17-07-2025
5 haircare tips for parents and kids this winter
The cold season means less trips to the salon and dealing with children's hair at home can be a mission and a half. From tantrums to trying to part the perfect line, taking care of your child's hair might need extra care.
TRUELOVE spoke to Mbali Mncwabe, a mom and founder of Kiddies Korner - a kids hair salon with branches in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal – to share tips on improving the haircare experience for you and your child.
A child-friendly environment
She prefers a colourful space. 'The bright colours are playful and scream kids zone here. We have a friendly and warm team. Our salons are designed in a way for parents to see their kids when they get their hair done. We have open plans across all salons. The kids are welcome to play freely and run around,' she says of Kiddies Korner.
Winter hair challenges for children
We all know that winter can be tough on any hair due to low humidity, cold temperatures and indoor heating, which strip moisture from hair and scalp, leading to dryness and breakage, especially around the fragile hairline.
'The sculp also becomes dry very quickly. Just like a plant needs watering, so does hair to avoid breaking (this is the case with natural hair more especially). A water-based sprits keeps the hair moisturised.'
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Mbali says they also address the dryness by using their in-house oil. 'We do this by moisturising twice a week. We moisturise first around the hairline and the whole head of hair. Then we recommend satin bonnets to keep the hair moist and nourished.'
Winter haircare tips
Being a mom herself, the kiddies salon owner shares some of the winter haircare tips that moms can try at home to keep their children's hair healthy throughout this cold season.
1. Protective styling
Have a protective hairstyle for three weeks to a month (saves time in the morning instead of having to comb hair and protective hairstyles are manageable ( just brushing of edges) - these are hairstyles like braids or parents can play around with extensions, beads and even a pop of colour.
2. Moisturise regularly
Moisturise the scalp with a sprits daily, then base the scalp with essential oils once or twice a week. This helps avoid hair breakage and no 'ouchies' when we undo the hair because it will be moist.
3. Make it fun
Make hair routine fun by buying colourful hair accessories to use and involve the child in the process so that they can own it.
4. Scalp care
Scalp issues may vary and parents need to find what the exact underlying issue is causing the irritation. There are kids with eczema, therefore, their scalp needs specific products to use to avoid further irritation on the skin.
5. Overnight care
Wearing satin hair bonnets or pillowcases when going to bed assists with preserving the hairstyle and keeping it in for longer.
