If you’re like me you’re about to start that bittersweet time of the beginning of school: the start to schedules and quick mornings. One of the thorns in most mothers’ sides is getting your child hair to look neat and clean in a two-minute window. Even as an experienced hairstylist I know I have sent my son to school with what looks like a birds nest on the back of his head, vowing to do better the next morning.
There are a few steps you can take to help insure the nest wont return.
Most children shower or bathe at night. The morning routine is hectic enough without adding a dripping wet kid to the mix. After the evening bath time, try using a spray on de-tangler and a wide tooth comb to remove the knots and smooth down the hair before your child’s head hits the pillow. Speaking of pillow a satin pillowcase will help the hair slide easily and not create friction against the fabric in the morning, that same wide tooth comb and a light spray of water will reactivate the de-tangler and remove even the worst case of bed head.
When kids get to upper elementary, they go thru pre-puberty. There bodies begin to secrete the hormones that will turn them into delightful teen-agers. One of the side effects of these hormones is a scalp that becomes both greasy and flaky at the same time. It will look like a bad case of dandruff that will last between six months and two years. Because it is hormone based, most dandruff shampoos won’t cure it. Frequent shampooing will help, and a mild medicated shampoo that is tea tree oil based can also help their scalp look it’s best.
Getting regular trims and keeping your child’s hair healthy will make the morning routine easier. Letting your child pick their hairstyle is another key, it may make you nervous but you’ll find they take more responsibility in their grooming. They may choose a look that is far from your own, but by letting them have a say, you help insure ownership in the style. Give them the time and products they need to create their style, and they’ll do it themselves. When they see their stylist for trims have her teach your child tips to making achieving their look easier.
Remember, the school year is a marathon, not a sprint and getting the routine down may take a few weeks if not months. So if you see my son, and he has a bird’s nest on the back of his head, you’ll know were still working toward it.
Thanks, great tips!