Cantu Care for Kids

Cantu Care for Kids

For curly, coily and kinky curls from the age of 3. Discover the product world for children and find the right care product.

Activilong Guide Reading Cantu Care for Kids 11 minutes

Product Guide · curly head

The big Cantu Care for Kids Guide:
Gentle curl care for curly heads - ages 3 and up

Last updated: April 2026 - lockenkopf.ch

1. the difference to the normal Cantu products

Many parents ask themselves: Can't I just use the normal Cantu products for my child? The answer is: Cantu Kids is specially developed - and that makes a difference.

Cantu Kids - especially for children

  • Mild surfactants that do not sting the eyes
  • Formulated without tears
  • Lighter textures that do not weigh you down
  • Less strong fragrances
  • Easier to distribute and rinse out

Normal Cantu products

  • Richer formulas for adult hair
  • Stronger cleaning power
  • More intensive care - can be too much for children
  • Not tear-free
  • More difficult to dose for small hands
Important: Children's hair is finer and more sensitive than adult hair. The milder formulas from Cantu Kids are precisely tailored to this - without losing their effectiveness.

2. which children is Cantu Kids suitable for?

Cantu Kids has been developed for children from the age of 3 with curly, wavy or coily hair. The products are particularly suitable for:

👶 Children from 3 years
Wavy Wavy
Curly Curly
Coily Coily
Kinky Kinky

Cantu Care for Kids is suitable for Curly (3a-3c), Coily and Kinky (4a-4c) - from 3 years of age.

Particularly suitable for

  • Children from 3 years with curls, waves or coils
  • Dry, frizzy children's hair
  • Sensitive scalp
  • Children who don't like washing their hair
  • Mixed hair with different textures

Less suitable for

  • Babies under 3 years of age (milder baby care recommended)
  • Very fine, straight hair - can weigh it down
  • Children with very oily hair
Tip: Not sure if Cantu Kids is right for your child? Write to us - we'll be happy to advise you. To the curl consultation →

3. the Cantu Care for Kids product world

8 products in 5 categories - all especially for children's curls. Shampoo, Leave-In, Curl Refresher and Pre-Shampoo Treatment are currently sold out.

Cleaning

Shampoo

Tear-free, gentle shampoo for children's curls - cleanses without drying out. Recommended 1-2 times a week.

View Cantu Kids shampoos →

Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Pre-treatment before washing - protects curls and makes detangling easier.

All Cantu Kids products →

Conditioning Detangler

Gently detangles children's curls on dry or damp hair - simply spray on, comb, done. Can be used daily. Not CG-safe.

Cantu Kids Conditioner →

Care

Conditioner

Deeply moisturizing care for children's curls - work in, leave on for 2-3 minutes, rinse with cool water. With shea butter, coconut oil and honey.

Cantu Kids Conditioner →

Leave-In Conditioner

Hydration and definition on damp curls - do not rinse out. Reduces hair breakage and tames frizz. CG-safe.

Cantu Kids Leave-Ins →

Styling

Curling Cream

Defines children's curls, tames frizz and strengthens each strand - apply to damp curls, do not rinse. Also suitable for freshening up.

Cantu Kids Styling →

Styling Custard

Keeps ponytails and poofs in shape, defines curls and reduces frizz. Apply to wet curls.

Cantu Kids Styling →

Curl Refresher

Brings back children's curls between wash days - spray in, gently shape curls.

Cantu Kids Refresh →

4 How to care for children's curls properly?

Children's curls need a different routine to adult curls - shorter, more playful, without pressure. The most important thing is regularity and patience. With the right routine, hair care becomes a pleasant routine for parents and children.

The wash day routine for children's curls

  1. Detangling before washing - moisten with water or spray with Conditioning Detangler, then gently detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Never comb dry curls.
  2. Wash with the tear-free shampoo (if available) - apply to wet curls and massage in gently. For sensitive children, use Co-Wash from the adult line as an alternative.
  3. Massage inconditioner, leave on for 2-3 minutes, rinse with cool water. Optional: comb through with a wide-tooth comb.
  4. ApplyCurling Cream or Custard to towel-dried hair - work in section by section from root to tip. Shape curls and scrunch lightly.
  5. Air drying is the gentlest method. If a diffuser is used: lowest temperature setting and never hot.

Between washing days

  1. Spray Conditioning Detangler onto dry or damp curls.
  2. Gently work through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
  3. Apply a little curling cream to your hands and gently reactivate the curls.
Tip for stress-free wash days: When detangling, always work from the ends upwards - never from the roots. This reduces hair breakage and prevents tears considerably.

5. the curly girl method for children - what applies to curly girls?

The Curly Girl Method by Lorraine Massey (Curly Girl: The Handbook, 2011) was developed for adults - but its basic principles apply just as much to children. Lorraine Massey even writes a separate chapter on children's curls: "Teaching kids to love their curls" - because those who learn to care for and love their own curls at an early age will wear them for a lifetime.

CGM principles for children's curls

What the Curly Girl Method means for children - simplified and child-friendly.

No sulphate
Gentle cleaning
No shampoos containing sulphates - they are particularly harmful to children's curls as they completely remove the natural oils. Cantu Kids Shampoo is sulphate-free.
Moisture
Daily care
Children's curls need daily moisture. The detangler between wash days keeps the curls smooth and prevents tangles.
No hairdryer
Air drying preferred
Heat is particularly damaging to children's curls. Lorraine Massey recommends: air-drying, microfiber towel or plopping - never a hot hairdryer.

Based on: Lorraine Massey - Curly Girl: The Handbook, Chapter 12 "Curly Kids" (Workman Publishing, 2011)

What is different for children than for adults

Children's curls differ from adult curls in a few important ways:

Aspect Children's curls Adult curls
Sensitivity Very sensitive scalp, gentler formulas needed More robust, can take more
Wash frequency 1-2x per week depending on the activity Individual
Styling Quick and easy - no long sessions Can be time-consuming
Products Specially formulated for children's hair Adult products
Cooperation A playful approach helps Not necessary
From the Curly Girl Handbook: Lorraine Massey recommends involving children in hair care at an early age - let them scrunch, apply or spray the detangler themselves. That way, curls become a joy, not a burden.

6. recommendations according to the child's hair type

Hair type Recommended Cantu Kids products
Curly (3a-3b) Nourishing Conditioner + Curling Cream - light and defining
Curly (3c) Nourishing Conditioner + Styling Custard for more hold
Coily (4a-4b) Nourishing Conditioner + Curling Cream + Detangler daily
Kinky (4c) Lots of conditioner + custard for textured styles and ponytails
Low porosity Small amounts of curling cream, lots of moisture when washing
Medium porosity All products work well - standard routine
Very fine hair Only conditioner + little curling cream - light formulas

7. typical problems with children's curls - and how Cantu Kids helps

Tangles and knots

The most common problem with children's curls. Solution: Spray Conditioning Detangler daily and always detangle from the ends upwards - never from the roots.

Child doesn't like washing his hair

Use tear-free shampoo (when back in stock). Until then: more conditioner, less shampoo, cool water. Design wash days as a game.

Dry, brittle curls

More moisture: Detangler daily, do not rinse out curling cream, pillow with satin cover. No hair clips that pull.

Frizz after drying

Do not touch curls while drying. Apply Styling Custard to very damp hair and leave to air dry. Do not rub with a towel.

Still have questions? We also help with children's curls personally - book a curl consultation →

8 What to consider with Cantu Care for Kids

Conditioning Detangler - contains silicones

The Conditioning Detangler contains amodimethicone and dimethicone - it is therefore not CG-safe. This is noted directly next to the product in the store. If you live strictly CGM, it is better to use a different detangler.

Not ideal for adults

The formulas are designed for children's hair - lighter and gentler than the adult line. For adults, we recommend the Cantu main line.

Many products are sold out quickly

Shampoo, Leave-in, Curl Refresher and Pre-Shampoo sell out quickly. Get notified when the products are available again.

9. frequently asked questions about Cantu Care for Kids (FAQ)

From what age is Cantu Care for Kids suitable?
From 3 years. The line has been specially developed for children aged 3 and over. For younger children, we recommend consulting a pediatrician.
Is Cantu Care for Kids CG-safe?
For the most part, yes. Most products are CG-compatible. Exception: the Conditioning Detangler contains silicones and is not CG-safe - this is marked directly in the store.
Can Cantu Care for Kids be used daily?
Yes, the detangler and curling cream can be used daily. The shampoo is recommended 1-2 times a week, depending on the child's activity.
Which product is best for getting started?
Nourishing Conditioner + Curling Cream. The two most highly rated products in the range - easy to use and suitable for all curl types.
Can my child also use the normal Cantu products?
From approx. 8-10 years yes. Younger children benefit from the gentler Kids formulas. Many regular Cantu products are already suitable for children aged 8 and over.

10. what our customers say

Real experiences of lockenkopf customers with Cantu Care for Kids - verified and rated.

★★★★★
No more tears at last
"Seit wir Cantu Kids verwenden, ist der Wash Day für meine Tochter kein Drama mehr. Der Conditioner macht die Locken so geschmeidig, dass sich alles problemlos entwirren lässt."
Verified customer Nourishing Conditioner Child 5 years · Coily 4a
★★★★★
Wonderful curl definition
"Die Curling Cream ist unser täglicher Begleiter. Einfach auf feuchte Locken, kurz scrunchen – und mein Sohn hat traumhafte definierte Locken den ganzen Tag."
Verified customer Curling Cream child 7 years · Curly 3b
★★★★★
Super price-performance
"Alle Produkte für nur 10.70 CHF – und sie wirken wirklich. Der Conditioning Detangler ist täglich im Einsatz und spart uns jeden Morgen viel Zeit."
Verified customer Conditioning Detangler
★★★★★
My daughter loves her curls
"Seit wir auf Cantu Kids umgestiegen sind, findet meine Tochter ihre Locken schön. Das beste Ergebnis der ganzen Routine!"
Verified customer Curling Cream + Nourishing Conditioner child 6 years · Curly 3c

11 Conclusion: Is Cantu Care for Kids the right choice for your curly hair?

Cantu Care for Kids is one of the few curl care lines that has really been developed for children from the age of 3 - with gentle formulas made from shea butter, coconut oil and honey, without aggressive ingredients. The philosophy of the Curly Girl Method also applies to children: learning to love curls at an early age means lifelong enjoyment of your own hair texture.

With just 8 products, the selection is clear and easy to get started with. The Nourishing Conditioner and Curling Cream are the ideal starter products for most curly heads.

All Cantu Care for Kids products at lockenkopf

Your curly head deserves the best care. We'll help you set up a child-friendly curling routine - free of charge and without obligation.

To Cantu Kids → Request curl advice →

Continue reading