We all want our kids to look their best, but it feels a bit weird to start using tons of products on our little ones' heads.  We get it!  There’s no need to overdo it when it comes to grooming a child or toddler but, at the same time, there are a few simple products that are specially formulated to get the job done when it comes to styling and taming kids waves or curls. The key is to avoid heavy products made for adults. They not only weight down thin hair but often contain irritating chemicals that you want to avoid.

Choosing Curly Hair Care Products for Kids

Leave-In Conditioners for Kids:

- When it comes to curly or wavy hair kids, leave-in conditioners are a mainstay.  They moisturize and detangle waves and curls without being too heavy.

- Stick with products that are made up of natural ingredients and no chemicals. These products are generally much less harsh on the hair and provide your child’s locks with more of what they need, rather than stripping them down.

- For very young kids, a lightweight leave-in conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle and applied to hair ends works wonders for fine strands. This way the hair stays moisturized but is not weighed down. 

- Check out our Daily Cleanse Multi-Tasker Spray—the perfect, lightweight, leave in conditioner spray that detangles, softens, and helps control frizz. 

Styling Spray Gels for Curly Hair:

- Gels aid in curl definition and frizz reduction but remember to pick up formulas without alcohol that are non-drying. One of our most popular products is our Curly Q Styling Gel because it does a great job controlling frizz while keeping it crunch free. 

- Most important thing to remember is to apply gel when your hair is wet or damp because it traps in moisture​ to ensure that you get good curl definition.

Curl Refresher Sprays for Wavy Curly Hair:

- Refresher sprays are essential as they offer a way to refresh kids curls quickly without having to re-wash and style all over again. That helps you save time and avoid washing your hair as often since the latter can be drying.

- Curl refreshers work to replenish the dry, frizzy curls or waves that may have dried in your sleep or throughout the day. This extra moisture contributes to bringing your curls back to life and helps fight off that dryness.

- The very best curl refresher sprays are formulated with ingredients that perform double duty to calm frizz and seal down the hair cuticle for more polished-looking curls.

- Choose something with hold to help reset those curls that have either gone wonky or flat. They provide just enough moisture, and some light hold to get your curls back into action.

Click to discover your new favorite products for your kids wavy curly hair. 

How to Style Kids Wavy Hair

 Detangling and Moisturizing:

- Hair should be damp and conditioned for easiest detangling.  This will prevent breakage and reduce the amount of frizz. Finger combing or wide tooth combs are better options versus using brushes.

- Add a mild routine including misting hair with water and conditioner or curl refresher spray in the mornings to revive curls from bedhead.

Keep Kids Curls While They Sleep:

- A few steps at bedtime will help you spend less of your morning time “doing the do”. Sleeping in a satin hair bonnet keeps your hair both tangle and frizz-free throughout the night.

- Another option is a silk or satin pillowcase, which will also keep frizz and tangles at bay by minimizing friction. They even tend to help protect the natural oils in the hair as well.

Product Application:

- Make sure to rake in leave-in conditioners, gels and refresher sprays to soaking wet hair for the most defined, frizz free curls.

- And then do not forget to scrunch the hair after applying the products.

Curly Hair Care for Toddlers

Gentle Formulations:

Children have sensitive scalps, and their soft skin is a sponge for anything you apply to the hair.  That’s why the biggest concern most moms have is using products that contain harsh chemicals.   At the very least, you want to stay away from any products that contain sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.  Moreover, premium brands will also screen the food allergens such as nuts and soy along with GMOs.   It may sound silly, but make sure the products you use say “FOR KIDS”.  Or, better yet, use a product line that focuses exclusively on kids’ products.  These companies will not only have a better understanding of the ingredients but also have the testing methods in place to ensure their standards are met.  

Routine Simplicity:

A simple and manageable wavy or curly hair care routine is the key to success. Also, young children are not big fans of messy hair products, so overloading them with too many treatments is a no-go. When using multiple hair products, it is important to also be using a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any excess product buildup.

Encouraging Self-Care:

Making sure that kids love and care for their curls is not only possible but can also enhance the children grooming habits. Involve them in the routine, so this becomes a learning process that makes it fun for kids. Making sure that kids love and care for their curls not only helps grooming habits, but involving them in the routine makes it a fun experience that helps them learn their hair type, instills self-confidence, and teaches self-love.

Fairy Tales Hair Care is Here To Help You!

Adhering to these guidelines and using the correct products, will keep your child's wavy or curly hair looking healthy, strong, and manageable for styling.  For over 20 years Fairy Tales has specialized in children’s hair care, which is why we developed our premium specialty line of Curly-Q just for curly wavy hair.  

If you’re not already subscribed opt-in here for updates on the latest curly hair tips, products, and special offers!