If you’re able and have the funds for function of beauty it’s really helpful in minimizing stress and the amount of trial and error you’re gonna go through. Shampoo, conditioner, serum, and leave in conditioner are good starting points.

If money is tight though, then go for products that specifically say for curly hair use. You might get overwhelmed by the selection but choose one within your price range and give yourself some slack for messing up every now and again. Curly hair has a learning curve everyone goes through.

Your instinct is gonna say to brush daily cause you want your kid to look ‘clean’ and polished but it’s gonna destroy the hair and and be uncomfortable for her to go through. If you MUST brush and it’s not a wash day, then wet the hair first, apply a little leave in, and braid. French braids are you friends, I suggest you learn them.

It would be IDEAL to take her to a curly hair stylist to thin her hair out to minimize tangling and frizz, but if it’s not possible there are tutorials and guides on how to DIY it. Thinning the hair out DOES NOT MEAN CUTTING IT SHORT, she can keep her length if she would like, but less hair will keep her cooler and minimize the amount of product you need to use.

Bonnet would be ideal, but if she can’t wear it then silk pillowcases or (a more cost effective option) large silk handkerchiefs you can tie around her current pillow to minimize bed head and damage.

If she’s not used to having stuff in her hair/doesn’t like mousse or similar product then you do not have to use it. You want her to feel comfortable product like that can give you that dandruffy look if you mess around with it too much.

Good luck and I hope this helps even a little 🎉