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please educate me

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m&mmom View Drop Down
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    Posted: April 28 2006 at 3:53pm

I am a white mother of 2 biracial children.  I need as much advice as possible on how to manage my son's african american locks.  Unfortunately my husband isn't much help, he's been a baldy for the last 20 years and would love to take the clippers to our boy's head if I would let him. 

So my son's hair is a couple inches long and I just let it do the natural thing right now, mainly because I don't want to cut it short and I don't know anything else to do.  I'd like to keep it on the longer side but right now it's kinda out of control and growing every which way.  As far as hair care and products I'm clueless, everytime I go to the store I buy something new.  You should see how many creams, oils, and conditioners I own.  Many $$$'s worth.

So here are my questions:

I only wash his hair a couple times a week and use a baby shampoo followed by a deep conditioner each time.  Sometimes I use a hot oil treatment.  Is this right?

As for daily maintenance, I either spray it with a leave in conditioner for african american hair or I rub in some sort of moisturizing cream.  Are there any particular ingredients I should be looking for. 

What is hair cholesterol and should we be using it?

Right now we try to style his hair in a cute 'fro.  I just kinda pick it out til it's even all around but it's a battle trying to get all the tangles out.  My husband says I'm breaking the hair when I do this and to just let the curls be, but when I do the curls get packed to his head and the rest is a big frizzy mess.  What's up with that?

How do I get those cute little twisty dreads? 

Somebody please help me out.  We live in a predominantly white community and I want my son to be proud of his ethnic hair.  I've got to get this hair thing down so he doesn't go to preschool looking like a bird has nested on top of his head.

Thanks, M&MMom

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carameldiva View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carameldiva Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 28 2006 at 6:57pm
ok- i'm gonna reccommend using castile soap instead of baby shampoo. You can find castile soap at your local trader joe's in the health and beauty section or you can order online i like getting mine at www.drwoodsproducts.com or www.myvitanet.com . Make sure that you condition afterwards- i like alberto v05, any trader joe's conditioner or saloncare (sally's). Deep conditioning- i use queen helene's cholesterol. To detangle i use dollar general or cvs hair detangler. I do agree with your husband on leaving the curls be- just finger comb them- don't pick them out- it will break the hair off. Oil his scalp and hair with olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil or castor oil.  Leave in suggestions- Aussie hair insurance, Infusium 23 frizz control or a homemade mixture of 2 oz of glycerin and the rest water.  Hope this helps.
Me and you, your cousin and your momma too rollin on da strip on bow's
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Pokahontas View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Pokahontas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 29 2006 at 8:58am

First of all I commend you on learning about your children's hair needs.  I would cut out the baby shampoo because it can be very hars and stripping.  I would suggest Creme of Nature because it dosen't have harsh detergents in it and it is very detangling. 

Cholesterol is a deep conditioner that will help in moisturizing the hair.  I use Lekair cholesterol plus.

For daily maintenance just make sure to moisturize with a creamy moisturizer....preferably one that is free of mineral oil or petroleum because they coat the hair and prevent moisture from getting in, eventually leading to dry hair.  You can follow up with an oil to lock in moisture.  Oils don't provide moisture so many people use them as a "sealant" for their moisturizer.  Extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil should do the job fine and Cantu is a good moisturizer that dosen't have mineral oil or petroleum in it.

I don't think picking his hair out will do harm, just detangle carefully w/ a wide tooth comb and if needed a detangler. 

I'm not sure which kind of twists you are talking about but you could try using a moisturizer or some type of styling product and taking small sections of hair, twist them around w/ your fingers for a more textured look. HTH

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Renata22 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Renata22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 29 2006 at 9:16pm

My son is biracial, but has my curly dry hair, but in a fine texture more like his father's.

I've been using Elasta QP mango butter to moisturize his hair after I wash it with creme of nature for dry/damaged hair, and it makes his hair curl beautifully and it's really moisturizing.

Hair type: who knows?
Length: 23 inches as of 3/10/06
MY HAIR IS OFFICIALLY BRA STRAP LENGTH!!
Goal: Waist Length, which is only 30 inches so
ADVISE ME ON HOW TO GET JUST 7 MORE INCHES OF GROWTH!
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Renee View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Renee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 29 2006 at 11:08pm
yes, i agree. let the curls be and dont comb (manipulate) his hair too much
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merisit View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote merisit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 30 2006 at 1:06am

I agree with Pokahontas... Creme of Nature is a good shampoo.

I also recommend that you go to sally's; they have this line called Silk Elements.  It's the best line in the store and all races of people use this line. 

None of their moisturizers have pretroleum, mineral oil, lanolin or the like that isn't good for the hair.

In fact, they have a line especially for children (Silken Child).  And their moisturizer has coconut oil in it.  Its very thick and creamy and I highly recommend it.

They also have a great detangler in the Silken Child line.  I believe you will like this line.

*And remember, its easier to comb through the hair when its wet (with something).

Hope That Helps!   Good Luck!

Natural since: Spring 00'
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