Let’s talk about the real deal – mixed race hair care. When news broke that one of the royals inquired about baby Archie’s appearance, there was considerable push back from the media and the public. However, it’s a question that many mixed families ponder but are often hesitant to ask. Why? They just want to be seen as devoted parents. Is it wrong to wonder about your child’s looks, especially with a mix of races? I don’t think it’s morally incorrect; it’s a natural curiosity that arises during this journey of parenthood.
During my first pregnancy, like every woman on the planet, I became obsessed with predicting my child’s appearance. I shamelessly uploaded photos of my partner and me onto every website claiming to predict it. Needless to say, they were all way off! My daughter looked nothing like their predictions, but once she was born, appearance took a backseat to her health and milestones. Our ‘otherness’ naturally raises questions because we seek answers on this journey, driven by curiosity.
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of mixed race hair care.
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What to do with mixed race hair?
It’s fascinating how assumptions are made about people’s ability to manage curly and coily hair based on their race or culture. The assumption that having a black parent guarantees knowledge of handling such hair is far from accurate. Straight hair can be just as challenging if good examples aren’t around. Mixed race hair varies widely; siblings may have different hair textures or even a mix of textures on one head.
When it comes to mixed race hair care, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but some basics can help you start this journey.
Patience is Key
Patience is crucial when dealing with mixed race hair. It’s not just about taming the curls but setting the foundation for self-confidence. Create a positive atmosphere early on to make the process relaxed and enjoyable. Impatience can impact a child’s self-esteem, so take a moment for yourself before diving into hair care.
Quick Story: Growing up, hair care often involved pain and frustration. When I became a parent, I realized this behavior was abnormal and had been normalized by frustrated adults. Changing my outlook, embracing patience, turned hair time into bonding time.
Detangle with Care
The first step in mixed race hair care is proper detangling. Create a DIY detangling spray using water and your regular conditioner. This minimizes pain and makes the experience more enjoyable for both you and your child. Resistance from knots or dryness can make detangling painful, so a good conditioner is essential.
Moisturize for Healthy Hair
While water and conditioner are great for detangling, don’t forget to moisturize. Coconut oil works well for smaller children of all hair types. As hair matures, experimentation becomes key. Identify your child’s curl pattern and try different products. Blogs offer information, but trial and error is the only way to find what works best for your child’s specific hair type.
Keep Styling Simple and Tension Free
Keep styles simple and tension free. with babies, just one little ponytail in the front is sufficient. As the children grow and get a little more adventurous with hair styles, avoid any stylists that will pull their hair any harder than is necessary to hold the style. There are resources online where you can see how to do some really simple, tension free and cute hair styles. If you prefer to learn in person and are based in the UK, definitely consider joining one of my workshops. Boosting your confidence in this regard, makes the whole process more fun for all parties involved.
Over the years, I’ve heard from many mixed-race individuals who wished someone with a similar hair texture taught them how to care for their hair. Building a community of people on a similar journey fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, making the experience less daunting.
