When to Start a Hair Routine for Your Baby or Toddler
Children’s hair is delicate, unique, and constantly changing. From baby fluff to tight coils or loose waves, every texture deserves gentle care and understanding. But what does your child’s hair really need? And how do you support it — especially when there’s a mix of textures in one family?
Understanding Hair Texture
Hair texture is how the strands naturally grow — whether straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Some babies start out with soft straight strands and grow into a full head of curls. Others have thick, defined coils from birth. Texture isn’t about styling — it’s about structure, genetics, and health.
All textures are normal and beautiful — but different textures may need different routines. Curly and coily hair is more prone to dryness because natural oils find it harder to travel from the scalp to the ends. That’s why moisture is key.
What Is Hair Porosity?
Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. Children’s hair is often more porous, meaning it absorbs water easily but may also lose it quickly. That’s why a combination of hydration (like water-based products) and sealing (like oils or balms) works best.
Dryness vs Damage
Dry hair doesn’t always mean damaged hair. Dryness is common in curly textures and can be managed with a good routine. Damage, on the other hand, can come from excessive brushing, heat, tight hairstyles, or harsh products. Knowing the difference helps you respond with the right care — not panic.
How to Build a Gentle Hair Routine
- Use a soft cleanser 1–2 times a week
- Hydrate strands with a leave-in or moisturiser
- Seal in moisture with an oil or balm
- Detangle gently using fingers or a wide-tooth comb
- Protect hair overnight with a bonnet, satin pillow, or loose style
Cuddle Cleanse — Our soap bar is creamy enough for hair and gentle enough for daily skin use. Its simple ingredients cleanse without stripping away your child’s natural oils.
Butter Curls — A lightweight cream that adds softness and moisture. Use it to define curls, reduce frizz, or smooth hair into soft styles. It also works as a body lotion — ideal for post-bath care.
Miracle Magic — Our oil blend is perfect for massaging the scalp, smoothing ends, or tackling dry patches. It’s fragrance-free in the Shea Coco version and helpful for cradle cap too.
Shea Sweet — A rich, non-whipped balm made to lock in moisture. Perfect for baby curls, dry patches, flaky scalps, or protective styling routines.
Respecting the Sensory Experience
Hair care isn’t just physical — it’s also sensory. Some children find hair care overwhelming, especially if they are neurodivergent. At Official True Beauty, we focus on products with gentle textures, safe scents, and minimal steps to reduce stress during your routine.
- Let children touch the products before use
- Use a visual schedule or mirror so they know what’s happening
- Involve them in the process — from choosing their scent to helping rub in the product
What If My Child Has Mixed Textures?
It’s normal for children to have multiple textures in different areas of their head — tighter coils at the back, looser waves at the crown. Don’t feel you need separate products. Instead, focus on consistency and moisture — most of the time, one good routine will work for all.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s hair will go through many changes — but what stays constant is the need for gentle, sensory-safe care. With the right routine and simple, multi-use products, you can build a positive relationship with hair care from day one.
Explore our full Curls & Coils range or browse our Everyday Essentials collection for gentle, daily care.