I have no experience with doing my Ethiopian kids’ hair. Noah has great hair and by great I mean easy–it is loose curls and soft hair. I haven’t had to style it much other than putting in hair milk daily. His hair is certainly long enough for braids but I have resisted because he already gets mistaken for a girl all the time that I think braids just might make him look a little more girlish. Zoë has great hair in that it is thick but it poses more of a challenge for me. It is super curly and the curls are super tight. I am amazed when wet how long her hair is as opposed to when it’s dry. So, I decided it was time to do something with her hair aside from the baby afro she has been rocking–with style of course.
Well, let me start by saying little ones don’t want to sit and they certainly don’t want to have their hair done. We didn’t get too far and it wasn’t too long in–two ponies–that she decided she was done and began trying to physically remove my hand from her head. It was difficult and it was my first try, but she looks so cute with her hair done.
I will start looking into places to have her hair done and to get some pointers on how to do it more effectively. I have to say I am pretty happy with my first try and am looking forward to getting to do it more and to become more confident. So, those of yo fell moms of African/African American/Ethiopian, etc children have any great tips, advice on products, etc. Please send them this way. I know know that I am suppose to put some sort of wax/cream on her hair after it is in these box ponies but I have no idea. So, please advise.
Embracing Imperfection 
Great job!
Sounds just like Alijah’s hair…super thick & small tight kinky curls. I will tell you that the detangling process completely changed for us when (upon the recommendation of the adopthairskin group) I bought a Denman brush at Sally’s. He barely protests (we use it on his head in the bath when slathered w/conditioner) and it glides through so much easier! Coils are an easy style that looks really cute (you can buy the coil comb, but I still haven’t figured it out, so I do it by hand).
I’m getting ready to place an order w/Taliah Waajid (again hugely recommended all natural stuff)…protective mist bodifier and loc it up are on my list. I think you could use the crinkles & curls or loc it up on her hair when doing styles for better hold.
What I’ve heard is to save a special small treat (like craisens, mini choc chips, etc) and a favorite video for hair time only…set her up in the high chair in front of the tv…do it frequently & increase the time each time and it will get easier. Alijah now sits for two hour sessions w/out too much protest.
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Great job! I have an AA daughter that is now almost 3 and I started doing her hair when she was about 8 months old and it has totally helped as it’s toughened her scalp up and she can also sit for up to 2 hours while I cornrow her hair. It’s gotten better over time. I have found youtube to be a great source for finding instructions on how to do different styles. I also love Carol’s Daughter hair products for both my kiddos hair. Good luck!
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She looks so cute. Of course I have no advice – I’ll be looking to you for advice in a year or so!
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