Back-to-School Curls: 10 Tips for Stress-Free Mornings
Easy, Kid-Friendly Curl Care for School Days
Mornings can be hectic, especially when it comes to curly and textured hair. But with a little preparation, you can make back-to-school hair routines smooth, stress-free, and fun. Here are 10 top tips to help your child’s curls stay healthy, hydrated, and ready to shine in the classroom.
1. Wash Smart, Not Often
Kids’ curls don’t need daily shampooing. Washing with a gentle cleanser like the Shedid & Parrish Deep Cleansing Shampoo 1-2 times per week preserves natural oils and keeps their hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free (and saves you time too!)
2. Condition Generously
On wash day, apply a nourishing conditioner such as our Deep Restoring Conditioner and focus on the ends. Leave it in for a few minutes to do it’s work, then gently detangle. If the hair is getting dry, leave it in a bit longer so allow the magic to happen.
3. Detangle While Wet
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle the hair in the shower while the conditioner is in. There shouldn’t be any pain, so go gently and work from the bottom to the roots.
4. Use Leave-In Conditioner
After washing, apply a natural leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture and make hair more manageable for styling. Our Shedid & Parrish Leave in Conditioner has beautiful slip and works wonders - locking in moisture for healthy strands
5. Keep Styles Simple
Think about styles that can last a few days, braids, twists, buns and ponytails are great for setting the curls in place with only a refresh needed rather than a daily do over.
6. Prep the Night Before
Detangle and style hair the night before school to cut down on morning stress. Overnight protective styles like twists or braids help hold the style in place but remember don’t pull too hard on the scalp - keep it gentle.
7. Embrace Scrunchies, Soft Hair Ties & Clips
Enhancing a look with accessories adds colour and fun as well as helping to hold a style in place. Be careful to avoid grips, elastic bands or metal that can snag the curls and cause breakage.
8. Hydrate Throughout the Week
When needed, refresh with a light water mist or Leave in Conditioner - you can simply mix some water with your favourite leave in for a homemade version. Spray the hair to refresh curls, especially after physical activity or outdoor play.
9. Protect Hair While Sleeping
Whilst satin bonnets are great for preventing tangles, children sometime don't like the restrictive feel around the head. And of course with a wriggler, the bonnets fall off during the night. An alternative is a satin or bamboo pillowcase which will help protect the hair from tangles and frizz. Where possible, pile the hair loosely on top of the head too so they're sleeping on the back of the head. The hair's natural moisture doesn't get sucked from the hair like a traditional cotton pillowcase and makes styling in the morning quicker and easier.
10. Make It Fun
Involve your child in their hair routine - let them choose their hairstyle or accessories. When kids enjoy their hair care, mornings become easier and more positive for everyone. The aim is for them to love their curls, embrace who they are and see their hair as an asset and a privilege.
Back-to-school hair doesn’t have to be a battle. With these simple, kid-friendly tips, mornings can be calmer, curls can stay healthy and hydrated, and your child can start the school day feeling confident. Healthy hair routines build not just great curls - but great mornings too!
