Best Products for Kids With Curly Hair: Nontoxic + Refillable

If you're a parent of a toddler with wavy, curly, or coily hair - especially if you don't have a similar hair texture - you know that taking care of their hair can be intimidating. But with the right products and a little patience, caring for your toddler's curls can be a fun and rewarding experience. Teaching our kids how to embrace their natural hair can be a practice in self-love, after all.

At Bright Body, we know how important it is to use nontoxic and effective products on your little one’s hair, which is why we’ve formulated a line of baby-safe hair care products designed to care for all hair types, with curls in mind (our Founder tested them all on her own curls). We pride ourselves on making the best products for toddlers with textured hair.

Step 1: Wash with the Head To Toe Wash

The foundation of any good hair care routine is a gentle cleanser, and the Bright Body Head To Toe Wash is perfect for toddlers with wavy, curly, or coily hair. This sulfate-free, silicone-free formula is curly method approved and designed for all hair textures, with a special focus on curls. While it cleanses, it also ensures that your child’s hair stays moisturized and soft—essential for healthy curls.

Curly hair tends to be more dry than straight hair, so it’s important to use a product that won’t strip away the natural moisture. The Head To Toe Wash contains a sunflower-derived conditioning detangling agent that softens hair, making it easier to manage tangles and knots. This also helps with the wash-out process, preventing any product buildup that can weigh down curls.

Additionally, the formula includes hydrolyzed quinoa protein, which strengthens your child’s hair and helps reduce breakage. The wash is gentle enough to be used all over your toddler's body, making it a convenient 2-in-1 product that’s both effective and soothing.

Step 2: Conditioner

Once hair is clean, it’s time to use Conditioner. Our silicone-free, curly method-approved formula is ideal for all hair types and is packed with ingredients that will leave your toddler’s curls soft, shiny, and manageable.

The combination of our sunflower-derived conditioning agent and marshmallow root extract soften hair, boost shine, and improve combability. You can either wash this conditioner out completely or leave it in for added moisture—depending on humidity and your toddler's hair needs.

Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and slowly working your way up to the roots to minimize breakage and discomfort. Remember that hair is its most fragile when wet, so go easy!

Step 3: Style with Flaxseed & Oat Protein Curly Hair Gel

Now that your toddler's hair is clean and conditioned, it’s time to style! Our Flaxseed & Oat Protein Curly Hair Gel is a game-changer for defining and setting curls. While this product is formulated for adults, it works wonderfully on toddlers’ curls as well—thanks to its nontoxic, gentle ingredients.

To use the gel, apply it to soaking wet hair after wash day. The key to ensuring that the gel distributes evenly is to scrunch it into small sections of hair. Use an old cotton T-shirt (yes, you heard that right!) to scrunch out excess water and evenly distribute the product. This is a much gentler method than using a terry cloth towel, which can rough up the cuticle and lead to frizz.

Coily textures can also use the gel for twist-out and protective styles!

Step 4: Air Dry or Diffuse

Caring for curly hair requires some patience, and drying is no exception. We recommend letting your toddler’s hair air dry whenever possible. This allows the curls to form naturally without being disturbed by heat.

If you’re in a rush or want to speed up the drying process, use a diffuser on a low setting. The key is to avoid using high heat, as curly hair is more susceptible to damage from excessive heat. Air drying or diffusing on low heat will help maintain your toddler’s curl structure and keep their hair feeling soft.

Refresh Days: Keeping Curls Defined Between Washes

To keep your toddler’s curls looking fresh between wash days, here’s how you can revive and maintain their beautiful texture.

Step 1: Use the Moisture Locking Curl Refresher

On dry hair, apply the Bright Body Moisture Locking Curl Refresher to rejuvenate curls and add moisture. This product, although formulated for adults, works wonders on toddlers and is completely nontoxic. To use, rub the product between your palms and gently smooth it over areas of frizz or curls that need a little extra definition.

The Moisture Locking Curl Refresher will add the right amount of moisture without weighing down curls, leaving them soft, defined, and frizz-free.

Step 2: Detangle + Revive with the Detangling Mist

Once you’ve applied the Moisture Locking Curl Refresher, it’s time to use the Bright Body Detangling Mist. This product will help smooth out any tangles and make the hair more manageable. Lightly mist the Detangling Mist all over the curls, then start detangling at the roots, working your way up the hair. Be sure to detangle slowly and gently to avoid causing breakage.

For extra detangling power, you can also spray the mist directly onto a comb to make the process even easier. Just be sure not to overapply the product. It’s always best to start with a light mist and add more if needed.

General Do's and Don’ts for Toddler Curly Hair Care

DO:

• Gently detangle hair when wet, using a wide-tooth comb.
• Use a cotton T-shirt to scrunch out excess water from wet curls.
• Keep hair hydrated and moisturized.
• Protect curls from heat damage by air drying or diffusing on a low setting.

DON’T:

• Don’t use terry cloth towels to dry your toddler’s curly hair. The fabric can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, opt for a soft cotton T-shirt to scrunch out excess water.
• Don’t brush curly hair when it's dry, as this can cause frizz and disrupt the curl pattern. Instead, detangle hair when it's wet and conditioned or after applying a product like our Detangling Mist.
• Don’t overapply Bright Body products. Many people with curly hair are used to using gobs of product to get the results they want because conventional formulas use significant concentrations fillers. Our formulas don't use fillers, so it's easy to use more than you need to!

Ready to get the best products for your toddler's curly hair? Use code NEW for 15% off your first purchase.