How to take care of your Beautiful Curly Me Bella Doll’s Natural Curly

Caring for your Beautiful Curly Me Bella Doll is not just an act of maintaining a toy; it's a joyful and educational journey that celebrates natural beauty, encourages responsibility, inspires confidence and fosters a sense of pride in heritage while also acting as a teaching tool. The Bella Doll, with her gorgeous, curly hair, was designed for endless hours of play and inspiration for young girl. When children play with Bella, we hope they feel a greater appreciation for their own natural curls and are encouraged to care for them. Here are the steps to wash and style Bella’s hair. Keep reading for do’s and don'ts of caring for Bella’s natural curly hair.

Washing Bella’s Hair

This can be a special bonding moment where you and your child can play, learn, and discuss the importance of self-care and hair maintenance.

Washing: Using a gentle, sulfate-free natural hair shampoo, carefully wash Bella's hair. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue build-up, which can make the hair stiff and unmanageable.

Deep Conditioning: After shampooing, apply a doll hair conditioner or a homemade mix (like a conditioner and water solution) to Bella's hair, combing it through for even distribution. Leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing. This step is crucial for keeping her curls soft, shiny, and easy to detangle.

Gentle Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for curly hair. Start from the ends of Bella's hair and gently work your way up to avoid any unnecessary pulling or damage. This method not only keeps the hair tangle-free but also mimics the detangling process for your child's own hair, teaching them the right way to handle their curls. Always detangle when hair is wet.

Drying: Pat Bella's hair gently with a towel and let it air dry. Avoid using heat, as it can damage the doll's hair and the doll itself. This is also a great moment to talk about the benefits of air drying and low heat for maintaining healthy natural hair.

Moisturizing: Just like natural hair, Bella's curls thrive on moisture. Use a doll hair conditioner or a simple mix of fabric softener and water to spritz her hair lightly. This not only adds a layer of protection but also makes the hair easier to style and manage.

Creative Styling and Play

Encouraging your child to style Bella's hair can spark creativity and boost their confidence in styling their own curls. Here are a few fun and simple styling ideas:

Twist-outs or Braid-outs: These styles are not only protective but also create beautiful, defined curls, perfect for a special occasion or everyday play.
Accessorizing: Use doll-friendly hair accessories like headbands, clips, and scrunchies to add a touch of personality and fun to Bella's look.
DIY Hair Care Products: Involve your child in making simple, doll-safe hair products. This could be a simple spray conditioner (water and your favorite conditioner) or a light hair oil mix, using ingredients that are also beneficial for their own hair.

DO's and DONT's for Washing and Styling Bella’s Hair

DO’s

Do Use the Right Tools: Always use a wide-tooth comb or a soft bristle brush designed for curly hair. This mimics the tools recommended for natural hair, promoting gentleness and preventing breakage. Always remember to mostly manipulate the hair when damp or wet.

Do Moisturize: Keep Bella's hair hydrated with a light spritz of water or a doll-safe hair conditioner mix. This not only keeps her hair soft and manageable but also teaches the importance of hydration for maintaining healthy natural hair.

Do Practice Gentle Handling: Encourage your child to handle Bella's hair with care, using gentle strokes and avoiding tugging or pulling. This teaches patience and gentleness, values that are important in self-care and the care of others.

Do Explore Protective Styles: Experiment with simple, protective hairstyles like braids or twists. These styles are not only fun but also serve as a practical lesson in hair management and protection.

Do Embrace Natural Beauty: Use Bella's hair care routine as an opportunity to discuss the beauty of natural hair and the importance of loving oneself as they are. Bella's diverse hair texture is a celebration of the beauty found in natural curls, coils, and kinks.

Do encourage a proper natural hair bedtime routine: Both girl and doll should wear their satin bonnets to sleep to retain moisture, keep hair frizz free and also extend the life styles. More on the benefits of satin here. Our signature Mini & Me satin bonnet sets in colorful prints are perfect for this and together, they can read Bella’s mini book of affirmations before they sleep.

DON'TS

Don't Use Heat: Avoid using any form of heat on Bella's hair, such as hair dryers or straighteners. This mirrors the advice given for maintaining healthy natural hair, emphasizing low-heat or no-heat styling methods.

Don't Use Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of products with harsh chemicals or ingredients not specifically designed for natural hair care i.e. relaxers etc. This reinforces the importance of using gentle, safe products on both the doll's hair and your child's hair.

Don't Overwash: Limit washing Bella's hair to only when necessary, as overwashing can strip the hair of its natural softness and lead to frizz. This teaches moderation and the value of a balanced hair care routine.

Don't Neglect Detangling: Skipping the detangling process can lead to knots and matting. Emphasize the importance of regular, gentle detangling to maintain the doll's hair quality and by extension, the health of natural hair. Use a wide tooth comb or wide bristle brush.

Don't Treat Hair as an Afterthought: Make hair care a regular part of playtime with Bella, reinforcing the idea that hair care is an integral part of self-care and not just a chore.

The Bigger Picture

Incorporating these hair care practices for your Beautiful Curly Me Bella Doll into your child's playtime is not only a way to ensure the doll remains in top condition but also serves as a powerful educational tool. It offers practical lessons in hair care, reinforces positive self-image, and celebrates the unique beauty of natural, curly hair. By taking care of Bella's hair, your child learns to embrace and love their own curls, fostering a sense of pride and confidence that will last a lifetime.

Remember, the journey of embracing and caring for natural hair is as much about the care routine as it is about the message it sends: that every curl, coil, and kink is a crown to be worn with pride. Let the care of your Beautiful Curly Me Bella Doll's hair be a reflection of the love, respect, and admiration we hold for our natural beauty.

Your turn! Do share pictures of your Bella styles! We would love to see them. Reply here or email us at hello@beautifulcurlyme.com