How To Wash and Style Children’s Curly Hair

Caring for your child’s curly hair is a wonderful journey, whether you have curls yourself or your kid has inherited them from a relative. Every curl pattern is unique, and embracing their natural texture from a young age helps build confidence and a positive relationship with their hair.

Let’s explore the basics of washing, detangling and styling your child’s curly hair, keeping it as stress-free as possible. It really is possible to have tantrum-free wash days when you have curly-haired kids and we’re going to show you how. 

The most important thing to remember is that children’s hair, like their skin, is delicate and often weaker than adult hair. It requires gentle treatment, simple routines and the right curly hair products to keep it healthy, happy and looking its best. Bouclème’s range is chemical-free and made out of natural and nourishing ingredients that are gentle on the skin, making it ideal for kids. Plus, we really do get curls, both big and small. 

Why gentle is best for children’s curly hair products

Kids’ hair changes as they grow. Right up to around the age of 12, it’s still developing, so it’s really important to look after it. Curly hair, which is naturally prone to dryness, needs even more TLC. 

You’ve probably heard of paraben-free and sulphate-free shampoos, but do you know why you should avoid them, especially when it comes to your children’s curly hair? 

Parabens are preservatives added to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould, extending the shelf life of products. Meanwhile, sulphates are chemicals that remove dirt, grease and other impurities, creating that bubbly lather we all know. However, their aggressive cleaning action isn’t good news for your locks, let alone your children’s. Going chemical-free and ditching the stripping sulphates found in traditional shampoos really is a no-brainer. 

Many children have sensitive skin and are allergic to perfumes and essential oils. Opting for fragrance-free products that are dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types is another way to ensure your child doesn’t have to suffer when it comes to keeping their curls bouncy and clean. 

But before we dive into how to wash and style your young one’s curly hair, we need to establish what type of curls they have. 

Understanding your child’s curls

Just like adults, children’s curly hair varies widely. Some have tight coils, while others have loose waves. Understanding your child's curl type and hair porosity (how it reacts to moisture) will help you choose the right children’s curly hair products and styling techniques. Is their hair fine or thick? Does it tend to be dry or oily? Observing their hair’s natural characteristics is the first step to successful curly hair care. 

Do your child’s curls always feel dry, no matter how much moisture you treat it to? Does their hair take forever to get wet and then dry again? If that’s the case, they might have low porosity hair. 

Or maybe your little one has curls that tangle easily or become frizzy the second there’s a hint of moisture in the air. Is it dry, brittle and prone to snapping? Does it become wet quickly in the shower but is equally fast to dry? Then have a read of our guide to high porosity hair to find out how to look after it. 

Wash day routine: simply does it

Washing curly hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. For most children with curly hair, washing one to two times a week is more than enough. Obviously, if they come home from school covered in paint, you may have to do a third wash. That’s fine, as long as when wash day arrives you opt for a gentle, hydrating shampoo like Bouclème's Hydrating Hair Cleanser. This hair wash foams gently, effectively cleansing the hair without harsh sulphates that can irritate sensitive scalps. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Here are our four Cs to making the most of your child’s hair wash day:

1. Completely wet the hair

Make sure you thoroughly wet your child's hair with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can be drying. The wetter the hair, the more likely it will absorb the nourishing products. 

2. Cleanse with caution

You only need to apply a small amount to the scalp and gently massage it in. Focus on cleansing the scalp, as this is where most of the dirt and buildup happens. The gentle foam will cleanse the rest of the hair as you rinse.

3. Condition to the max

Follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the scalp, before gently brushing it, preferably with our Wide Tooth Comb or our Detangling Wet Brush designed for wet hair. 

Detangling children's curly hair can be a battle, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to be patient and gentle. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots, gently removing any knots or tangles. Applying a generous amount of conditioner during this process will make detangling much easier. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing. 

4. Cool rinse at the end

Rinse the hair again with cool water. This helps to seal the cuticle and add shine. If your kid isn’t itching to get out of the bath, this is the time to scrunch in a leave-in conditioner like our bestselling Curl Cream for added definition and bouncy, velvety curls.  

School days = time for styling

Most kids will enjoy the freedom of wearing their hair loose at the weekend or during the holidays, and we’re more than OK with that. But on school days, they might want to opt for protective styles such as braids, twists and ponytails to keep their hair neater and tangle-free for longer and reduce refreshing time in the morning.

Our top tip? Embrace the natural texture of the curls, don’t try to fight it.  

Here’s a simple styling routine. 

Scrunch

With hair still wet from washing, scrunch the hair upwards from the ends to the roots, squishing in the Curl Cream. This helps to encourage curl formation and reduce frizz. Follow up with our Curl Defining Gel to smooth curls and add definition.

Plop

Avoid drying your child’s hair with regular bath towels, or even the softer baby towels, as they are too harsh on the hair. Instead, simply get them to bend their heads forward and gently lower their curls into either a cotton t-shirt or our microfibre Curl Towel. When you wrap it up, their hair will be safely piled up, which will help keep those gorgeous ringlets intact. 

Air dry or diffuse

After about 20 minutes of plopping, you can allow the hair to air dry naturally, or use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer if you’re late for the school run. Diffusing helps to distribute the heat evenly. 

Leave those curls alone

Resist the urge to touch your child’s hair while it's drying. This can disrupt the curl pattern.

Tie it up

One of the easiest ways to protect your child's curly hair is to tie it up. This is especially important at night. Lightly dampen hair with warm water, add a touch of leave-in conditioner, and then secure it before bedtime with a silk scrunchie or try a bonnet for kids. Even a simple pineapple or ponytail will prevent morning knots, tangles and matting. 

How to know when to cut curly hair

Trimming your child’s curly hair is an important step to maintaining their curls healthy and bouncy. But knowing when to go for a trim is nuanced. Forget the usual eight-to-12-week rule – with curly hair, if it looks good and feels healthy, you’re all set. 

But here’s what to look for to determine when it might be time to go for a cut. Are you seeing split ends? Has styling become a struggle? Notice more of those tiny knots? If their hair is longer, does it look uneven due to breakage? These are all signs that a trim is in order. 

Top tips for looking after your child’s curly hair

• Skip the harsh shampoos: sulphates and parabens are a no-go.

• Don’t over-wash: it dries out those precious curls.

• Reduce high heat styling: focus on embracing the natural texture of your child’s hair.

• Never brush dry curly hair: you don’t want to mess up the curl patterns, plus it leads to more breakage.  

• Get regular trims: a good cut defines curls and prevents tangles.

• Find a curl-savvy hairdresser: they know the best styles for different curl types.

• Build a routine: consistency is key for happy curls.

• Be patient and gentle: involve your child in the process.

Let’s grow a generation of curl champions

If you’re a mum or a dad who has grown up with curly hair, you understand it can take time to fall in love with your curls. Maybe you've had to learn to love your hair as it is and how it is part of your identity. 

Well, we think curls should be celebrated and the way you talk about your child’s curls is the first step on that journey. 

Avoid negative comments – kids remember them. Instead, celebrate their beautiful natural texture. Gentle handling, loving care and positive words teach kids to love their curls. Encourage your child to experiment with different styles and to look after their natural hair as a priority. If they’re keen to use straighteners, just make sure to use a heat protectant like our Curl Defence Spray. Above all, speak kindly about their curls, because your words become their inner voice.

There is simply nothing cuter than a kid who rocks their curls. With a few simple tricks and the right children's curly hair products, you can help your little one love their natural texture and keep their hair healthy and gorgeous. Just remember, every child’s hair is different, so be patient and try different things until you find the perfect curl routine. Making haircare a fun and positive experience will help them embrace their beautiful, wavy locks.

If you’re new to Bouclème, our Starter Kit is a cost-effective way to try out our curly hair products and discover what works best for your child’s unique curls. Our fragrance-free range is another option if your child has sensitive skin.