Another Hair Question for a Multi-Racial Child

Jackson has this strangely textured hair that I am not sure how to handle. No, I'm not just some clueless white girl who can't or won't handle some texture. Our boys are white, black, Greek, Italian, and who knows what else... major mutts! (I say that with the utmost love and pride) So, Jack's hair is kind of unusual. The strands are thick, and it is minimally textured, but more textured than mine or my white/black DP's. I can't even really describe his hair.

I have noticed recently that if I bring Jack in the shower with me and my shampoo/conditioner accidentally gets on his hair, it lays better and is much more manageable. However, he's very wiggly and not good about getting his hair washed, so I don't know if I could use "adult" shampoo and conditioner on him, but baby wash just leaves his hair dry and unkempt.

I do not like to use normal brands of shampoo, etc.-- only natural/organic products (I'm not a stickler on everything, but definitely on hair products). Any suggestions for products to use in his hair, or advice as to when to switch him to an adult shampoo?

Thanks for any suggestions about hair in general... not just from multi-racial families!

 

I've had pretty good luck with the California Baby super-sensitive shampoo/wash with K&K -- but, neither of them has particularly challenging hair.

Now, Nadia's hair is another story -- if you get any good responses on this thread, I'll have to try them out! She's got a crazy, curly mop...I only have some non-organic, chemical-laden suggestions for you, LOL.

 

QUOTE(Becca34 @ Nov 24 2008, 09:46 PM) [snapback]1085672[/snapback]
I've had pretty good luck with the California Baby super-sensitive shampoo/wash with K&K -- but, neither of them has particularly challenging hair.


California Baby is what we currently use, and I thought it was fine until I saw and felt his hair after my shampoo & conditioner ran all over his head. *sigh*

 

I've been using MY conditioner on one of my DDs hair since it was SO frizzed (she has super super super fine thick light colored straight hair---looks like a cotton ball puff, only there is SO much of it and it is shoulder length) after sleeping and/or dry feeling. It matts up easily...I am just super careful about rinsing it out and she has learned to lean way back to keep it from her eyes.

It has beeen worth it, all the 'kid' shampoos dont do anything and leave it super ratty & prone to matting when she sleeps. The static flyaway was crazy.


Maybe call a salon and see what they have to offer?!?

 

Sorry Erin, no help here. We just cut it all off- now the shampoo doesn't matter . But yes, I do agree that baby shampoo always left my boys' hair looking a MESS! I always like the "day after" texture better than freshly washed. I actually started adding a moisturizer (adult) after washing just before we cut it.

 

Either the water or the shampoo is drying his hair out. I would recommend you lightly oil his hair (olive oil works great) about a half hour before washing it with his regular shampoo. Adult shampoos are harsh for childrens hair so I would not use that yet.

 

I'm watching for replies on this too.

My boy's hair is a curly frizzy mess. I don't brush it because it looks even worse - I prefer to just leave it but there is nothing you can do with it. He has really tight curls for the most part but of course where he lays down works its way out into just a frizz ball. He has a combo of my DH (who is mixed) and mine (which is just frizzy and curly) hair.

 

I wouldn't use a brush on longer curly hair. I'd use a pick or claw comb, and a little oil like Anne suggested. Trying combing it wet rather than dry.

Another consideration would be how often you wash it. Often curly hair is drier than straight hair, so I would not wash it as often.

I've heard good things about these products.

Here's another company I found. They have a nice detangling comb, and some baby products.

For some reason, my guys have straight hair, right now anyways, so I haven't tried either of these products. I've just heard about them.

 

Okay, my kids have really strange textures based on genealogy (sp??). Anyhow, my kids are now 3 and I switched my daughter to Nexus products and Carol's Daughter. I also used the KeraCare line. Since you like prefer organic, try Carol's Daughter. They sell them it Sephora in the malls or you can get it online. Best of luck!

 

I also have mixed children. My 3 1/2 yr old daughters hair seems to always be dry. I have started using the Panteen for Women of Color (i think thats how its worded on the bottle) I have been told to use Motions products for her. I havent tried it yet, but the hair products I have tried so far have either made her hair greasy/sticky or they make it look soft and manageable for a day and then it starts looking dry again.

Thanks to CarmenandWhitsmom for the location to get Carol's Daughter.

Does anyone know if Curls (mentioned by Sullivanre) is available in any stores?

I'd really like to find something that works for both of my girls. I plan on cutting second DS hair soon, and DS1 likes his hair short too.

 

oh wow they both look good.

think I am going to try the curls brand. thank you!! going to try it for myself as well!!!

 

QUOTE(2plusbgtwins @ Nov 25 2008, 12:12 PM) [snapback]1086202[/snapback]
I also have mixed children. My 3 1/2 yr old daughters hair seems to always be dry. I have started using the Panteen for Women of Color (i think thats how its worded on the bottle) I have been told to use Motions products for her. I havent tried it yet, but the hair products I have tried so far have either made her hair greasy/sticky or they make it look soft and manageable for a day and then it starts looking dry again.

Thanks to CarmenandWhitsmom for the location to get Carol's Daughter.

Does anyone know if Curls (mentioned by Sullivanre) is available in any stores?

I'd really like to find something that works for both of my girls. I plan on cutting second DS hair soon, and DS1 likes his hair short too.



Hi

You need to make sure you use a product that mentions moisturizing on the bottle (trust me). I use Motions and I use Nexus and these work well, for me and my daughter. The boy has a haircut so he is fine. I haven't used the new Panteen line but I couldn't use the other because it would dry out my hair. My mother in law just brought a new line to the house called Eden by Bodyworks (or something close). I haven't tried it but she found it at WalMart.

 

QUOTE(2plusbgtwins @ Nov 25 2008, 12:12 PM) [snapback]1086202[/snapback]
I also have mixed children. My 3 1/2 yr old daughters hair seems to always be dry. I have started using the Panteen for Women of Color (i think thats how its worded on the bottle) I have been told to use Motions products for her. I havent tried it yet, but the hair products I have tried so far have either made her hair greasy/sticky or they make it look soft and manageable for a day and then it starts looking dry again.

Thanks to CarmenandWhitsmom for the location to get Carol's Daughter.

Does anyone know if Curls (mentioned by Sullivanre) is available in any stores?

I'd really like to find something that works for both of my girls. I plan on cutting second DS hair soon, and DS1 likes his hair short too.



Hi

You need to make sure you use a product that mentions moisturizing on the bottle (trust me). I use Motions and I use Nexus and these work well, for me and my daughter. The boy has a haircut so he is fine. I haven't used the new Panteen line but I couldn't use the other because it would dry out my hair. My mother in law just brought a new line to the house called Eden by Bodyworks (or something close). I haven't tried it but she found it at WalMart.

 

It looks like you are dealing with the complexities of multi-textured hair, and it can definitely take some trial and error to figure out what works best. For your son's hair, you may want to try natural, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that focus on moisture. Brands like SheaMoisture or Cantu have good products for textured hair, and they offer gentle options that could be great for his unique texture. MyHeritage reviews also highlight the importance of embracing natural products, which could align well with your preference for organic options. You could also consider using a leave-in conditioner to help keep his hair moisturized and manageable without weighing it down.