With a bit of technique, you can highlight what nature has given you.
How to take care of baby hair ?
To take care of your baby hair, it’s important to hydrate them regularly, avoid excessive manipulation, and refrain from pulling them with braids or other hairstyles. Baby hair is very delicate and can break if not properly maintained over time. All hair textures can have baby hair, whether they are fine or thick, voluminous or flat. The key to beautiful baby hair is to hydrate them regularly and leave them alone.
Some women have been taking care of their baby hair for years, twirling these strands around their temples.
You may need some advice on styling, as well as tips to keep these delicate strands as strong as possible.
These small hairs have a different texture from the rest of the hair on your head. They are more difficult to style and tend to frizz on kinky hair.
Whether you have generally “thick” or “fine” hair, the baby hairs framing your face will be more delicate than other strands.
Baby hair is also quite short, due to a shorter hair growth cycle.
Distinguishing between breakage and baby hair
How to distinguish between baby hair and damaged hair? Check the texture of these shorter strands. Baby hair is soft and fine, while brittle and damaged hair is noticeably less so.
“Broken” hair at the temples tends to be thicker and of random lengths due to damage.
Baby hair is simply the result of a naturally shorter hair growth cycle, as mentioned above – which is why they tend to be shorter than the rest of your hair.
On the other hand, breakage at the hairline is usually due to physical damage (harsh brushing, tight hairstyles, etc.), or even excessive washing.
How to style baby hair in 6 steps?
Baby hair refers to the shorter hairs at the temples. They can sometimes be bothersome. We’ll show you the steps to follow to make your baby hair look stylish!
1. Style your hair first
It’s easier to style baby hair once you know how you’re wearing your hair.
Whether you’re going for a high bun or something completely different, go ahead and style your hair first. Our hairstyle ideas are here.
2. Choose your gel, we recommend this one…
Personal preferences vary when it comes to choosing the product to use. For long-lasting hold, we recommend using a gel like Keracare’s Protein Styling Gel, which leaves no residue and slicks down very well.
Some even contain moisturizing and protective ingredients, like coconut oil.
The best gel for styling your baby hair!
3. Find the right tool for great baby hair
Since baby hair is so fine and delicate, it’s best to use a brush that will give you more control.
We recommend using a toothbrush, a fine-tooth comb, or a special baby hair brush.
It’s best to start with wet or damp hair. Remember that applying the product when the curls are wet can prevent the hair from curling.
4. Use just enough gel
Don’t apply too much gel, as if it’s too sticky, it will take a long time to dry. Use just enough to cover your temples.
Then, smooth your hair with your brush and/or smooth it with your fingers.
This is a technique that may take some practice, so don’t worry if you can’t get the shapes you want at first. Use aloe vera gel for added softness and hydration.
5. A little secret…
Hydrate your edges with a little oil once they’re styled. This will prevent them from flaking, being dry, dull, and damaged.
6. Don’t forget the most important step
Wrap your edges with a silk or satin scarf until the gel dries.
This is very important as it will keep your edges laid down while drying, meaning they’ll be super smooth!
And that’s it! Your baby hair is ready!
7. Bonus
At the end of the day, it’s important to dampen or lightly rinse your baby hair to remove impurities, hair products, and gel that you’ve applied.
Gently pat with a microfiber towel. You don’t have to rinse the entire hair, just the parts where the gel was applied.
Since the hair fibers have been stressed, it is recommended to moisturize your edges after rinsing. You can use vegetable oils or nourishing hair butter like shea butter.
Finally, the good health of baby hair also depends on the overall health of your hair.
As part of a regular hair care routine (detangling, shampooing, conditioning, hair treatment, etc.), your hair will be shinier and silkier.
How to slick down baby hair without gel?
There are different methods for slicking down your hair without gel. It all depends on your hair type and the technique you choose.
For each method, you will need a satin scarf (preferably satin or silk) and a boar bristle brush. These two elements are essential for slicking down the hair optimally.
1- Use aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is a natural gel that has been used for a long time to treat hair loss. It also soothes the scalp and conditions the hair.
It can reduce dandruff and unclog hair follicles that may be blocked by excess sebum.
You can slick down your baby hair by applying a little aloe vera gel.
Then brush with a boar bristle brush and tie everything with a scarf for 5-10 minutes or more.
2- Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is suitable for all hair types. It hydrates, thickens, strengthens, and quickly increases hair growth.
JBCO increases blood flow to the scalp, providing valuable nutrients to the hair follicles.
It also prevents hair breakage, dandruff, eczema, and scalp itching.
On damp hair, apply a few drops to your baby hair and then gently brush with a boar bristle brush. Tie your scarf for at least 5-10 minutes.
3- Use a cream or leave-in treatment
Our hair needs a lot of moisture because it allows them to remain flexible and hydrated. Without this moisture, our hair becomes dry and brittle.
Hydrated hair is more elastic, less prone to breakage, and less likely to tangle. All of this will help you maintain your length as your hair grows.
On damp hair, apply a dime-sized amount of cream to your baby hair and then gently brush with a boar bristle brush. Tie your satin or silk scarf for at least 5-10 minutes.
4- Use shea butter
The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of shea butter provide huge benefits to your hair.
Moreover, as a natural product, it can be safely used on all hair types, even those that are damaged, dry, or colored.
Again on damp hair, melt a little shea butter between your fingers.
Apply to your baby hair and then gently brush with a boar bristle brush. Tie your silk or satin scarf for at least 5-10 minutes.
5- Make your own gel
Flaxseed gel is a natural gel made from seeds. Indeed, flax seeds are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which can nourish dry and damaged hair.
Fatty acids are renowned for their ability to moisturize hair and skin.
We’ve posted a video of the flaxseed gel recipe here.
What gel to use for baby hair?
Most often, these products are called “edge control” and are formulated to lay down the hair and ensure that they stay in place…
Use a gel that doesn’t dry out your baby hair or your hair. Avoid using a gel that is too strong, which may damage your hair in the long run.
You can also use a homemade and natural gel that will be less harsh.
Here’s our shortlist.
Here are some special baby hair gels (or not) that you can get your hands on.
KeraCare Protein Styling Gel (the one I’ve been using forever!)
Creme Of Nature Pure Honey
Cantu Long Lasting Edge Control Gel
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Treatment
Homemade flaxseed gel
Note that many brands have their own baby hair gels (also called edge control).
What brush to use for baby hair?
An edge control brush is a small boar bristle brush with a long handle used to smooth baby hair along the hairline for a sleek hairstyle.
When used with gel or edge control, you can achieve various effects. This brush looks like a toothbrush and is more practical than a regular brush.
You can get it below:
How to grow your baby hair?
It’s possible to grow your baby hair, but they will naturally never be the same length as the rest of your hair. In some cases, it’s irreversible. There are several factors to consider:
Avoid extensions that pull on the contour of your head.
If you wear a hat or headbands: make sure to wear a satin scarf or headband.
Protect your hair from nightly friction with a satin cap/scarf or pillowcase.
Massage your scalp with vegetable oils and/or essential oils.
Avoid excessive manipulation.
Regularly moisturize and deep condition.
Take dietary supplements. Drink plenty of water.
Consult a dermatologist or professional.
Be patient!
Questions that might interest you…
Why do we have baby hair? Baby hair grows during our childhood. They have a role to play, including:
protecting the skin from irritation
sweat evaporation
keeping the body warm
These hairs have a very different texture from the other hairs on the head. Despite their name, baby hairs often stay with us after adolescence and into adulthood.
How to lay down baby hair or hair without gel or hairspray ? To lay down baby hair without gel or hairspray, you have different methods. Either use a leave-in cream or treatment, aloe vera gel or juice, shea butter, castor oil (Jamaican Black Castor oil), or use a homemade flaxseed gel. Apply one of these products, then gently brush with a boar bristle brush. Then tie a silk or satin scarf for at least 5 minutes. Your hair will be laid down. Note that the use of gel can last longer.
Is baby hair gel (edge control) bad for hair ? Excessive use of gel, too frequent hair manipulation, or use of products containing alcohol are the main causes of hair loss. Gel, if not used sparingly, dries out the hair. Coupled with a lack of maintenance and tension on dry hair, they eventually break. Preferably use natural gel (aloe vera or flaxseed gel).
