I recently hosted a Mastering Adult Tight & Kids Curls Q&A, and the questions were incredible. So many caregivers and curlfriends asked things that I know will help others on their curly hair journeys, so I’m sharing them here!
If you've ever wondered about heat styling, product choices, moisture retention, detangling techniques, or best practices for adult and kids’ curly hair, you’ll likely find the answers below. Let’s dive in!
Heat Styling & Damage Prevention
1. What should I put in my hair to protect it from heat styling?
Solution: Always use a heat protectant. It acts as a barrier to minimize heat damage, but no product can fully prevent damage from excessive heat styling and chemical treatments.
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Moisturizing treatments are essential for keeping the hair healthy.
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Overuse of keratin/protein treatments can cause breakage, so balance is key.
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Hair typing alone (like 3b) doesn’t tell us enough—you also need to consider density, porosity, surface texture, and strand size.
Product Use & Selection
2. Can I use a conditioner that isn’t labeled for curly hair?
Solution: Absolutely! What matters is how the product performs on the hair, not the label. If it hydrates and detangles well, keep using it!
3. How often should I wash and moisturize my hair?
Solution: Every 4-7 days for optimal moisture retention.
Detangling & Styling for Kids
4. Detangling still hurts my daughter. What am I doing wrong?
Solution: Proper technique is key:
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Use a detangling brush, not a wide-tooth comb.
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Apply moisture first (leave-in conditioner, water, or conditioner).
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Work in small sections, ends to roots.
5. Does the Home Hair Care Academy cover braiding?
Solution: Yes! Our Teach Me How to Braid Masterclass covers braiding techniques and how to maintain braids.
6. Which Tangle Teezer should I use for biracial curls?
Solution: Choose based on hair behavior:
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Loose to medium curls → Straight to Curly version.
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Tighter/coily curls → Curly to Coily version.
Trims & Haircuts for Kids
7. When should I cut my toddler’s hair?
Solution: When styling/detangling becomes challenging—not just because it’s tangled. First curly cut is usually between ages 2-5.
8. Can I use products on my toddler under age 2?
Solution: Stick to baby wash and leave-in conditioner. Early exposure to certain products can lead to sensitivities.
Nighttime & Sleep Protection
9. Should kids sleep with silk or satin bonnets?
Solution: Depends on the child and their curl type:
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Tight curls: Use a scarf or hair tube (not a bonnet).
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Loose curls: A bonnet may work, but daily care is often needed.
Hair Care for Biracial & Mixed Kids
10. How can I start learning about caring for my biracial baby’s hair?
Solution: Start early!
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Gently rub their hair during washes.
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Speak positive affirmations about their hair.
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Use a two-in-one baby wash.
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Brush with a baby brush.
11. My daughter’s hair seems thick, but her strands are fine. What’s the best moisture method?
Solution: Avoid LOC method—it often leads to buildup. Instead:
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Cleanse weekly with a quality shampoo.
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Use lightweight leave-in conditioners.
Hair Growth & Retention
12. My hair won’t grow past shoulder length. What am I doing wrong?
Solution: Growth is genetic, but retention is in your control:
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Weekly cleansing & conditioning.
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Regular moisture & trims.
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Avoiding excessive tension & dryness.
13. How can I keep my daughter’s hair stretched without protective styling?
Solution: Shrinkage is normal. Instead of stretching, focus on hydration and moisture balance.
Styling & Protective Styles
14. Should I put gel in my 4-year-old’s hair?
Solution: Yes! Gel helps hold styles and define curls. Just choose one that washes out easily.
15. My toddler’s hair rubs off on the sides. How do I help it grow back?
Solution: No intervention is needed! This is natural friction, and it will grow back on its own.
Product Buildup & Detoxing
16. How do I remove product buildup?
Solution:
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Cleanse weekly with a moisturizing shampoo.
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Use a clarifying shampoo once a month.
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Avoid aggressively stripping the hair—it should be removed gradually.
Miscellaneous Hair Questions
17. What’s the best way to wash hair with added braids?
Solution:
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Dilute shampoo and focus on the scalp.
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Moisturize with leave-in conditioner.
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Set with heat to control frizz.
18. Should I be using a hair steamer?
Solution:
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Yes, if the hair is chronically dry.
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No, if moisture levels are already balanced.
19. My daughter wants to wear her braids all week. Is that okay?
Solution: Yes! Weekly braiding is fine as long as moisture is maintained.
Caring for curly hair doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding what your hair needs, and why, is the foundation for healthy curls.
This is exactly what I teach inside Home Hair Care Academy so you can finally feel confident in your routine.