Chronicles: Styling Your Curl Girl's Hair: Tips and Tricks

If you have a curly hair girl, then you already know hair sessions for her are like a battle. You've got one goal...taming that hair. She's got one goal, not letting you touch it. When the battle ensues, who will come out on top?

Of course, you're the mom so you know best. You know you'll have to address the issue of her hair to keep it healthy and presentable. But, what can you do to win the battle, or even create an environment that doesn't feel filled with strife?

Here are some tips for hair sessions that are sure to at least help make hair sessions more relaxing and a time for bonding.

1.) Distraction for her:

You have many options for distractions and it really depends on your child's dispositions and interests. My daughter loves songs and cartoons. I mix those by playing preschool related Youtube videos while I work on her hair. Frozen was actually our first distraction. The song "Let It Go" was played on a loop. She began wanting to watch the show itself as well. Whatever your child's interests, be sure to have them sitting nearby and allow her to indulge in them during hair sessions.

Some examples:

> Videos

> Toys

> Tablet

> Learning laptop

2.) Material organizer:

 Since there are so many aspects of styling curly hair, you'll need to be sure you have everything you need before you begin. A brush, comb, spray bottle with water, simple oil, pomade, barrettes, scrunchies, headbands, etc. Store these in a basket or some type of container so that you can easily reach and use them as needed.

To the left you're looking at a yarn spool that's filled with hair bobs, or barrettes that wrap around pony tails. They're color-coded, making it super easy to style her hair.  








On the right is an organizer holding small barrettes used at the bottom of braids to ensure they hold together. This organizer gives me a chance to keep them sorted by colors and shades to make it quick and easy to find the ones I need and make "hair time" simple. 

3.) Patience:

You know it's tough when you're going to have to gently get through her tresses no matter how long it takes. You can't go fast because you're likely to break the hair. You also can't be rough because she'll despise hair time, scream, and cry making it an all out war every time you need to work on her hair. Relax yourself before you begin by using whatever means you use to relax. *I do not recommend an alcoholic drink because you do have to be careful for this activity.

5.) Chair for her, chair for you:

Buying a stool, or a small chair where she can sit upright while you sit a little higher in your chair is very convenient for reaching tough spots and keeping her head straight or within reach for turns. I recommend a swivel chair for you. This way she can remain in the same place while you twist and move around the head.