Caring for Asian Baby Hair

Caring for Asian baby hair

            I was recently approached by a Caucasian mother with an Oriental child while grocery shopping.  She asked me how she should be caring for Asian baby hair.  Her daughter looked to be just slightly younger than my daughter, but her hair was at different lengths in different places.  Quite frankly, it looked like she had gotten into a fight with a lawnmower, and the lawn mower won.  The woman went on to explain that they had adopted the baby from Japan a few months prior.  Her hair was beautiful when she first came home, but quickly turned into a disaster.  I believe she assumed that Julia is adopted as well, but I didn’t bother with correcting her as she probably wouldn’t be able to hear me over herself gushing about Julia’s pretty pig tails.

Julia's pretty pig tails

            I began the explanation of why Asian hair is different from what most Americans are accustomed to.  Each strand of hair has layers of cuticles.  Caucasians have usually around five layers, while Asians typically have closer to ten layers.  The cuticles on Asian hair are also different in that the cells are closer together and lay more flatly.  This means that when the hair is handled roughly, the cuticles that break off keep their shape rather than splitting at the ends.  When cared for correctly, the hair is usually the strongest out of almost all ethnicities.

            The most important thing that I can explain to anyone caring for Asian baby hair is shampoo very scarcely.  The most common rule for Caucasian hair is to shampoo every other day and condition every day.  With Asian hair, shampoo will dry out the hair shafts very quickly.  This is why it is important to only shampoo as necessary, often only once per week.  The next most important thing is types of conditioner and the application of conditioners.  You will want to choose a conditioner that provides a lot of moisturizing qualities.  Since there are so many layers of cuticles to pass through before reaching the core, you need a moisturizer that penetrates deeply.  Also, you only want to condition the ends of the hair, because conditioning the roots will make hair heavier which will consequently make it lay flatter and possess less volume.

Julia's typical up-do 

            When styling the hair, it may take a long time to find a method that will work well.  Since the hair is so smooth and straight, clips and barrettes usually slide right out.  Rubber bands will hold better but can tangle in the hair, making them hard to remove without losing a few strands of hair or having to cut them out.  My best advice is using a comb to get the style the way you want and then secure with a fabric type of band that is not going to damage the hair.  Using gel or hairspray will help hold everything in place, but you do not want to use these products near the hairline, as this is the most delicate of all the hair.  Do not pull tightly to avoid further breakage.  If you’re looking for style ideas try browsing through baby styles on babesinhairland. 

            To anyone adopting children of a different nationality, you will find challenges in topics such as this.  Do your research or ask the woman at the grocery store.  It took me a long time to discover what worked and what did not, but I hope that I have helped with the information on how you should be caring for Asian baby hair.