Q: My 3-year-old daughter has mostly curly hair. If I let it dry naturally, it is much curlier. But it is fairly long and it tends to straighten out in some sections while remaining quite curly in others. In other words, it’s not the big whopping curls you see on some kids because she seems to have a few sections that are rather wavy instead of curly. Is this because she doesn’t have a proper ‘curly hair cut,” if there is such a thing? Also, I usually brush it, and the curls pretty much come out when I do that. I would like to maximize the curls, but I think that means no brushing, using certain products and a special cut. What should I do?

Cozy: It seems like you already know the answer to your question. She should definitely get a great haircut that will help to enhance her curls. Oftentimes, if there aren’t enough layers or the layers are too long, it will drag down the hair creating those straight hair sections. You are also right about brushing: NEVER brush curly hair! It will cause the cuticle to stand up, which creates that frizzy look. Instead, when she is done bathing, scrunch an alcohol-free styling gel into her hair to enhance her natural curl. I recommend So Cozy Groovy Grape Styling Gel. You will need to experiment with the amount of product needed to see what works. Start with a nickel-size and try to evenly distribute it through her hair while scrunching.

Q: I am the mother of a beautiful 8 1/2-year-old who will only wear a ponytail. She has 3b hair underneath, and most of her hair around the top — from the middle of her head up — is probably 3c and fuzz. Two years ago, I had her hair relaxed and only touched it up once. She only has about one inch of straight hair left on the ends. It seems like her hair has changed. I used to be able to let her wear some curls, but now it is just peach fuzz. I have used all sorts of products, but none of them seem to last on her hair.

Cozy: Your daughter obviously isn’t comfortable with her hair yet, which is VERY common. That is why she likes to wear it in a ponytail. I don’t see anything wrong with her wearing it in a ponytail, other than that it can cause breakage to her hair. To help prevent breakage, try putting it in a looser band. Also, make sure to condition her hair every day to help moisturize and prevent it from drying out. Most importantly, you should try to help your daughter to embrace her natural curls. Take her to a trusted stylist for a consultation. A proper haircut can go a long way and can help transform your daughter’s insecurity with her natural curls into a newfound confidence.

Q:: My 4-year-old daughter has fine wavy hair. I need a recommendation for a good moisturizing conditioner. Her hair keeps tangling bad!

Cozy: You are smart to start using conditioner on your daughter’s hair. It is so important to keep hair hydrated to prevent it from drying out. Try So Cozy Sweet Strawberry Conditioner. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A and E and Sweet Almond Oil, but it smells so good your daughter will love it. Half the battle is getting your child involved in the grooming process!

Q: My 6-year-old daughter longs for hair like her straight-haired friends. Is it all right to straighten her hair with a flat iron just so she can get a different look? If so, what’s the best way to do this?

Cozy: I don’t recommend straightening your daughter’s hair with a flat iron regularly for two reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that the heat from the iron is very damaging to the hair. Second, I think your time will be better spent helping her to find hair styles that embrace her natural curls. I wish that when I was a child, someone would have helped me to work with my naturally curly hair rather than wasting my time and energy trying to make my hair look like my straight-haired friends. With that said, if you are going to flat iron her hair, comb it into 1-inch sections and work section by section. Make sure to use a thermal protectant to reduce heat damage.

Q: We’re looking for help with a big problem: our 4-year-old daughter’s hair. It’s very thick and curly, and in some areas there’s thick frizz. It gets full of tangles and knots, which makes combing and washing it stressful for all concerned. We use conditioner and keep it braided, which helps, but not enough. We’d like to avoid cutting it really short, because the length is pretty and her hair has become part of her unique charm. Any suggestions?

Cozy: You are not alone! Believe it or not, tangles are the No. 1 problem we hear about at Cozy’s Cuts For Kids. We believe that for thick, curly hair, detangling is actually a two-step process. You need the So Cozy It Takes Two to Detangle Kit. It includes:

• Lucky Lime Pre-Detangling Treatment – This breakthrough formula is designed to be used IN THE TUB as it instantly starts the detangling process in the bathtub by smoothing the cuticle, which allows knots to comb right out easily and gently. It is formulated with natural ingredients such as quinoa seed, nettle extract, panthenol and wheat protein, which work together to smooth, nourish and moisturize the cuticle, keeping hair silky, shiny and tangle-free.

  How To Use: Simply apply a generous amount to the hair after shampooing, using more in tangled areas. Then, use the enclosed wide-tooth comb to work the knots right out. Rinse and then towel dry.

• Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner– This fruit-scented spray is designed to be used ON THE GO to keep hair smooth and full of precious moisture. It contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat starch to condition and protect the hair shaft as well as Pro-Vitamin B5 to thicken and straighten the hair.

  How To Use: Spray evenly over the entire length of the hair, avoiding the face and eyes. Apply liberally onto hard to comb areas. Brush or comb hair at the ends and work upwards towards the scalp.

• Wide Tooth Comb with Hook Handle – Used by the pros at Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, this comb makes detangling as easy and tug-free as possible.
• Miniature Rubber Ducky – No bath would be complete without a fun toy, so this cute little guy comes along, too.
• Detangling Instructions – Written by the experts at Cozy’s Cuts For Kids, these tips will give parents step-by-step instructions on how to use the kit.

Q: I have a 19-month-old daughter who has wavy/curly hair, and it’s unruly. I would love to get her a short haircut because it would be so much easier, but I wouldn’t do it because she would look like a boy and I don’t want that. What are my options?

Cozy: Not all short haircuts are “boy” cuts! You need to find a trusted stylist to consult with. You may want to look through magazines or research haircuts on the Internet to open up your mind to all the possibilities. I see hundreds of adorable little girl haircuts every month that are so cute & feminine. In the meantime, to alleviate the unruliness, try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner. It will help you to gently comb through her hair, while conditioning it at the same time.