dd's hair always looks untidy!!

[llynnnn]

my dd1 is 4.2, just started primary school and as tidy as her hair looks in the morning she always looks a mess when I pick her up! at the weekend she is the same and I am constantly reorganising her but there's no one to do that at school (not that I think there should be btw!)

What can i do with it to make it stay in place? She is a thumb sucker and hair twiddler too which doesnt help, she doesnt leave it alone!

She has shoulder length, thick, staright hair. I am pretty rubbish at putting it up really and just about manage bunches, am trying to learn to braid it but she hasnt got the patience to let me practise!!
I'm trying to grow it in the hope that will help!

What do you think??!

Would a little bit of leave-in conditioner/serum help smooth it? Or a headband?

I usually just tie the top section of DD's hair at the moment as she also has shoulder length hair and it's not quite long enough to tie back and for it to stay in all day.

personally i wouldn't worry about it. Tie it up in the bunches so she can play without it in the way and forget about it. I can't be bothered with product for my own hair and there's no way i'd inflict it on a four year old (sorry laura, no offence ment, i'm just a slattern . ) No doubt she will become self concious about her appearance as she gets older and becomes more aware of the other girls around her. No reason to rush this imho!

No offence taken , I kind of agree, I don't really like using products on DD's hair but occasionally when it's really messy and needs a wash we are in a rush I have used a bit and it works

What about a shorter cut? Something with a strong shape so that even if it is messy on top, it is within a structure?

Think you are right moonfacemama! in a few years when she spends hours 'doing' her hair I'll long for these days when she couldnt care less!

maktaitai - are you thinking really short? dont know if I'm brave enough for that :)

laura - I've never used product on her hair, but you have got me thinking about the odd bit of my serum! might help glue it together on really bad days, bless her!!

thanks for all your replies

what is product? shampoo? conditioner?

I mean styling product. Serum, spray, gel et al

Check she hasn't caught nits. Messy hair can be the result of scratching. If she hasn't then great - tie her back before she does! Low ponytail is easier than bunches. Don't cut it unless you really need too - it's probably her comfort blanket and she may not be ready to lose it yet.