Black Skin and Hair Care Tips

Black hair care requires specific products and techniques. Most importantly, parents will need to add oil to your child’s hair and scalp regularly, and only wash it every 2 or 3 weeks (or as needed). It is important that the hair not be overwashed.

Parents will need to purchase oils, moisturizers, conditioners, detanglers, shampoos and other black hair care products.

What is the difference? Whereas, Caucasian shampoos are designed to strip oils from the hair, black hair shampoos add oil. Without regular use of these products and the right styling tools, your children’s hair may dry, break and become painful.

Parents should be aware that hairstyles are social, but also political. Be conscious that when you choose a hair style for your child becuase you are making a political statement within the black community.

Hair is critical to a strong sense of racial identity for black children, and parents will need to assist their children in learning how to care for their hair!

When members of the black community see a black child with hair that is not being cared for properly it is assumed that the child "doesn’t have anyone who loves them" (i.e. neglected), and it is a very big deal. This is a VERY important cultural point that parents should be cognizant of!

Black hair care salons/barbers provide a community experience. It is where members of the black community gather to socialize, discuss everything from politics to family life, and build friendships. It is highly recommended that families find black salons for their children to attend. Salons and barber shops are also good place for parents to learn more about the black community experiences in your neighbourhood, and help reduce the isolation your child may face, especially if you live in a less diverse area. Salons visits are usually an all-day trip and you will likely be there from 3-6 hours, so be patient and enjoy the experience with your child.

Each child will have different textured hair and the best way to find the right products for your child is to visit a retail outlet that specializes in black hair care products and ask for assistance. The staff can assess your child’s hair needs and work with you to find the right products.

Braids or twists usually last 10-14 days, and take approximately 2-3 hours to create depending on the style. Bed caps are recommended for children with braids or twists to prevent tangling while the child sleeps.

It is recommended that parents comb their children's hair only when it is wet. And do not rub wet hair, just pat dry to avoid hair breaking and tangles. Parents will need to apply lots of conditioner and detangler after each bath.

Children's hair ends should be trimmed regularly.

Natural Boar's hair brushes are recommended and proper black hair care combs (look like picks).

Skin Care

Your child’s skin care regime may also be different than yours too. Black children need to have their skin moisturized at least once a day (and sometimes twice during the winter season), otherwise their skin may crack (becomes scaly and ashy) and break out with eczema. If your child’s skin is ashy, you need to apply more moisturizer! Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter and Vaseline are recommended.

A nightly bath is not recommended and it is best to use creams/skin products without a scent.

Chlorine in public swimming pools is extremely damaging to both black skin and hair. Unless the children have shaved heads, they should wear swimming caps in the water (for all ages) and should shower immediately afterwards with soap to remove all traces of chlorine. Also, ensure your child has moisturizer applied directly after swimming to prevent an outbreak of eczema.

Children should also wear sun screen when playing outside to prevent sun burns.

"There is the perception that people with darker skin don't have to worry about skin cancer, but that is not true. Minorities do get skin cancer and becuase of this false perception most cases aren't diagnosed until they are more advanced and difficult to treat. Unfortunately, that translates into higher mortality rates." Dr. Hugh Gloster, Cincinnati University researcher.

Recommended Books for Parents:

“Kinki Kreations” by Jena Renee Williams
(A Parent's Guide to Natural Black Hair Care for Kids)

“It's all Good Hair” by Michele N-K Collison
(The Guide to Styling and Grooming Black Children's Hair)

For Kids:

“Nappy Hair” by Carolivia Herron

“Happy to be Nappy” by bell hooks

Canadian Magazine:

"Sophisticates Black Hair Styles and Care Guide"

(Magazine - 8 issues a year)