Caring for Your African American or Biracial Child's Hair

Mahisha Dellinger is President/CEO of CURLS, a line of hair care products developed specifically for bi/multiracial women and girls. Her own Creole-Black heritage spurred her interest, and the result is two groups of products (Curls and Curly Qs), and a wealth of knowledge she is sharing with us in a series of articles offering hands-on assistance.

Caring for your angel's tresses can be a daunting experience, but it doesn't have to be. Armed with the proper education, the right technique, and, most importantly, the right products – you can master the art of caring for ethnic hair.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with hair. Because my hair was easy to manage, I began styling my own hair at an early age. Using my long locks, I taught myself how to french braid and soon became a styling expert (or so I thought). As I matured, my interest in healthy Black hair peaked. I learned which hair care ingredients were good for my hair type and which ingredients were not. I learned how to shampoo, condition, and properly handle my hair. Most importantly, I learned to love my hair. With the proper care, your child will love his/her hair too!

Over the years I've read, seen, and experienced unbelievable acts of ignorance regarding ethnic hair care. It is my attempt to provide a few basic tips and tricks so you will avoid common pitfalls.

What You Need to Know

• Black hair is extremely fragile. A gentle touch is required to avoid unnecessary breakage and hair loss; therefore, always use a wide-tooth comb or pick when combing the hair. Avoid fine-tooth combs as they snag and pull out curly/kinky hair. Invest in a quality brush; natural boar brushes are the best.
• Curly/kinky hair needs moisture, moisture, and more moisture! Consider this when purchasing hair care products. Avoid drying products such as hair spray, mousse, holding gels, etc. Opt for moisturizers, leave-in conditioners, and styling lotions.
• All products are not created equal. Just because a product claims to be created for "curly hair" doesn't guarantee that it will be suitable for ethnic curly hair. Products created for Nicole Kidman's curly hair may not work for Angela Bassett's. Caucasian hair tends to produce more sebum (oily secretion created by the sebaceous gland) than Black textured hair; therefore, Black hair requires more oil. Read, no, scrutinize the ingredient list. Look for natural oils and quality ingredients. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume.

• Wide-tooth comb or pick... the wider the better (Goody has a variety of combs available at most grocery stores)
• Natural bristle brush (The Body Shop has a nice selection of brushes)
• Hydrating shampoo (try Curly Qs Hydrating Shampoo)
• Moisturizing Conditioner (try Curly Qs Coconut Dream Conditioner)
• A daily moisturizer – this will add needed moisture, and ease combability (Moist Curls is a great daily moisturizer)