What to do with Baby Hair

I was shocked when my daughter was born with a whole head of hair. Expecting a bald baby, she instead had thick hair with waves. My second daughter, born with lots of hair, was no different. I honestly had no idea how to do baby hair and it definitely took some trial and error. Here's what I learned...

Rule Number 1: Go with it! Don't try to fight it. If it's curly, make it curlier. Fun hair is in! Spike it up, fluff it out, big is beautiful. For boy hair, don't forget the "fro hawk" is totally in style.

Rule Number 2: Wash your baby's hair no more than every other day. Their scalp can become too dry causing cradle cap (a red scaly rash). Use baby shampoo for its gentle tear-free formula when you do wash. Gently rub your fingers in, especially careful of their soft spot, to take off any skin build-up. You can follow with a gentle conditioner too.

Rule Number 3: Consider using a dab of professional hair care products to tame unruly baby and kid's hair. I like Aveda products since they are natural. "Be Curly" is a great product for curly hair (you just need a very little bit and apply on wet hair). Top with "Light Elements Smoothing Fluid" to get rid of whispies and static and to smooth curls (apply small amount on dry hair). There is also a professional kid's line that I like: Luc's Circle of Friends. Their "Lemon Lime Shine Hair Slicker" is wonderful!

Rule Number 4: For girls, it's all about the bow. You can get away with any type of hair simply by sticking a bow in. You can even stick a bow half way up the head, so you have hair in front and behind. You can tie a simple bow and "glue" it in with KY Jelly (washes out easily with warm water). This way, they won't pull it out.

Rule Number 5: It's never too early for a trim. Some babies are born with lots of hair and may need a trim in the first few months. I like to take them to a salon (they just do better and can sit on your lap). I like Cookie Cutters: http://www.haircutsarefun.com/

Rule Number 6 (and most important): Don't worry. It's only hair. Soon they'll want to wear a pink shirt with purple shorts and orange socks (and you should let them). There's no time like now to teach our kids that what's really "in" is inside. Don't put too much emphasis on looks. Babies are cute just the way they are!

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