Dear Anu,

My 15 month old son has long thick hair, so I usually have his hair braided back in cornrows. My son does not present any problems when it comes to getting his hair braided. As long, as I give him a toy to sit with, he's perfectly fine. My husband believes that I need to cut his hair, because he's a boy, and is not pleased with seeing his son's hair in braids all the time. My husband believes that boys should look like boys, by presenting a nice clean haircut. Is it necessary to cut his hair at such an early age?

Signed,

Virginia Rollins - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In many cultures a child's hair is allowed to grow long, until the child is at least a year old and some times for longer periods of time. At 15 months a child is still considered a baby. It is apparent that your husband has his own perspective on what's acceptable as a masculine image. You have to pick your battles and I wouldn't allow this one to be bigger than it needs to be. If it means that much to your husband, I would say do what you need to do to keep the peace.

 

Dear Anu,

My daughter is 5 years old, and I have been thinking about using a kiddie perm on her hair, because she does not like to have her hair combed, and will usually cry once the comb touches her scalp. She is very tender headed. I was told by a friend that the kiddie perms are very mild, and that it shouldn't break her hair if it's put in by a professional. Would you recommend a kiddie perm for her at this age, and if so what brand would you prefer?

From,

Lillian McCoy - Orlando Florida

As a promoter of natural hair I could not under any circumstances recommend chemicals for a child's hair, especially a child under 13 years of age. The skin of the scalp is porous. Therefore, the chemicals penetrate the scalp and seep into the blood stream. There are ways of managing hair of young children without the use of chemicals. It may take time and patience to find someone who is sensitive and skilled enough to pull this off. But that would be my recommendation. Find someone who is patient and skilled and knows how to properly treat natural hair.

 

Dear Anu,

My husband and I have been wearing locks for 10 years now. We say that it is our crown and glory, symbol of our African heritage, as we wear it with such pride. My son is 4 years old, and has a head full of hair. We plan on starting baby locks in his hair, but have been getting some negative feedback from family and friends, who tell us that we are pushing our customs and traditions onto our son, and that we should wait until he gets older, so that he can make his own decision about what he wants to do to his hair. We believe that our son should follow in our footsteps, as he learns that locking one's hair is a cultural statement, in saying how proud we are of our God given natural hair texture. We don't see anything wrong with that, and lately we've begun to feel guilty about our decision because our family remains disappointed with us. What should we do?

Signed,

Mary and Wilson James - Miami Florida

Family and friends will always have their opinions, but you must decide whether or not it's them or you who makes the decisions for your family.

I would recommend locking your son's hair if you and your husband are in agreement with it. When your son becomes old enough to decide whether or not he wants to continue wearing locks, then he will let you know. At that time if he wants a change, then so be it. Follow your heart and your own values.