How to look after curly hair

[Merename]

DD has gorgeous curly hair. It’s a bit longer now, sits at shoulders or so and it gets really matted at the back, mainly through her tossing about in bed I think but also rubbing against clothes etc. A niece with curls advised us only brush when wet and we do this with loads of conditioner. It’s true it makes hair look nicer, how’s a bit frizzy if you brush dry. But it gets matted in a few days between baths. She’s up there screaming now with DH trying to brush it

Any tips to avoid it getting so tangled? Products maybe?

I always would use a leave in conditioner like the unique 1 spray and I would plait it in two plaits before bed

Use a wide toothed comb, not a brush. Use a leave in conditioner, derangler, plait before bed. Using a silk pillowcase will help too.

ALWAYS comb from the bottom up.

Never brush. Comb through when washing with loads of conditioner on. Pineapple over night. Refresh in the morning with water spray bottle and leave in conditioner.

Curly hair frizzing means it's dry. Also Google curly girl method, works wonders.

Ooh good idea about the pillowcase! We use a leave in conditioner and she struggles to let me do anything like plaits to her hair, but maybe if I explain it’s to stop the tugs she may consider it.

We use a tangle teaser - not good? I’m not sure a comb would cut it , we’re talking practically dreadlocks here

Search for "curly girl" on social media. Some good groups to follow there.

Curly girl method! There’s a curly kids group on Facebook.

I've finally started to master DD's curls as my new year resolution and it has been life changing. LIFE CHANGING I tell you.

Never, ever brush it. Comb with way more conditioner than you ever thought necessary and let it sit for a bit. Her hair looks so healthy now. Try to get shampoo & conditioner with no sulfates/silicones as they are bad for curls. It's not as hard as you'd think, aldi & Wilko do them. Make sure the hair sounds squelchy when you squeeze it with conditioner in.

DD's needs drying as it's now butt length when wet, so for Christmas got a diffuser and with dryer on cold diffuse her curls while she does colouring or some such.

Always put it up in a very high pony for sleep, otherwise it tangles. We are getting a satin pillowcase so will see if that helps.

I was so dubious but her hair doesn't even need brushing any more, only in the bath. Any other knots from rolling around in play I can finger comb out. It's mostly down to not being so dry and being put up when she sleeps, and the brushing vicious circle- it turned into a ridiculous puffy cloud when brushed, which due to its buoyant dry frizz tangled even worse.

I wouldn't believe the difference to her hair in only a couple of weeks.

We use a tangle teaser but ONLY with the use of generous amounts of leave in conditioner. We use the palmers one. It's fantastic and reasonably priced - basically wets the hair but dries easily with no residue. And brush from bottom up, in sections. So I tie 2/3 out of way and do the underneath hair at the back, then the middle then finally the top/front.

We do try to plait it or even just tie in loose knot at top of head for sleeping usually.

Yes to loads of conditioner and brushing or wide tooth comb only when wet. Tangle teaser is fine but don't try to comb knots out until you've got conditioner on it. The conditioner helps to ease the knots. Sleeping with it up in a pineapple top knot or a sleep cap are the only way to stop overnight knots even with a silk pillowcase (that helps to minimise the frizz mostly)

Oh thanks so much everyone. I knew MN would have the answers! Her hair is very fine and maybe not long enough for a loose top knot yet, and she resists a ponytail during day but I’ll experiment. I have a gift pack of sulphate free stuff I was given I’m sure, so I’ll try that. The sides are so shiny and lovely, just wish it was all like that. One more question, would a trim be a good idea? Don’t want much off as it’s taken her to 3 to grow this much, but would it improve condition/dryness?

Yes. Dd 's gets very ratty at ends and needs to be trimmed now and again otherwise its impossible.

Maybe try with the good washing & sleep routine first;
My DD, nearly 4, has never had a hair cut. I was planning it, but looking after it has made such a difference I don't feel like it needs it any more. If your DD still has ratty ends after a good conditioning, then you know it's not just dryness, it needs a trim :)