Special Request: Growing and caring for African American babies hair...

I've actually had more than a few moms of newborn girls or toddlers inquire on the best method of growing their babies hair. Honestly, in my opinion if you do little to nothing the hair will grow but knowing what I know now there are a few changes I would make had I known better when my baby girl was an infant. Without further ado, let's dive right in!

Just as our hair requires moisture to grow so does an infants. With that said avoid washing their little heads daily, infants don't require that much washing. You may want to reserve washing for once a week with an all natural baby shampoo, adult shampoos contain harsh sulfates and a different pH balance, so steer clear of those. Also there is no need to work the shampoo into a massive lather of bubbles, the key here is gently washing the babes hair and following with an all natural conditioner. I've heard good things about Cara B Naturally, which host a full line including shampoo, conditioner and a leave in. Shea Moistures Olive and Marula Head to Toe shampoo and lotion host a list of yummy ingredients and without getting into too much detail on products let's not forget the most moisturizing (and free) ingredient of all - water. Lightly spraying water onto your babies hair and sealing with a light oil such as coconut is a great alternative to experimenting with products. You may want to try this route and progress to adding products as your babies hair changes, if necessary of course. Finally please remember moisture is not grease! Moisture is found it water or the use of water based leave in conditioners, see my post on moisturizing and sealing for more details on the subject. You can apply moisture by spraying water before your style then sealing with a natural butters or coconut oil. Also as your baby grows begin to seek a water based all natural leave in such as the products mentioned above but that option can be reserved for further down the road when you get into really styling your toddlers hair.

If growth is really the goal avoid brushing and always use a soft baby brush when doing so, just as less manipulation helps promote growth with our hair the same holds true for babies. Also avoid rubber bands, those adorable headbands and pulling your babies hair into a tight ponytail for styling. In fact unless you have a special occasion or pictures daily brushing and styling should be avoided.

I want to take a small time out to give some attention to a condition that must be handled differently in most cases with black babies. In terms of cradle cap washing daily with a treatment shampoo is typically not a good option on black hair, no matter the age. I've read great reviews on Gentle Naturals Cradle Cap Treatment. The ingredients in Gentle Naturals definitely look appealing and moisturizing. Also, applying coconut oil before shampooing your infants head and again after washing has also had positive effects in curing cradle cap based on my research. I am not a physician of course, not even a licensed cosmetologist but because African American hair requires different elements for growth that's what I research and that is what I encourage you to do also.

As your baby grows into a toddler the same principles hold true, weekly washing, conditioning and moisturizing and sealing. As you become more tempted to style try experimenting with styles that don't stress their tiny hair follicles, I've seen a plethora of adorable styles that revolve around different variations of two strand twist. I've also seen a great deal of women in the hair community grow their toddlers hair to waist length and beyond by remaining gentle and holding true to utilizing the same principles we utilize on our hair on a smaller, gentler scale. The primary takeaway to keep at the fore front of your mind is African American hair must have moisture to thrive, also less manipulation and avoiding tight styles encourage growth. I hope this tidbit of information is helpful in caring for your babies hair, it's really quite simple when it comes down to it, less is more in hair growth!