Cover Image: Curly Kids: The Handbook

Curly Kids: The Handbook

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Member Reviews

I wish I had this handbook when I was a kid! Curly Kids is a great start for young kiddos to understand and love their hair.

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As the parent of a curly-haired child, this book is a go-to for learning how to care for their hair. I especially appreciate the body positivity found here and the encouragement to embrace one's natural hair texture.

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This is such a great book, especially in these amazing times when curly and natural is coming to the forefront. Only as an adult am I still embracing my natural spiral curls -- and reading Curly Kids helps me personally and as I talk to my sister (straight haired with a curly haired daughter) on how to take care of my niece's hair. Such beautiful and happy photos, great information for how to find the type and texture of curls, care of curls, stories that I can empathize and sympathize with -- finally, curly kids (and adults) are being encouraged widely to focus on the beauty of curls.

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A great guide for parents on how to manage, style and maintain curly hair. Very nice set of tips of what to do and what to look for in a hair stylist.

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Excellent how-to for parents of curly kids. Especially for those straight-hair parents that are confused by their children's beautiful, but wild locks. The author helps readers understand how to identify different types of curls- there are many- and explains the best ways to clean, treat, and style all curly-types. Learn which products & treatments will encourage hair health and which ones will damage curly hair. Parents /Guardians who read this book will be more equipped to teach young people to properly care for their curls and feel confident about their natural appearance. Thank you for the arc!

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This book is great for kids and adults alike if you are looking for anything curly hair related. The way that chapters are broken down is great. The curly hair information is all broken down in easy to understand sections. The home remedies at the back of the book will be super helpful to parents. I a person with long curly hair I wish my mother had a copy of this book when I was growing up.

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This book is a great resource for those just venturing into the world of curls for kids. I'm not so new to this world but was hoping to learn something new anyway. The information is mostly based on the Curly Girl Method, broken down and filtered according to a child's age group. Explains different types of curls with cute names. Good tips, inspirational stories, and a few DIY recipes.

It's just not for my kids.

While there is some diversity in the book, the author doesn't give consideration to the fact that ethnic hair can have its own set of needs. For example, It is typically much more porous. There is nothing about sealing. Oil seems to be bad. Extensions as a protective style (which is fairly common in ethnic communities) are frowned upon. She recommends never using a comb, just your fingers, to detangle hair which is practically IMPOSSIBLE with my daughter's micro coil hair type. No mentions of twist outs, which serve as both a protective hairstyle and fabulous curls when undone. While box braids are mentioned, she does not inform the reader that this is an ethnic hairstyle. There also seems to be some "hair straightening" shaming. Noticed earlier I said that I have been chemical-free for 11 years? I have found a simpler, less damaging way to straighten my hair. I do still wear curls from time to time. I'm all for being transparent with the facts, but no need to shame those who choose not to wear their hair curly all the time.

Overall Opinion:
After reading, I looked up the author. Lorraine Massey is actually the creator of the Curly Girl Method, which makes a lot of sense. I've had friends recommend the CG Method to me the last time I posted a naturally curly selfie. While it's a little too involved for me as a busy mom, the results I've seen from others online is impressive. As I already have books, watch tutorials, and follow many stylists who specialize in natural African American hair, this book didn't offer me anything more than I already knew. Overall, good information just not for everyone. While I may recommend to some of my mom friends with looser curls, I personally will stick with my other resources.

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I was able to read Curly Kids: the handbook by Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender for free from Netgalley for providing me with an advanced ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book will be a great guide for parents to learn how to care for their kids curly hair. It has tips on washing, care, and styling.

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All 3 of my kids have curly hair. My boys keep theirs too short so you cant really even tell unless it grows out a bit but my 12 year omd daughter keeps hers kind of long and is finally starting to pay more attention to general hygiene and more interested in maintaining her natural curls a good majority of the time. There were some great tips in the book that I plan to follow, but felt it got a little preachy with the no heat stuff. Of course heat isnt good for any mind of hair but I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting a change every now and then as long as it isn't a daily habit. I am also not sure how one is not supposed to brush when they habe very thick hair. I understand finger brushing is better but my daughter's hair is a ball of thick hair tangles no fingers are going to be able to brush through. Overall, I thought it was a good book with good methods to help her on the road to healthy and gorgeous curly hair.

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I received a free digital ARC through NetGalley. This is a great guide for parents with tips on washing, care, and styling.

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