Hair is much more than just strands that grow out of your scalp. Our hair is a reflection of our culture, individuality and personality. For our young girls as they grow older, navigating the beauty standards can be confusing. By encouraging them to love their hair when they are younger, they will develop a positive relationship as they grow up. This will be empowering for her as she learns to embrace and love her hair whether it's kinky/coily/curly. As a parent, your influence is crucial in teaching your daughter about how to care, style and embrace her hair. Here are four ways to encourage your daughter(s) to love their hair:
1. Teach her about hair types
1. Teach her about hair types
Start with the basics of hair care by explaining the different hair type such as straight, wavy, curly, coily or kinky. You can teach her about her specific hair type and it's characteristics that makes her hair unique. You can discuss how genetics plays a role in her hair texture and type. Additionally, the routine that her parents/guardians with hair products and techniques that will nourish the scalp, promote hair growth and retain.
2. Teach her the benefits of each product
Using hair products is the key to maintaining the health of the hair. When your daughter understands the purpose of each product and the benefits for her hair, she will be more likely to use them. During wash days, introduce her to common hair care products such as shampoo, conditioners, leave-ins and oils and the function of each.
Strengthen Shampoo - Cleanses the scalp and hair of dirt and excess oils
Replenish Conditioner - Moisturizes the hair and detangles the hair
Leave - In Treatments - Provides additional moisture throughout the week
Oils - Promotes hair growth, adds sheen, and reduces frizz.
3. Involving her in the Wash Day Routine.
You should make the wash day an engaging experience. With her participating in the wash day routine, it will be a fun and bonding experience. Your daughter can help you pump the products into her hair or apply them along the hair shaft. As well as, using the tools to help detangle, massage the scalp or even section the hair. This will allow your daughter will develop practical skills and a sense of ownership over her hair care. In addition, it helps her understand how to care for her hair and builds her confidence.
You should make the wash day an engaging experience. With her participating in the wash day routine, it will be a fun and bonding experience. Your daughter can help you pump the products into her hair or apply them along the hair shaft. As well as, using the tools to help detangle, massage the scalp or even section the hair. This will allow your daughter will develop practical skills and a sense of ownership over her hair care. In addition, it helps her understand how to care for her hair and builds her confidence.
4. Encouraging Her To Choose Her Own Hairstyles
Allowing your daughter to choose her own hairstyles can boost not only her confidence but her self expression as well. She may want to experiment with simple styles such as braids or elaborate styles such as cornrows. She can even choose different accessories such as ribbons, hair ties, head bands, bubbles, clips and much more. Encourage her to try out new looks through hair styling tutorials, their imagination or hairstyles they saw in the public.
Helping our black girls love their hair involves more than just teaching her out to care for it, it's about building her confidence, self esteem and expression. By educating her about her hair, you're laying the foundation for her to learn how to grow, manage and take care of the health of her hair throughout her life. In addition, the knowledge of how to care for black hair and the best products are passed unto another generation.
