Last Updated on October 14, 2015 by bvnadmin
[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Today, it’s time we shine a light on our little boys. More specifically, how we can best care for their hair as they grow. Often parents, rather than rewind the clock to rediscover old tips & tricks and figure out best methods to take care of our children’s hair, are instead finding the need to establish a whole new skillset. Even more so for our little boys as they mature, hair care is often pushed to the side and woefully neglected until the barber’s chair is first introduced. Today we’re equipping you with a bit more know-how, plus offering better products and tools to help lil youngins look fly from the start.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3348″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]But to get little boys to a place where their hair looks more than on point, let’s take it back and remember that the follicles in your child’s scalp begin developing even while in their mother’s womb, which means a ton of genetic factors are already predetermined. The first five years of a child’s life is also the most active for any child’s hair journey, and according to Dr. Kari Williams, a licensed barber and certified trichologist, once a child reaches hair’s active growing phase (the anagen phase), this naturally sets the tone of the hair moving forward. “It’s during those first five years of hair growth that you can cause the most damage, including hair loss.” she explains. “Just like with their bodies, follicles are still developing and maturing, which is why you may see a change in texture in the hair.”[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center” style=”” border_width=”” el_width=””][vc_column_text]Dealing with Hair Woes
There are a few stray old wives tales that’ve been passed around when it comes to infant hair loss, or the “notorious back bald patch.” From running fingers through children’s hair one too many times or even blaming it on changing sleep patterns, the honest answer is that baldness for little ones is part of their hair’s natural development, more specifically the tellegen phase where hair goes through inevitable, yet still natural hair loss. “It’s just a natural part of the hair growth cycle where the hair was going to shed anyway,” explains Dr. Kari. “And due to the hormonal changes and things that are happening while the baby’s developing, the body’s just trying to create a certain level of hormonal balance.”
Essentially, there’s nothing to cure except our own anxieties, and it’s best to allow patience to take root as your child’s hair finds its own rhythm. Bald spots are a natural part of the hair growth cycle, so it’s best to allow the baby to go through its developmental stages, which includes their hair. And remember, most of what your son is experiencing is often controlled by genetics, much like everything else in the growing process.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3349″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center” style=”” border_width=”” el_width=””][vc_column_text]Better Hair Care
So what is a good approach to hair care when tufts of texture & coils start to come through? Often the best solution is the simple one, even when it comes to little boys. At any age, washing and styling is best managed using something that’s gentler. For proper cleansing, lean towards products with nourishing ingredients, similar to this Mango & Carrot Extra Nourishing Shampoo by Shea Moisture. For children still in infancy, it’s best to cleanse with plain water and avoid harsh ingredients all together.
As texture begins to develop, choose tools that are equally gentle and that won’t cause damage or unnecessary tugging. We’re fans of the Tangle Teezer for easing up on the stubborn knots and super helpful detangling creams that blow through tangles and helps reduce breakage while also moisturizing, like this Cocoa Detangling Cream from Qhemet Biologics.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3350″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Even early on, parents may find that dealing with issues such as eczema or cradle cap (an infant form of seborrheic dermatitis) to be an issue they wish to avoid all together. But again, as Dr. Kari explains, it’s really just a natural function of our sebaceous glands. “Eventually that regulates and goes away, so it’s just about allowing the body to develop naturally.” Typically around the age of 2-3 years is when you want to rely more or traditional styles where combs and brushes are introduced into a child’s routine. Focus on using gentle products with simple ingredients that are not drying and formulated with children’s hair in mind. The use of natural oils such as coconut and jojoba are also great stand-ins as detanglers or stylers.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center” style=”” border_width=”” el_width=””][vc_column_text]Styles
Always heed the gentle approach and avoid unnecessary pulling and tugging when styling. While cornrows are often an ideal solution, and can easily leave parents free time in between washes, styles that offer less tension are best. Try experimenting with…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center” style=”” border_width=”” el_width=””][vc_column_text]Read more at bevelcode.com
Words by Chatel Theagene
Photography by Jose Ontiveros[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]