For White parents of Black children (full or biracial), doing your child's hair is totally different from doing your own. It's something most White people never had an opportunity to learn about. It is essential to your children's sense of identity and self-esteem that they are given the opportunity to look like they are well-cared for and groomed...

From Pact, an adoption alliance.
Click link for the rest of the article.
Building Racial Identity: Hair is an adoption issue

African American Childrens' Hair & Skin Care

My little 3 year old, Rita, has beautiful hair, but to be honest though, sometimes it looks a mess! I have been collecting "instructions," opinions, hints, suggestions, etc. and hope to continue getting new ideas....

This site has extensive links and suggestions
From Adoption: A Family Choice
Click link for the rest of the article
African American Childrens' Hair & Skin Care

excerpt from: Her Special Hair
Basic Do's & DON'TS

1. Do use a moisturizing conditioner on the hair after shampooing.
2. Do use a wide-toothed, SEAMLESS comb to detangle the hair. The wider the teeth, the better.
3. DO NOT use a plastic-bristled brush to brush through to the ends of the hair.
4. DO use a 100% boar-bristled brush
5. DO NOT use hair grease (those contain mineral oil and/or petroleum) on the hair and especially on the scalp. It's better to use oils (jojoba, olive,
   rosemary) to lubricate the hair and hold in moisture. The oils will also give the hair a light, healthy sheen without that greasy, weighed down look.
   DO NOT use any products that contain alcohol, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly. Alcohol dries the hair out severely, mineral oil and petroleum jelly coats the hair shaft and the scalp and does not permit the scalp to produce natural oils. Also when the scalp is coated with those products, scalp and severe dandruff problems can occur or preexisting conditions can worsen.

These tips compliments of "Her Special Hair" report.
Order the book:
"Her Special Hair"