Christian Velitchkov

Haircare for Black Babies and Toddlers: Tips and Product Recommendations

If you're expecting a baby, now is the perfect time to research and think through how you'll handle hair care for your little one. Taking good care of your black baby's or toddler's hair is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing — not just in terms of physical appearance, but also as a way to build their confidence while they learn about body positivity. While caring for styling African-American kids’ hair can be intimidating at first - due to the many different textures present in each individual - with the right knowledge and products, anyone can master the basics. In this blog post we will discuss tips on haircare for black babies and toddlers along with product recommendations that are suitable for different afro-textured locks.


Related Link: 5 Best Sensory Toys for Babies and Toddlers

How to Care for Curly and Textured Hair

Don’t overwash: Washing too much could cause damage. Extra washings than once or twice a week can remove the natural oils that keep textured hair from becoming dry and brittle. A dry scalp is a common side effect of overwashing hair.

Moisturize: Since different babies' hair textures have different porosity levels, a leave-in conditioner may work for some while a thicker product may be required for babies with coarser hair.

Only wet hair should be brushed or combed: Not only is it uncomfortable for your baby to brush through knots in dry hair (if you have curly hair, you know what we're talking about), but it can also cause breakage. You can try untangling it with your fingers.

Protective Styling: If your child's hair is long enough, a protective style (such as braids, buns, or pigtails) can help prevent it from becoming tangled and unmanageable. It also aids in preserving the moisturizing product you used.

Detangle: Before you start brushing or combing your baby's curly hair, make sure you use a good detangler. Use a detangling spray or cream, depending on whether your baby has tight or loose curls.


Your baby's hair type will determine which hair care products are best suited for your child. For babies with naturally curly or textured hair, we recommend these items:

Recommended Black Baby Hair Care Products

SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo

The SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo is an ideal option for parents in search of a gentle and effective product. This shampoo and wash for babies is formulated with the ideal combination of 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, Sweet Pea, and Murumuru Butter to cleanse and hydrate delicate skin. It leaves their skin feeling silky and supple, assuring parents that they are using the best products for their children. With so many skin care products on the market, the SheaMoisture Baby Wash & Shampoo rises to the top of the list as one of the best baby wash options for parents seeking a remedy for their child's dry skin.

CurlyKids Super Detangle Shampoo

When it comes to caring for your little one's delicate curls, it's important to use products that are gentle yet effective. That's why CurlyKids Super Detangle Shampoo is a great choice for parents of babies with curly hair. This shampoo is specially formulated to work with all curly hair textures, from coily to wavy, and it helps to reduce breakage while leaving hair healthier and more manageable. What's more, the non-drying formula is free from harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, petroleum and mineral oil. So why not give CurlyKids Super Detangle Shampoo a try today and see the difference it can make for your baby's beautiful curls!


Related Link: Introducing Solids to Baby Guide for Parents

Top Moisturizers for Black Babies

a black baby girl with hair

NOW Solutions, Sweet Almond Oil

When it comes to caring for your little one's delicate skin, only the best will do. That's why NOW Solutions' Sweet Almond Oil is an ideal choice for black babies and toddlers. This 100% pure oil is natural and perfect for revitalizing any type of skin. In addition to being easily absorbed, it won't clog your pores, which promotes clear, soft, and healthy-looking skin. Plus, since it's derived from pressed almonds, you know it's gentle and safe for your baby's precious skin. Use it all over the body to keep your little one's skin soft, supple, and hydrated. Give the gift of nourishing skin care to your baby with NOW Solutions' Sweet Almond Oil.

Cantu Care For Kids' Leave-In Conditioner

One of the best moisturizers that you can use for your little ones is Cantu Care For Kids' Leave-In Conditioner. This product is specially designed to cater to the needs of curly hair. Made of 100% pure shea butter, coconut oil, and honey, it helps in reducing frizz, increasing manageability, and hydrating curls, coils, and waves. Moreover, it is completely free of mineral oil, sulfates, and parabens, which makes it an ideal choice for parents who are conscious about what goes on their children's skin. Using it will make detangling sessions an absolute breeze and help to eliminate excess breakage. With regular use, your child's strands will thank you as they get healthier, stronger, and easier to manage.


Need more advice about caring for your baby? Check out 123 Baby Box for more tips. 

Top Styler for Black Babies

Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie

This curly hair cream may be primarily marketed towards women with Type 4 hair, but it is also suitable for babies and toddlers of all hair types, including curly, straight, oily, dry, and frizzy. Made with natural and gentle ingredients like honey, babassu oil, and pomegranate extract, this hair serum provides the necessary moisture and strength that our little one's hair needs. And the best part? It's easy to use! With just a simple application from root to tip, you can style those beautiful curls without any fuss or worries. Give your baby's hair the gentle pampering it deserves with Mielle Organics Curl Smoothie.

Best Comb and Brush for Black Infants

black baby with hair

Tangle Teezer’s Wide Tooth Comb

When it comes to caring for your little one's hair, having the right tools can make all the difference. If you're on the hunt for the best combs and brushes for black babies and toddlers, this Tangle Teezer is definitely worth considering. Not only is it designed to cut detangling time, it also has a slim, ergonomic handle for easy grip and control. Gentle on the scalp with its soft, rounded tips, it features long, sturdy teeth for smooth combing and 2-tiered teeth for a deeper detangle to remove stubborn knots and shed hair. With the Tangle Teezer Wide Tooth Comb, you can make hair care a breeze for your precious baby.

Tangle Teezer Wet Detangler Hairbrush

Whether you're dealing with tangles after bath time or just need an everyday brush or comb, it can be challenging to find the right tool for your baby's delicate strands. Look no further than the Tangle Teezer Wet Detangler Hairbrush. With 325 unique and flexible teeth, this brush is the expert in treating wet and vulnerable strands. Not only does it effortlessly detangle even the most stubborn knots, but it also smooths hair for a glossy finish. It's ideal for all hair types, but especially great for babies and toddlers with fragile or wet hair. Add it to your little one's haircare routine for silky smooth locks every time.


Have any more questions about taking care of your infant? Visit our blog today!

Properly Caring For Black Baby Hair

Taking care of a baby’s hair, especially a black child’s hair, can be intimidating and sometimes overwhelming. We hope that this guide has provided some useful insights and tips to help make the process easier and enjoyable. From using the right products to applying safe techniques, it is never too early to learn great hair care habits for your children. As their hair grows and changes, remember to take time out of each day to nurture and care for it with love. Make sure to also consult their pediatrician if you ever have questions or concerns regarding their hair or scalp health. With the proper knowledge and resources at your disposal, you can take on this fun journey confidentially! For more tips on caring for your babies, don’t forget to check out our blog for more helpful information. Here’s wishing all parents good luck in keeping those little ones healthy, happy, and stylish!


Related Link: Co-Sleeping With a Baby: Guide & Safety Tips

What to read next

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Consequat aliquet tellus suspendisse semper. Pulvinar semper porta tortor venenatis dictum. Neque et non tincidunt turpis mauris aliquet nunc aliquam volutpat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Consequat aliquet tellus suspendisse semper. Pulvinar semper porta tortor venenatis dictum. Neque et non tincidunt turpis mauris aliquet nunc aliquam volutpat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Consequat aliquet tellus suspendisse semper. Pulvinar semper porta tortor venenatis dictum. Neque et non tincidunt turpis mauris aliquet nunc aliquam volutpat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Consequat aliquet tellus suspendisse semper. Pulvinar semper porta tortor venenatis dictum. Neque et non tincidunt turpis mauris aliquet nunc aliquam volutpat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Consequat aliquet tellus suspendisse semper. Pulvinar semper porta tortor venenatis dictum. Neque et non tincidunt turpis mauris aliquet nunc aliquam volutpat.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Consequat aliquet tellus suspendisse semper. Pulvinar semper porta tortor venenatis dictum. Neque et non tincidunt turpis mauris aliquet nunc aliquam volutpat.

Baby Box Subscription

Monthly subscription box for babies aged 0-3 years - delivering unique, fun products

star star star star star
(5.0 rating)
take baby quiz