Your child’s curly hair may have a different hair texture than yours, and if you’re a parent or care-taker with straight hair, you may have never even considered the critical role that curly hair products can have on your hair care routine. Here to save the day are kids’ curly hair care products formulated specifically with sensitive kids’ curls in mind to handle your worst tangles, as well as keeping your kids’ hair clean and moisturized.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the vast range of curl products on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 gentle, kid-friendly product lines to keep your little one’s hair in top shape and put the fun back into detangling, washing, and styling. Keep an eye out for our tips on which hair types these products are best for – because the needs of Type 2 wavy hair can be very different from Type 4 coily hair!
1. SheaMoisture Kids
As a staple and OG in the world of curly hair, you can count on the SheaMoisture brand to bring hydration and healthy, organic ingredients to you and your children. The Coconut & Hibiscus Kids line will nourish delicate curls with coconut oil’s vitamins and antioxidants, while the hibiscus extract adds shine. Cleanse with the Coconut & Hibiscus Kids 2-In-1 Shampoo & Conditioner ($9.99) to remove buildup while replenishing lost oils without any of the harsh chemicals. To get rid of any pesky tangles, follow up with the Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Extra-Moisturizing Detangler ($9.99) with slippery elm extract for the perfect amount of “slip” to loosen knots. To top it off, try the Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream ($9.99) for styling, giving intense moisturization and a soft hold for definition.
The Coconut & Hibiscus line works wonders on curl patterns Type 3 and Type 4 and is a gentle kid-friendly product line your family will love.
Not sure what your curly kiddo’s hair type is? Take our quiz!
2. Kinder Curls by Curl Keeper
Kinder Curls is making a big comeback as a fan favorite that won the NaturallyCurly Best of the Best Awards for Curly Hair Products For Kids in 2020, and again in 2023 for Type 2 Wavy Hair. These products are gentle and designed to detangle, define, and soften curly hair. Whether you are ready to travel, swim, or camp, these products are water-based and will help control the most unruly, frizzy hair.
Try this line on gentle, kid-friendly product line with curl patterns Types 2 and Type 3.
3. Camille Rose Naturals Kids
Camille Rose Naturals has proved to have a standout kid’s line that works with all textures and curl types for your tiny tot. As the winner of two of our kid’s categories, this line shows that it stands out and is truly a must-have for your home. The kid’s line features an array of styling products like a Mandarin hair balm, a leave-in conditioner, and buttercream full of rich nutrients to moisturize and condition even the most delicate strands. You can purchase each product individually or in a set for easy and seamless styling on the go that will leave you feeling at ease with your little one. It won the Best of the Best Award for Best Products for Kids with Type 3 Curly Hair.
Use Johnson’s on any curly/textured hair type.
4. SoCozy Kids
SoCozy was designed with the intention to create salon-quality hair care products just for kids, with no harmful ingredients, and has your kid’s wash day completely covered–from leave-in conditioner to volumizing foam. Start wash-day off on the right foot with the Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser’s ($9.98) restorative formula to reduce breakage and promote elasticity. The ingredients keratin, plum seed oil, and olive oil encourage strong, moisturized hair with sealed cuticles. For an even gentler clean on damaged curls, give the Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner ($9.99) a go. Pair that with the Curl Conditioner ($7.39), distributing evenly and rinsing, or even leaving a small amount in for added moisture. Finish off with the Curl Spray ($7.99) for added moisture and to avoid snags.
Use these products on Type 3 to Type 4A curls.
5. CURLS It’s a Curl!
When it comes to your baby, you want the absolute best. If you’ve used CURLS products before and loved them, guess what–they have a baby line. Peek-a-Boo Tearless Shampoo ($12) cleans baby’s hair and scalp with organic ingredients and botanicals for super sensitive skin. Add the organic aloe-infused Patty Cake Conditioner ($13) to clean hair to soothe an irritated scalp and penetrate the hair shaft to moisturize with organic jojoba oil. To finish up, apply the Ring Around The Curls Leave-In ($14) to enhance, defrizz, and style. In between washes, use the Itsy Bitsy Spirals Moisturizer ($13) daily to take care of that adorable fuzzy bed-head look.
The It’s a Curl line is perfect for all curly/textured hair types.
6. Taliah Waajid Kinky, Wavy & Natural for Children
Let’s give a big drumroll for the Best Kids Line for Type 4 Coily Hair for 2023, which comes courtesy of Taliah Waajid! This kid’s line is great for tighter curl patterns to help with styling and improving the overall shine and texture. This product contains only quality ingredients and herbal extracts, so it’s free of harsh chemicals. This gentle formula softens the curl pattern while making hair manageable.
What are the current must-have products in your curly kid’s routine? If you’ve used any products from these collections, tell us about your experience in the comments.
7. Mixed Chicks Kids
Some curls require extra moisture but are prone to build-up, and Mixed Chicks Kids aims to fill in that gap. Starting off with the Kids Shampoo ($11), you can count on a gentle cleanse, but Mixed Chicks recommends not washing your kiddie’s curls more than twice a week. Instead, use the Conditioning Cleansing Co-Wash ($13) in place of shampoo if needed. When it comes to the Conditioner for Kids ($13), due to parents’ wishes—there are no color additives or fragrances. This gem of a conditioner with safflower and jojoba oil will help you comb through curls like a boss with less breakage and more healthy-looking growth. Add the Leave-In Conditioner for Kids ($12) as the icing on top (also colorless and fragrance-free) for a soft finish. Does your cutie have bedhead the next day? Try the Kid’s Tangle-Tamer ($13) as a refresher.
These products are great on Type 3 to Type 4A hair and is a gentle kid-friendly product line for your family!
8. Fairy Tales Curly-Q
If you and your family are vegan, look no further. Fairy Tales Hair Care prides itself on catering to all curly hair types, and the Curly-Q line is 100% vegan. Their Kids Shampoo for Curly Hair ($9.95) will leave your young one’s curls looking great with ingredients like quinoa and avocado butters, and smelling like pear basil. Tangles won’t stand a chance with the Kids Conditioner for Curly Hair ($9.95), and the Kids Styling Spray Gel for Curly Hair ($9.95) will help to define, shape, or scrunch curls into place.
Check out: How to Properly Care For Curly Hair For Kids
9. FroBabies Hair
FroBabies is all about building natural hair and curl confidence in kids by promoting healthy hair, starting at 12 months and older. And their line of super-effective products does just that. The delightful Honey Bubbles Moisturizing Shampoo ($13.21) smells just as sweet as it sounds with its honey and avocado ingredients for ensured moisture. Its partner is the So Super Soft After Shampoo Conditioner ($14.22), which you can leave on your baby’s hair for up to 15 minutes for a super deep conditioning treatment. When ready to style, pick up the Detangle Me Baby Leave-In Conditioner ($12.53) to detangle with your fingers or favorite tool, and use it daily as needed. For styles that require hold, you’ll also want the Curls-A Poppin Soufflé ($12.08) and the Puffy Hold Me Down Baby Gelle ($11.76).
Super ideal for parents who do braids, twists, and other protective styles on Type 3 and 4 hair.
10. Eden Bodyworks Kids
The EDEN Kids collection’s easy-to-use packaging makes wash-day simple and easy enough that your curly kid might be able to do it themselves. Cleanse with the COCO Shea Berry Detangling Shampoo ($9.25) to soften strands for easier detangling without drying them.
Great for all curly/coily kids.
What are the current gentle, kid-friendly must-have products in your curly kid’s routine? If you’ve used any products from these collections, tell us about your experience in the comments.
Read next: Jenell Stewart’s 5-Minute Daily Moisture Routine for Toddlers With Natural Hair
