Toddlers with curly hair are absolutely adorable, but taming and styling those wild curls can feel like an impossible task for parents. Tiny tots are notoriously resistant to letting you style their hair. And when you do wrestle them into submission, their curls seem to have a mind of their own, frizzing up into a tangled mess shortly after.
Never fear, curly-haired parent! With the right approach and techniques, you can not only style your toddler’s curls but also make the process relatively painless. Here’s your guide to styling your toddler’s curly hair.
Gather the Right Styling Tools and Products
Having the proper tools and curl-friendly products is key to making styling easier. Here’s what you need in your toddler curly hair styling arsenal:
Wide-tooth comb or brush: Look for a wide-tooth comb, brush, or detangler specifically designed for curly hair. Avoid fine-toothed options.
Quality shampoo/conditioner: Choose gentle, hydrating formulas free of sulfates and silicones. Examples: SheaMoisture, Carol’s Daughter, Mixed Chicks.
Leave-in conditioner: Lightweight leave-ins boost moisture and cut down on frizz.
Styling products: Curl creams, gels, or mousses define curls and control frizz. Prioritize natural ingredients.
Microfiber towel: Blot curls gently with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Avoid terrycloth towels.
Hair clips and ties: Use covered claws, spin pins, and soft scrunchies to avoid snagging.
Diffuser (optional): A diffuser attachment on your hair dryer helps maintain curl shape.
Hydrating mist: Keep a spray bottle filled with water or leave-in conditioner to re-dampen hair as needed.
Master the Steps for Styling Toddler Curls
With the right supplies, you’re ready to tackle your toddler’s curls. Follow these steps:
1. Shampoo and condition
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Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner.
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Part hair into sections to ensure even coating.
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Rinse but don’t strip conditioner fully.
2. Add leave-in conditioner
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Apply a lightweight leave-in to boost hydration.
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Distribute evenly focusing on ends.
3. Blot dry with microfiber towel
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Gently squeeze out excess moisture.
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Avoid harsh rubbing to prevent frizz.
4. Detangle with wide-tooth comb
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Work in sections gently starting from ends.
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Use fingers to separate curls.
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Mist with water to re-dampen as needed.
5. Apply styler and define curls
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Glide or scrunch gel, mousse, or cream through hair.
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Use fingers to encourage curl formation.
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Brush through with wide-tooth comb for uniform definition.
6. Air dry or diffuse
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Air drying naturally is gentlest for curls.
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Or use a diffuser on low heat/speed if time is limited.
7. Finish with accessorizing
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Add cute clips, headbands, or barrettes if desired.
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Don’t overdo it to avoid tangling.
Top Toddler Curly Hair Styling Tips
Beyond the basic styling steps, keep these tips in mind for great results:
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Add styling products to soaking wet hair for optimal absorption.
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Work in sections to ensure even coverage and thorough detangling/defining.
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Let your toddler play or watch a video during longer styling tasks to keep them occupied. Offer rewards for sitting still.
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Stick to wide-tooth combs and always comb gently to avoid ripping curls.
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Refresh styles on day two+ by spraying hair with water and scrunching in a dollop of styler.
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Try fun accessories like bows, headwraps, and bandanas secured loosely to avoid damage.
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Air dry whenever possible for healthiest results. Diffuse only when necessary on low speeds.
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Style hair before naps/bed so curls set nicely versus waking up to a frizzball.
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Use protective styles like loose braids, buns, or pigtails to give yourself a break between styling sessions.
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Get frequent trims (every 4-6 months) to minimize tangled ends and enhance definition.
5 Cute and Easy Curly Hairstyles for Toddlers
Here are some adorable toddler curly hairstyles to try that are easy for parents:
1. Curly Ponytail
Pull hair up into a ponytail atop the head or on one side. Secure with a soft scrunchy. For added polish, curl the ponytail ends around your finger.
2. Faux Hawk
Slick the sides of hair back into a mini faux hawk. Let the curls on top stand up for tons of cute texture.
3. Half-Up Style
Pull back just the top section of hair into a pouf. Let the rest fall around the shoulders or in back.
4. Curly Pigtails
Part hair down the middle or on one side and pull into cute high or low pigtails.
5. Headband Style
Outfit with a colorful or glittery headband for an instant style boost. Position it higher on the forehead or across the crown.
Answers to Common Toddler Curly Hair Styling Questions
How do you style curly hair after a bath?
Shampoo, condition, gently comb through, apply styler of choice, then let air dry or diffuse on low.
Should you brush toddler curly hair?
Only brush wet curls using a wide-tooth comb or wet brush. Never forcefully brush when dry.
What products are best for toddler curly hair?
Prioritize gentle, hydrating products free of harsh ingredients like sulfates and silicones.
How do you handle a toddler who hates hair brushing/styling?
Make it fun with songs, videos, or stories. Offer rewards for sitting cooperatively. Start styling from a very young age.
How can you refresh toddler curls on day two or three?
Mist hair with water, then scrunch in a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream to revive shape and shine.
Embrace the Curls!
Taming toddler curly hair might seem daunting, but arm yourself with the right curl-friendly tools and techniques and you’ll be styling those luscious locks like a pro. Let your child’s beautiful curls shine through loud and proud! For more tips on caring for kids’ curls, check out our blog or book your next salon visit with us.