How to Choose Products Based on Your Child's Hair Type
So, you want to learn more about hair density.
Your child's hair has many unique characteristics. Some are obvious and others less so. Everything is their own, from their curl pattern and hair length to their porosity, thickness, and density. It makes natural hair so special!
Let's take a look at how to determine hair density, and what products to use for your child's hair.
Hair density is simply how much hair you have on your head, or how densely packed hair follicles are on your scalp. Density is critical to the volume and shape of your child’s hair as a whole. It affects what products you should use and how best to style their hair. Your child may have the same curl pattern or porosity as a friend's child, but if your child's hair is denser then you’ll need to use different products to get the same look.
How to determine your child’s hair density
NaturAll Club shared this easy to follow way of figuring out your child's hair density.
Theoretically, the most accurate way to measure hair density is to count all the hair follicles in a square inch of your scalp. But no, we do NOT suggest taking the time to do this. (You’ll be dealing with roughly 2,200 hairs in that square inch.)
A much easier way to measure density is to smooth or stretch your hair as much as possible, and then tie it into a tight ponytail. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your ponytail. If the circumference is less than 2 inches, you have low density hair. If you measure 2-3 inches you have medium density hair, and if you measure 4 or more inches you have high density hair.
Don’t have a tape measure? Instead, you can attempt to see your scalp through your hair. Don’t part your hair, but let it hang loose and look in the mirror. If you can clearly see your scalp, you have low density hair. If you need to move your hair to see your scalp, you have medium density. If your scalp is really hard to see, even moving your hair, your hair is high density.
Now that you've figured out your child's hair density, let's talk product. Here are recommendations on what products to use based on density.
Low-density hair
Your child’s hair has less volume relative to others. You'll want to avoid heavy products that weigh down the hair and further limit volume. Reduce the amount of product you use, and make sure to keep the scalp clean and free from product buildup.
You may also want to try "volume-enhancers," like mousse or leave-in conditioner. There are different ways to give your child big curls! Picking or fluffing them out, encouraging frizz, or stretching the hair can all help. Try Mommies and Curls Whipped Deep Conditioner to keep the hair moisturized without weighing it down.
Medium-density hair
With this type, your child’s hair likely responds well to a range of products. You can build volume with light leave-ins and sprays, or reduce volume with hair butters. Compared to other densities, it's easy to achieve a variety of styles on medium density hair! Use any combination of hair butters and oils to deep condition as needed.
High-density hair
High-density hair is fun to work with! Use thicker or heavier products to encourage your child's curls to clump together. This will help to reduce volume and frizz. Or you can embrace their volume with full-bodied styles. Try different gels, creams, and butters until you find what works best for your child.
High-density hair requires a little extra TLC. Be sure to watch out for tangled curls. Detangle with care and use a lot of conditioner! Try my whipped butter cream and a light liquid oil to add moisture to the hair and prevent tangles. Oils and butters soften and moisturize the hair to keep it from getting dry, brittle, or breaking off.
If you've noticed, the Mommies and Curls whipped butter is perfect for children's hair regimens. Just use the amount that's right for the density of your child’s hair.
