Hair Care for the First Time

Last Monday two friends we met while taking adoption classes whirled into the house to meet my new kiddos and take a look at their hair. Ts hair was in need of help and since we were leaving for camping the next day they just dug in and got started on the hair.

T had braid extensions in her hair. I started removing them around 4:30. It was a slow start because T did not know they were extensions. She bawled and wanted to have a fit that we were taking them out/cutting her hair (which we weren't) but we talked her through it and while the other ladies went to get more supplies I took the extensions out-took about 45 minutes.

Removing braid extensions with rat tail comb

 We had a cupcake break after the extensions were out. I LOVED the funky messy hair-do that was present after the extensions came out and made a point of reassuring and giving T lots of compliments and good feedback to her so it wouldn't be devastating. She came around fast.

New Sisters

We shampooed hair in the kitchen sink with moisturizing shampoo then followed with conditioner which we ended up leaving in for 30 minutes or so and covering with a shower cap. I can't remember when we combed it out. Before or after the washing?

Hair Washing

After the wash we used a blow dryer w/comb attachment and dried the hair. We put products in. It's kind of a blur. My friend used a hot comb (like a curling iron) and combed through sections of the hair to soften it-of course, like other new aspects of the hair care process that night this initial attempt with the hot comb was met with a fit: screaming and tears so we took some time to talk about it and demonstrate on our hair that it wasn't going to burn. My friend Dale started cornrows Monday night and it was about 9pm when they left. Dale returned Tuesday to finish the top part of her hair. Thanks lady(ies) I don't know what I'd do...

Cornrows, Day 2!

My little girl with beads, M, lost the beads on one strand yesterday so it's time to take the plunge and see what I find under there. Shelia from church and I were looking yesterday. We think the braids under those beads are probably extensions too. Natural, here we come! I'm so nervous. I think I'll pray particularly about it. Why didn't I think of that before? 

¹³ Isaiah 41:13
For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.”


This verse makes me trust the Lord for the girls' hair and know that really, He is the one guiding my hands and even helping me with creative ways to style their natural short hair.