I already know your struggle. Finding the right mixed children’s hair products for your daily hair care regimen seems like a never-ending process. You spend weeks looking for the right leave-in conditioner, then the optimal detangler. You try 20 different shampoo and conditioner combinations, and a month later, they no longer produce the same results.
The struggle is real!
Fortunately, that struggle ends today. At MixedKidHair, we understand the curls and waves that comprise biracial hair textures. We’ve tested thousands of products, so you don’t have to. Not only that – we’ve tested hundreds of product combinations to keep curls and waves hydrated, nourished, and healthy.
The bad news is – most of the products out there provide lackluster results. Even expensive products can leave mixed children’s hair frizzy, dry, and brittle. Still, there are a few products that stand out. When used as part of a daily routine, these products will give your mixed child the healthy hair results you’ve been seeking.
Why Mixed Hair Needs It’s Own Products
Not long ago, a Facebook commenter called us racist for singling out biracial hair. “Hair is hair! Why does race matter in creating a hair care routine or choosing a hair product?” The short answer is – because it does.
The truth is that different races have different common hair types, and each hair type has specific qualities. Biracial people have hair that can fall across a wide spectrum between curly, wavy, and straight. For mixed children – the products that work for dad and mom might be ineffective for the child.
The shampoo that mom uses might leave her hair moisturized and straight but leave the child’s hair dry and stringy. Dad’s gel may make his hair curly and glossy but leaves build-up and a dull appearance for the child.
No texture of hair is better or worse than the other. However, it is a fact that biracial hair is complex, requiring unique products for the best results.
At MKH, we aren’t racist (duh!). We are passionate about the health of your child’s hair, no matter their skin tone, and you should be, too!
Sidenote: We are a team of biracial people with mixed kids – we couldn’t hate anyone without hating ourselves, too. Take that, Facebook commenter!
The Go-To Mixed Children’s Hair Products
Proper biracial hair care requires the right combination of products. This means the correct type of products, along with the best product within that category. For example, mixed hair needs a leave-in conditioner, but it needs a conditioner specifically made for its qualities.
By all means, this is not a full guide to mixed children’s hair care or a full list of great products. Instead, we’ve provided five products that should serve as a foundation for long-term hair care. Think of it as a base you can build on as you discover what works for your child and their unique hair qualities. From shampoos to custards, these are five hair products for mixed children we just couldn’t live without!
If you don’t have the CurlyKids Textured Hair Care Set on your shelf, you have no idea what you’re missing. This set includes a shampoo, conditioner, detangler spray, and curly creme. CurlyKids designed these products specifically for kids with curly hair (hence the name). Best of all, it is a great foundational kit that includes most of the elements you need for a great hair care routine.
Say goodbye to curly tangles! With a detangle shampoo, conditioner, and spray, this set ensures your child’s curls stay soft, shiny, and breakage-free. Together, the products in this kit leave curls hydrated, nourished, and protected.
- Ultimate Detangling: Eliminates knots and tangles for easier combing
- Moisturizing: Deeply hydrates and restores shine.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful additives.
- Long-Lasting Definition: Keeps curls defined without the crunch.
- Gentle and Safe: Safe for sensitive scalps and delicate hair.
Pros
- May Be Too Heavy for Fine Hair: Some of the products may seem heavy, which can weigh down finer curls.
- Diminishing Results: The hair may become accustomed to the same product formula over time. The product combination may work well at first. However, you may need to substitute some products over time to keep getting the same results.
Cons
Why We Picked It
The CurlyKids Textured Hair Care Set works wonders as an all-in-one solution for curly heads. Its gentle but powerful ingredients work to make our children’s curls healthy, shiny, and tangle-free. The kit alone produces impressive results, but each product within it works as a standalone.
Mixed children’s hair is susceptible to dryness and frizz. Fortunately, the So Cozy Leave-In Conditioner Spray makes managing your child’s curls a breeze. This easy-to-use spray instantly conditions and moisturizes, promoting bouncy, defined curls with minimal effort.
So Cozy uses keratin and vitamin B5 to help repair and protect curls. Additionally, they use jojoba oil to add moisture and bring out the natural shine of curls.
Best of all, it is a kid-friendly detangler. It can unravel tough knots without causing discomfort or breakage. So Cozy is free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic colors, making it safe for sensitive-skinned children. Additionally, with watermelon seed oil as a main ingredient, So Cozy produces a refreshing scent and controls frizz effectively.
- Easy to Use: Spray-on application for quick and simple hair care.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with keratin, vitamin B5, and jojoba oil for strong, healthy curls.
- Gentle Formula: No harsh chemicals, safe for sensitive skin.
- Tangle-Free Curls: Helps smooth out knots and tangles for easier combing.
- Adds Shine: Leaves curls soft, shiny, and defined.
Pros
- Less Effective on Dry Hair: It is not a heavy product. Extremely dry hair may require other products for long-term moisture.
- Light Scent: We love the scent, but it is subtle. Some people may prefer a more noticeable fragrance.
Cons
Why We Picked It
We don’t have hours to spend every day trying to moisturize biracial curls. So Cozy Leave-In Conditioner Spray makes hydration as easy as a couple of pump sprays. This product is a detangler and a moisturizer, making it easier for kids (and parents) to manage curls quickly.
Mango and carrot make awesome smoothie ingredients, but who knew they would be so great as a hair product ingredient? Apparently, SheaMoisture did when they made the Kids Mango & Carrot Extra-Nourishing Shampoo. This shampoo provides a gentle cleanse while deeply moisturizing find and delicate hair. The blend of organic shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil makes hair clean, nourished, and hydrated.
The sulfate-free formula used in this product is rich in vitamins and nutrients, promoting healthy and shiny hair. You’ll love the smell of this shampoo and the fact that it hydrates so deeply without harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, ensuring you choose a safe product for your child and the planet.
- Sulfate-Free: Gentle on delicate hair, avoids stripping natural oils.
- Moisturizing: Rich in oils and nutrients to hydrate and soften hair.
- Defines Curls: Helps curls stay defined and frizz-free.
- Natural Ingredients: Packed with organic shea butter, coconut oil, and carrot extract.
- Cruelty-Free: Made without testing on animals.
Pros
- Might Not Lather Well: Sulfate-free formulas often produce less lather, which can seem ineffective to some. However, the amount of lather is not a real factor in the impact of shampoo products.
- Expensive: Slightly more expensive compared to some other kid-friendly shampoos.
Cons
Why We Picked It
SheaMoisture is a trusted brand for textured hair care, and this Mango & Carrot shampoo is no exception. If your child’s curls need extra moisture and gentle cleansing, this nourishing shampoo is an excellent choice. It helps define curls while maintaining softness, making it a great option for daily use.
Aunt Jackie’s Kids Curl Custard is a moisture-rich styling product that helps to define and soften curls. It provides a long-lasting definition for curls, waves, and tight coils without a sticky residue. With ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil, it hydrates hair and reduces frizz.
This product is perfect for leaving curls feeling soft and manageable. Ideal for twist-outs, braid-outs, and other curly hairstyles, this custard ensures curls maintain their shape and bounce all day. Made specifically for children, its ingredients are both gentle and effective.
- Long-Lasting Definition: Keeps curls defined without crunchiness.
- Moisturizing: Enriched with shea butter and coconut oil for added hydration.
- No Sticky Residue: Leaves curls feeling soft and manageable.
- Great for Styling: Ideal for various styles, including twists, braids, and coils.
- Made in the USA: Proudly produced in the United States.
Pros
- Heavy for Fine Hair: Might be too thick for children with finer hair types.
- Strong Scent: The scent, while pleasant, might be overpowering for some.
Cons
Why We Picked It
This curl custard is a great option if you’re searching for a product that defines curls and prevents frizz. It prevents frizz and leaves the hair soft and manageable. Furthermore, it is an excellent daily-use option that leaves defined curls without the crunchy feel.
Suave Kids Natural Shea Butter 3-in-1 product is our favorite all-in-one bath solution for children. It works as a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Infused with 100% natural shea butter, this formula cleanses, softens, and nourishes the skin and hair.
At MixedKidHair, we never recommend using an all-in-one product as a shampoo and conditioner. However, we also understand that sometimes, time is of the essence. This product works great for busy mornings when you need a quick but effective option for your child’s bath time.
Suave Kids is tear-free and dermatologist-tested. As a result, it is safe even for sensitive skin and eyes. It has a light shea butter scent that leaves your child feeling clean and fresh. Furthermore, it is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicon, which is always a plus!
- 3-in-1 Formula: Simplifies bath time by combining shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
- Tear-Free: Safe for sensitive eyes and skin.
- Gentle and Nourishing: Infused with natural shea butter for soft, hydrated skin and hair.
- Dermatologist-Tested: Safe for all skin types.
- Budget-Friendly: More affordable than many other kids’ haircare products.
Pros
- Might Not Be Moisturizing Enough: Although it hydrates, it may not be effective for extremely dry hair. You may still need to use other products for best results.
- Not Ideal for Curly Hair: Doesn’t provide the same level of curl definition as specialized products.
Cons
Why We Picked It
Buy this product if you are a busy parent looking for a multi-purpose product that saves time and simplifies the bath routine. While gentle and nourishing, it’s best paired with a curl-specific product for enhanced haircare results.
