• African Americans possibly have the most choices when it comes to hairstyles, especially African American children. Many hairstyles that would look bizarre or childish on an adult look cute and trendy on children. Since African American hair is thick and very curly, stylists can almost sculpt it into many attractive styles. It also stays put more easily than other hair types, giving the stylist time to secure it or erasing the need for hair ties or clips at all.
  
  

Dreadlocks

• Both boys and girls can wear their hair in both of these styles. Dread locks consist of many small braids that begin at the roots of the hair and are braided away from the scalp, like a simple English braid. It is best to start at the hairline and work your way back. Make dozens of small braids or opt for 10 to 14 thicker braids, depending on your tastes. For girls, you can end the dreadlocks in colorful clips or beads. For boys, leave the ends unadorned.
  
  

Cornrows

• Cornrows are also small braids, but these start at the hairline and are braided against the scalp, like a French braid. For girls, braid the corn rows straight back from the hairline to where the hair ends. You can also stop braiding in the middle of her scalp and style the rest of her hair in ringlets. For boys, part their hair in the middle and braid the cornrows parallel to the hairline. An alternative for both boys and girls is to create cornrows that zig-zag or create other patterns across the scalp.
  
  

Teased Hair

• If your child likes his or her hair Afro style, let them have their way creatively. Girls can have their hair parted straight down the middle and their hair gathered into two fluffy pigtails high on the head. You can secure them with regular hair ties, colorful clips, bows or elastic bands decorated with tons of ribbon fringe. Boys are simpler; simply tease their hair gently up and out to its full length, which, for the sake of maintenance, should be no longer than about 2 inches or so.