African American Newborn Hair Care
Haircare as an adult can already be an intense journey but what about lovely little newborns who are just starting out? Babies are very sensitive, especially to chemicals and fragrances so we can’t always apply what works for us on still-developing skulls. Fortunately, with the right attention to ingredients and a gentle hand, your newborn’s hair journey can start smoothly and beautifully.
Read on for the best products and tips for taking care of your baby’s natural hair.
1Black Baby Hair Care Tips
Don’t get too attached to your newborn’s hair straight away. It’s very common for babies to shed a lot of the hair they were born with in the first six months but it will grow back. Their hair is very delicate in the beginning as it grows into the texture and curl pattern they may have for the rest of their lives so it is very important to always be gentle when taking care of your baby’s tresses.
You don’t need to wash your baby’s hair every day. Washing once a week is suitable, with a shampoo specifically formulated for sensitive baby skin, and the rest of the week you can just run a little warm water through their scalp for moisture. Dry your baby’s hair with a soft towel or a cotton t-shirt as their strands can be damaged by too much friction or roughness. You should massage the baby’s scalp every so often with a baby moisturizer is a great way to stimulate blood circulation, promote growth and ensure strong strands. Use a gentle hand and go slowly, use this as a time to bond with your baby even. From there, always use soft-bristled brushes or wide tooth combs for delicate detangling.
It’s advised that you avoid styling in the first six months so save the braids, ponytails and anything that will pull on their scalps until they’re approaching twelve months. After that period, always tie your baby’s hair up loosely and opt for accessories that won’t irritate their skin.
2Baby Satin Bonnet
When they’re not keeping you up at night, babies spend most of their nights sleeping on their backs. This can cause friction and breakage at the back of their heads. Using a toddler-sized satin bonnet can prevent this. The elastic is encased inside the bonnet to protect your baby’s delicate skin.
3Satin Pillowcase
Perfectly travel-sized, this baby pillowcase can be used in the cot, in the car or wherever else you go. The soft satin will protect your baby’s hair and skin from the friction and roughness that could lead to breakage and bald spots.
4Nylon Baby Brush Set
This eco-friendly brush set is designed with nylon bristles which, unlike natural fiber bristles, won’t end up shedding into your baby’s mouth or eyes. The wide-set soft bristles will detangle hair without pulling too hard on your child’s scalp.
5SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Extra Nourishing Shampoo
Specifically formulated for young, textured hair, this SheaMoisture baby shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens and mineral oils. The carrot oil promotes growth, the mango butter leaves hair silky and orange blossom soothes sensitive scalps. It’s recommended that you don’t wash your bay’s hair too often as this can dry it out. For already dry hair, washing less will allow for oils to travel through the hand strands easier.
6Burt’s Bees Calming Baby Shampoo
Turn bath time into bonding time with this plant-based shampoo by Burt’s Bees. Gentle and non-irritating, you and your baby can enjoy peaceful scalp massages with the security of knowing that no dangerous chemicals like parabens and sulfates are present. It also doubles as a body soap for the days when you are not cleansing your baby’s hair. On these days, running a little warm water over your baby’s head will suffice.
7Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract, Tear-Free & Lightly Scented
This highly rated Aveeno baby shampoo has powerhouse ingredients such as glycerin and oat kernel extract. These ingredients are great for soothing irritation and providing moisture. The formula in this shampoo also contains the five vital elements found in healthy skin: lipids, antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and enzymes resulting in perfectly healthy skin and hair for your little one.
8Shea Moisture Calm and Comfort Raw Shea Chamomile and Argan Oil Baby Head to Toe Wash Shampoo and Healing Lotion
This combination hair and body wash is great for keeping your baby’s skin smooth, soft and, most importantly, free from any irritation. The raw shea butter and argan oil will provide and retain moisture and the chamomile extract will provide a calming effect that makes it perfect for everyday use.
9Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Baby Oil Rub
An amazing SheaMoiusture Baby Oil! Vitamin E is great for promoting hair growth in babies which you will find lots of in this oil rub along with argan oil and shea butter. These essential oils along with the honeysuckle, Frankincense, and Myrrh will also relax your baby’s muscles and calm your baby overall.
10Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Baby Conditioner
Fortunately, newborn babies don’t have a curl type yet but they can always benefit from products with rich, natural oils. Made of coconut oil, shea butter, oatmeal, and calendula flower extract, the Babo Botanicals conditioner will make detangling and moisturizing your infant’s hair a breeze. To ensure a healthy hair journey, the less pulling and tugging from the get-go the better. Just as with cleansing products, this doesn’t have to be applied often and a little will go a long way.
11Coconut Baby Oil Organic Moisturiser
While it’s recommended to leave styling your baby’s hair alone for the first six months, it never hurts to moisturize. Organic and all-natural products, such as this coconut moisturizer, are the safest for your baby’s scalp and can assist oil and moisture production in those developing strands. Use light amounts to avoid clogging the hair strands.
12Mom & World Baby Hair Oil
Oils are a great way to seal in moisture on the hair strand and this Mom & World baby wash formula is free from synthetic preservatives, mineral oils, and fragrance. It’s made of the best natural oils for hair such as olive, coconut, sweet almond, avocado, castor, and jojoba which will hydrate and strengthen your baby’s hair while being gentle on the skin.
13SheaMoisture Kids Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Butter
For slightly older infants and toddlers, this vitamin-rich SheaMoisture butter creme can be used to enhance and define curls for adorable styling. With key ingredients such as coconut oil, hibiscus, and marshmallow extract, you can jazz out your little one’s locks while promoting growth and hydration.
14Makone Handmade Baby Headbands
These soft baby headbands are a great way to accessorize your baby’s hair. Made from nylon, they’re soft and stretchy so as not to pull on your baby’s hair in any way and be delicate enough to protect the skin. They’re also very cool so your little one won’t heat up unnecessarily.