When my daughter turned one in January 2025, I made a conscious decision to be intentional about her hair care. Like many toddlers, she had thinner areas around the front and sides of her hair—those common little bald spots that come with rubbing, sleeping, and early growth patterns.
Instead of stressing over it, I focused on gentle care, moisture, and consistency. Over the next 12 months, her hair flourished, and this reel captures that journey.
This toddler hair growth routine is designed for natural hair, especially 4C textures, and focuses on moisture, scalp care, and gentle, low-tension styling.
This post breaks down the simple routine that helped support her hair growth using our staple products: Rooted Hair Oil and Rooted Hair Butter from Geechie Breeze.
Understanding Toddler Hair (Especially 4C Texture)
My daughter’s hair is primarily 4C, with finer, softer strands and looser curls in the front and sides. Toddler hair, especially tightly coiled textures, requires extra care because it is:
- Naturally drier
- More fragile
- Easily affected by friction and tension
That’s why moisture and low-tension styling are essential during these early years.
Our Toddler Hair Growth & Care Routine for 4C Hair
Wash Day (Every 1–2 Weeks)
I wash her hair every one to two weeks, depending on buildup and how much lint collects around her rubber bands from styling.
After cleansing:
1. Scalp Care with Rooted Hair Oil
I apply Rooted Hair Growth Oil directly to her scalp and gently massage it in. This helps:
- Nourish her scalp
- Support healthy hair growth
- Reduce dryness in sensitive areas
Gentle scalp massage also encourages blood flow, which supports overall hair health.
2. Moisture & Sealing with Rooted Hair Butter
Next, I moisturize her hair from roots to ends using Rooted Hair Butter. This step:
- Seals in moisture
- Keeps her hair soft and manageable
- Helps prevent breakage
The butter melts into her hair without weighing it down, perfect for toddler curls and coils.
Styling & Moisture Retention
For styling, I love using:
- Fro Babies Gel Me Down Baby
- Fro Babies Curls A Poppin’ Soufflé
To maintain moisture throughout the week, I also mix a small amount of Rooted Hair Growth Oil into a homemade flaxseed gel. This allows her hair to stay moisturized even when styled, so every layer of her routine supports hydration and growth.
Daily Touch-Ups (Quick & Gentle)
On non-wash days, I keep things simple:
- Lightly spritz her hair with water
- Apply Rooted Hair Butter to the ends as needed
This refreshes her curls and keeps her hair moisturized without over-manipulation.
Protective Styling & Nighttime Hair Care
To protect her delicate hairline and thinning areas:
- I use low-tension protective styles when needed
- Avoid tight pulling or excessive rubber bands
- She sleeps in a bonnet every night to reduce friction and moisture loss. Keeping the bonnet on all night is wishful thinking so she also sleeps on satin sheets and pillowcases to protect her hair.
These habits help protect her hair while she sleeps and support long-term retention.
The Results After 12 Months
Over time, those thinner toddler areas began to fill in naturally. Her hair became:
- Thicker
- Healthier
- More resilient
This journey reinforced an important lesson: toddler hair thrives with patience, moisture, and consistency—not force or stress.
Toddler Hair Growth FAQ
How often should I oil my toddler’s scalp?
1–2 times per week is usually enough, especially after wash day. Always pay attention to your child’s scalp and avoid overuse.
Is it normal for toddlers to have thin or bald spots?
Yes. Many toddlers experience thinning around the hairline due to sleeping positions, friction, and early hair growth cycles.
What helps toddler hair grow the healthiest?
Consistency, moisture, low-tension styles, protective sleep habits, and gentle products made for natural hair.
Final Thoughts for Moms
If you’re navigating toddler hair growth, especially with 4C textures, know that thin areas are normal, growth takes time, and gentle routines make all the difference.
Healthy hair starts with intention and love.
Shop the Products Used in This Routine
🌿 Rooted Hair Growth Oil
🌿 Rooted Hair Butter
Available at Geechie Breeze