Teaching Teens Natural Hair Styling Tips

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

If you're a green-conscious mom like me, you may be concerned with what your teen is using to care for her hair. If not for the green factor, you may instead be concerned about her health. Hair styling can do some serious damage to the hair, especially if the styling products aren't natural. They can also wreak havoc on the environment, including animals. One way to ensure your teen is caring for herself as well as the environment is to teach her natural hair styling tips. These tips can be useful for both boys and girls.

Be mindful of your teen's habits. It's possible to respect your teen's current habits while also informing them of ways to naturally care for their hair. Instead of trying to make them change their entire routine, provide natural hair product alternatives to replace what they usually use. For instance, if your teen likes to use hairspray, find a natural product that has the same effect. If your teen son likes to solidify his style with gel, there are plenty of natural alternatives that work just as well or better. You may even be able to make one yourself.

Talk about chemicals vs. natural items for healthy hair. Teens may be using their products simply because they like what they do. They may not realize the harm the chemicals in them may be doing to the earth, as well as their hair. Many chemicals can give off the appearance that they are improving the look of the hair, when in reality, they are causing damage. Give your teen valid examples of natural hair care that increases strength, shine, and growth. Also, teach him to be aware that packaging as just as important as what's inside. If a product claims to be earth friendly, yet the packaging is not recycled or recyclable, the product is not completely green.

Never order, only instruct. While telling your teen about natural hair care, it's important that you do not force a choice one way or another. Teens can be sensitive about being given direct orders because they are at that stage where they're almost adults. Teens also like to rebel. Don't give them a reason to, especially when it's an area like this that could affect their health. Instead of making your teen feel like things need to go your way, simply let the hair care facts speak for themselves. Information with reliable proof is more attractive than an empty order. I've always taught my kids that natural products are best. But at the same time, I give those of age the responsibility of deciding for themselves which hair styling products to use.

Give her natural ingredients to experiment with. Supply your teen with recipes, as well as prepackaged natural products to experiment with. You may even want to teach her how to grow her own ingredients or find them at a local market. Be sure your teen has access to plenty of options. This way, if one natural hair care method fails, he can easily try another. Teens like to experiment and try new things. So this gives them an opportunity to do so while also being more responsible when it comes to caring for the planet.

Use the natural products yourself. Teach by example. If you expect your teen to believe in natural hair care, you should practice what your preach. Let your teen see you using the products. If they are keeping your hair beautiful and healthy, your teen is more likely to want to use the same thing. You may not think she cares what you are doing. But even though she may not be vocal with it, she is very likely at least observing from the sidelines.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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