Hair damage occurs when the cuticle layer of your toddler’s hair is damaged. The damage could be a result of frequent washing and shampooing of hair: use of excess heat when blow drying, applying wrong hair products, detangling hair locks with the wrong tools, and overusing hair accessories.
It is said that most parents take action when they see split ends on their toddler's hair. So, are there other hair damage signs that parents can watch out for apart from split ends? And is it possible to treat hair damage? Read on to find out.
Signs That Your Toddler’s Hair Is Damaged
The following signs may indicate if and when your child's hair is damaged:
Toddler’s Hair Has Split Ends
How can you tell your toddler's hair has split ends? Pick a strand of your baby's hair and closely examine the ends. If the strand appears to have branches or split in two, the hair has split ends.
Their Hair Feels Dry, Rough, And Brittle
One sign that your baby’s hair is damaged is its texture. Damaged hair feels dry and rough when washed. Natural Hair Kids explains that coarse, brittle hair is often a result of parents who neglect to moisturize their toddler's hair.
Easy And Constant Breakage Of Hair
It is normal to have strands of hair on the comb after brushing your baby’s hair. However, if you notice short strands on their pillowcase, sink, or bathroom floor, chances are your toddler’s hair is damaged.
Hair Has More Tangles
When your toddler has damaged hair, it will appear tangled. This is a result of frayed hair fibres and single-strand knots. You will find yourself requiring more time to detangle the curly, damaged hair.
The Hair Lacks Elasticity
Did you know your toddler’s curly hair can stretch out to a third of its length before shrinking back? If the hair recoils back to its regular size and retains its curls, it is healthy according to Fro Babies Hair. However, if the strand breaks or loses its curly shape when stretching out, then your toddler's hair is damaged.
How To Treat Your Toddler’s Damaged Hair
The following treatment options can restore the health of your child's hair:
Familiarize Yourself With Your Child’s Hair Type
This is where most parents go wrong. They choose the wrong products for their baby’s hair, thereby damaging their kid's hair. Therefore, if you are having difficulty knowing your child's hair type, consult a hair specialist. By doing this, you will make a better choice when purchasing hair shampoos and conditioners for your baby. Carefully select hair products with minimal chemicals and sulphates to minimize damage.
Say No To Hair Dryers
Hairdryers contribute a great deal to damaging a toddler's hair. It is time you stopped using them on your baby's head to avoid more hair damage. Styling your toddler’s head with excess heat can fry his hair fibres leaving the cuticles exposed. To treat hair damage, opt to air dry your baby’s hair. All you need is to wrap her hair in a towel after a bath. Avoid rubbing the towel on the hair as it can result in unnecessary friction and damage the hair further. Then let the air do the drying.
Alternatively, if you must use a hairdryer, keep these three things in mind. First, ensure that the heat setting is at its lowest. Second, blow-dry the hair from a distance, probably six inches away to reduce damage. And lastly, apply heat protection products on your baby’s hair to prevent split-ends as well as protect the hair. Also, limit the hairdryer usage to once every week.
Trim Those Split-Ends
Split-ends are a result of not trimming your toddler’s hair on time. The longer you wait, the longer the hair strand you will need to cut. When you notice any split-ends on your toddler’s hair, take them for a hair-cut. This is the best treatment for split ends.
Use Natural Oils To Nourish Your Baby’s Hair
Natural oils will help nourish damaged hair. An example of natural oils is Jojoba oil. Not only does it rehydrate your baby's hair, but it also strengthens it. Try massaging the hair with olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil too.
Stop Straining Your Baby’s Hair
It is time you stop pulling back your toddler’s hair for that outstanding hairstyle. As much as you want your baby to look great, do not do this while damaging her hair. Besides, you need to change how you brush your baby’s hair. Fustany recommends that you split the hair into smaller sections when brushing and start from the bottom to the top. Doing this will prevent your toddler’s hair from breaking as well as treat the damage.
Sources: Fro Babies Hair, Natural Hair Kids, Fustany.