School Hair Routine

The routine

1. 1

   Evening prep

   • Lightly mist dry hair with water, or work in a leave-in conditioner if you use one.
   • Detangle gently (see below).
   • Put hair into a few loose, chunky twists or braids to stretch it and keep it tangle-free.
   • Cover hair with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf, or use a satin pillowcase.
2. 2

   School morning

   • Remove the bonnet and take down twists if needed.
   • Lightly mist if hair feels dry.
   • Create a simple, loose style (ideas below).
   • Check comfort: ask your child how it feels. No pain, pulling or headaches.
3. 3

   After school

   • Take down any styles that feel tight or look pulled.
   • Let hair and scalp rest before the next style.
   • Refresh and re-protect at bedtime.

Gentle detangling

1. Detangle when hair is damp and softened with water or conditioner — never bone-dry.
2. Divide hair into four to six sections and work on one at a time.
3. Start with your fingers to separate knots.
4. Use a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and working slowly up toward the roots.
5. Hold the hair above the knot so the pull doesn’t reach the scalp.
6. Take breaks. Let your child hold a toy, watch a show, or count along with you.
7. Twist or braid each section loosely when it’s done so it stays detangled.

Simple, comfortable school styles

Choose styles that are loose at the edges and roots, and easy to redo.

Signs a style is too tight

Dermatologists warn that hairstyles that pull — including tight braids, cornrows, ponytails, buns and extensions — can lead to hair loss called traction alopecia, and it can happen in children.

• Your child says it hurts, or has a headache.
• Small bumps, redness or tenderness appear around the hairline or at the base of braids.
• The skin looks pulled or shiny at the roots.
• Hair seems thinner at the edges or temples.
• If you see any of these, loosen or take down the style and give the scalp a rest. Talk with a pediatrician or dermatologist if you notice hair thinning.