As the back-to-school season approaches, busy parents are faced with the challenge of getting their kids ready for school on time amidst the morning hustle. And let's be honest, between making breakfast, preparing lunches, and ensuring your kids are dressed and ready to go, the chaos can feel overwhelming. And let's not forget about the hair! With the pulling, tying and styling, there's just not enough time.
In this case, for parents of children with natural or black hair, finding hassle-free hairstyles that look great and require minimal styling time can be a lifesaver.
In this blog post, we'll explore easy-to-do hairstyles specifically tailored for children with natural or black hair, along with tips for preserving these styles for the week ahead. These styles not only look adorable but also require minimal maintenance throughout the week.
Ready to simplify your mornings? Let's dive in!
1. Braids: Classic braids are a versatile and low-maintenance hairstyle perfect for school. Get them done over the weekend and enjoy a hassle-free week. Braids can be styled in various ways, allowing for different looks every morning. They are also durable enough to withstand daily activities and, when done well, can last up to 3-4 weeks.
2. Pigtails: Pigtails are another excellent option for busy mornings. You can easily do them yourself over the weekend to prepare for the upcoming week. Simply split your child's hair into two equal sections and lay the lose strands with gel for a neat look. Tie each section with a hair tie and braid them as desired. You can also add a touch of personality, by incorporating accessories like beads, ribbons, or clips. With minimal styling time required, pigtails can be left in for several days without needing much upkeep, just the daily tough of styling gel to lay the edges.
3. Cornrows: Cornrows are another chic and practical, option for busy mornings. This style is particularly beneficial for children who tend to play and tug at their hair, as cornrows are less likely to unravel. Once done, cornrows require minimal styling and can last for several weeks. While you can't style them individually each morning, you can add a touch of personality and elegance by either doing simple straight-back cornrows or intricate designs.
4. Bantu knots: Bantu knots are a fun and stylish option for kids with natural hair. These twisted knots not only look cute but also help define curls and create beautiful texture. The best part it, this style can be done at home without a trip to the salon. While they may require a bit more time and patience, the results are well worth it.
To achieve bantu knots, you'll need lots of gel and hair ties. Divide your child's hair into sections, twist each section into a knot, and secure it with a hair tie. Bantu knots can last throughout the week with minimal maintenance- just the trendy gel touch up on the edges each morning.
Hair Maintenance
While protective styles are a lifesaver for busy mornings, proper hair maintenance is essential to keep your child's hair healthy and looking its best throughout the week.
Here are some tips to help you maintain their hairstyles:
- Prepping Protective Styles: Before the school week begins, set aside time to prep protective styles like braids or twists. Ensure your child's hair is neatly braided or twisted for the week ahead to minimise styling time in the mornings.
- Nighttime Hair Care: Incorporate nighttime hair care routines to maintain the integrity of protective styles. Encourage your child to wear a silk wrap or satin bonnet to bed to minimise friction and keep their hair smooth and protected while they sleep.
- Morning Hair Preservation: Use a TTAT shower cap in the mornings to preserve your child's hairstyle while they shower or bathe. Shower caps help shield the hair from moisture and steam, preventing frizz and preserving the integrity of the style.
With the right hairstyles and maintenance routines, busy mornings can be made easier for both parents and children. By prepping protective styles in advance and incorporating proper hair maintenance techniques, you can ensure your child looks stylish and put-together throughout the school week. Experiment with different hairstyles and find what works best for your child's hair type and lifestyle, and enjoy stress-free mornings all school year long.