This is the kind of beauty question that I've answered a few times on Afrobella. But it's all new over here on Black Voices! And there are SO many new products on the market, it's time for an update. Here we go:

Hi Afrobella:

I have a 3-year-old daughter with a crinkly-curly pattern that I love. It is also very dry and I have a hard time finding the right products to keep it moisturized. I would love to allow her to wear her hair out on occasion and cut back on the ponytails. What kind of products (shampoos, moisturizers, etc) would you recommend I use to keep her hair moisturized and that will bring out that crinkly-curly pattern that appears right after I wash it. I'm also open to home made remedies as well. Thanks!

Kim
Fayetteville, NC

Kim, thanks for writing! I wrote some hair care for little afrobella posts before -- this one is filled with product recommendations and tips, this one is specifically about J. Blossom, a product line for little girls of color. And then there's this, about some major, major detangling, and hair-positive books for little girls.

So you may find some valuable info in there, as you raise your little babygirl into a confident child, secure, knowing she's beautiful, and loving her hair.

In terms of product recommendations for her hair type, there are many to choose from!

My personal favorites are Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme, Curls.biz stuff for kids -- especially the Curly Q Gel-les'c might give the crinkly-curl effect you seek, without using bad-for-you hair ingredients that are too harsh for her age.

Sistas Place has a great children's category filled with products and even better - specific recommendations for the exact look you want.

Best of luck to you, and I hope you find the product you seek for your little angel. Just remember -- if you're at all frustrated by your little one's hair, try to keep those feelings to yourself. self esteem issues can start super early, and you want to reinforce that her hair is beautiful just the way it grows from her head. And another suggestion -- include your daughter in a weekly Sunday afternoon beauty ritual and maybe do a coconut oil deep conditioning treatment before you detangle her hair (always comb from the bottom and go up, while hair is wet and saturated with conditioner). That should reduce her ouchies and allow you to enjoy some special bonding time!

Got a question? Send it to afrobellaonaol@gmail.com.

Photo credit: The amazing graphite drawing at the top of this page is by London artist Adebanji Alade. Visit his website here, and click here to purchase a drawing of your own!