your child’s unique hair care routine. Together, we can celebrate and nurture the beautiful tapestry of our children’s identities, one strand at a time.
