Through my Instagram platform I enjoy inspiring women to embrace their natural hair, but I think that is equally important to inspire and set the example for your children.

My son, Cairo, is 3-years-old and since his birth I’ve only straighten my hair once. I realized early on I was going to play a huge part in how he viewed the world. When I was younger, I didn’t have many examples of women wearing their natural texture and I wanted to be this change for him. I wanted to normalize natural hair for him and help him see it’s beauty.

Growing up I also saw many men make it known they preferred straight long hair. Today, I still hear of horror stories where men pressure their girlfriends and wives into straightening their hair because they don’t see textured hair as sexy or attractive (check out my IG post “What If My Spouse Doesn’t Like My Natural Hair”). Yes, society’s beauty standards haven’t just affected how women see themselves, but how men view beauty in women also. They are hitting us from all angles ya’ll!

It is important to me that my son see natural hair as beautiful and doesn’t take part in shaming women into altering themselves. This starts with me.

How to encourage our children to love Natural Hair?

Set the example

I think the most important thing we can do as parents is set a good example. Our children watch what we do and copy us, which may not always be a good thing lol, but this is how they learn to navigate in the world. Wearing your natural hair and setting this example normalizes natural hair and allows them to see the beauty in it.

It’s also important to allow them to see how you care for your own hair. Set a natural hair care routine and stick to it. It then will become normal for your child to see how natural hair is cared for and worn. This can also help them develop their own routines as they grow older. Use this as an opportunity to bond and educate them on caring for their hair. Share tips with them as they discovery new styles, products, tools, and techniques.

Teach your children how to care for their hair

My son used to hate when I washed his hair. He would make me promise when he took baths that I wouldn’t wash it lol, but I quickly learned getting him involved in caring for his own hair made this so much easier and enjoyable. I now let my son apply the shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in to his curls and now he enjoys it. He is currently loving the 4UbyTia products. They are very gentle on his hair, doesn’t irritate his sensitive skin, and provides great moisture!

Some of you may have children that are too young to care for their hair, but as they get older give them a small part in caring for their hair. This will give them a sense of responsibility to take care of their hair. Get them involved - this will set the foundation for their own hair care routines.

Speak positively about Natural Hair

Whenever you can and as often as you can, speak positively to them about their natural hair. We know society will make them question the beauty of their natural hair, so we have to equipment them with positive affirmations that will help them overcome this negativity.

We also have to help them see the unique beauty in their hair and educate them on the beauty of all hair types. This is up to us, as the world will point out differences and cause division.

Conclusion

As parents we have to set the example and take every opportunity we can to help our children see the beauty in their natural hair and others.

I hope these tips help you and your children in seeing the beauty in their natural hair.