How to Care for Little Curls: Lessons from Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ Daughter Malti

Recent family photos of Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, and their daughter Malti have sparked a flurry of admiration online — not just for the heart-warming Thanksgiving moments, but for Malti’s adorable, springy curls clearly inherited from her dad. For many parents, especially in the UK’s increasingly multicultural families, seeing a celebrity couple proudly embracing their child’s natural texture is a timely reminder: curls deserve to be nurtured from day one.

Using Malti’s now-iconic little ringlets as inspiration, this guide explores how to care for young children’s curly hair thoughtfully and gently, with techniques drawn from professional stylists and textured-hair specialists. Whether your child has loose waves or tight coils, the practical steps below can help you create a healthy, low-stress routine at home.

Why Baby and Toddler Curls Need Extra Care

Children’s hair is still developing, and curly textures in particular can be more delicate and prone to dryness than straighter strands. While Priyanka and Nick haven’t shared details of Malti’s routine, many UK stylists agree on a few universal truths about caring for young curls.

Because curls twist and spiral, the natural oils from the scalp don’t travel down the hair shaft as easily. This can leave the ends dry or frizzy, and it’s why gentle, moisture-focused care is key — especially in a climate like the UK, where central heating in winter and humidity in summer can both disrupt curl patterns.

From a practical, everyday point of view, parents often face three common challenges:

• Tangles and knots forming at the nape and crown, especially after naps or car seats.
• Frizz that makes curls look fluffy rather than defined.
• Sensitivity when brushing or styling, which can put little ones off haircare altogether.

The aim is not to fight the natural texture but to work with it, keeping the routine short, soothing, and consistent so children associate haircare with comfort rather than stress.

Building a Gentle Curl Routine for Little Ones

Establishing a simple, age-appropriate routine doesn’t require a celebrity stylist on speed dial. It’s about choosing the right techniques and being consistent, week after week. In the UK, many children’s hairdressers and textured-hair salons follow broadly similar principles.

Think of the routine in three stages: cleanse, condition, and protect.

• 1. Cleansing the scalp carefully
  Most stylists suggest avoiding daily shampooing for curly-haired toddlers and young children, as it can strip away natural oils. Instead, many recommend:
• Shampooing once or twice a week with a very gentle, child-appropriate formula.
• Focusing on the scalp rather than vigorously scrubbing the lengths.
• Rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm (not hot) water to prevent dryness.
• 2. Conditioning for definition and slip
  Conditioner is where much of the magic happens for young curls. A soft, hydrating conditioner helps detangle and define without needing harsh brushing.
• Apply conditioner generously from mid-length to ends.
• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is in to gently separate knots.
• Detangle in sections, starting from the ends and working upwards, supporting the hair with your hand to reduce tugging.
• 3. Protecting curls after the bath
  Post-bath is when curls are most vulnerable — and also when they can be encouraged into their natural pattern.
• Instead of rubbing with a standard towel, blot gently using a soft cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel to avoid frizz.
• Apply a small amount of a child-suitable leave-in conditioner or lightweight curl cream to damp hair.
• Scrunch the hair upwards towards the roots to encourage the curl pattern.

For most UK families, this routine can easily fit into an evening bath schedule two or three times per week, with light refreshing in between using water mist and a little conditioner.

Detangling Without Tears: Parent-Friendly Techniques

Many parents of curly-haired children say detangling time is their biggest challenge. Celebrity parents like Priyanka and Nick will likely have learned the same lesson as everyone else: the right technique matters more than the latest product trend.

Hairdressers who work with children in London, Manchester, and Birmingham often recommend turning detangling into a calm ritual, not a rushed chore. Here’s a simple, practical approach:

• Always detangle on damp, conditioned hair. Dry curls are more fragile and can snap or cause pain when combed.
• Use fingers first. Many stylists favour finger-detangling to feel where knots are and gently tease them apart.
• Choose the right tool. A wide-tooth comb or soft-bristle brush designed for curls is usually better than a fine comb.
• Hold the hair above the knot. Supporting the hair with your hand reduces pulling on the scalp.
• Work in sections. Divide the hair into four or more sections and secure with soft clips or bands, working one at a time.

Many parents find it helps to allow their child to hold a toy, look at a book, or watch a short programme while detangling. The goal is to create a positive association, so they grow up proud of their texture rather than seeing it as a problem.

Protective Styles, Bedtime Routines and Everyday Realities

In the candid photos Priyanka Chopra occasionally shares, Malti’s curls are often left soft and free — a lovely reminder that children’s hair shouldn’t feel overly restricted or over-styled. At the same time, simple protective touches can make day-to-day life easier for both children and parents.

For UK families, particularly where nurseries, school runs, and unpredictable weather are part of everyday life, small tweaks to the bedtime and morning routine can dramatically reduce tangles.

• Bedtime protection
  Many stylists recommend:
• Using a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction, especially for very curly or coily textures.
• Placing hair in one or two loose ponies, puffs, or braids to prevent matting at the back of the head.
• Avoiding tight bands or clips which can cause breakage or discomfort.
• Morning refresh
  Instead of re-washing, gently revive curls by:
• Misting hair lightly with water or a water-and-conditioner mix.
• Smoothing a small amount of leave-in through any frizzy sections.
• Scrunching or twirling individual curls around your finger to reshape them.
• Simple, child-friendly styles
  For nursery days, play dates, or family outings, easy styles might include:
• Soft space buns or puffs that show off texture but keep hair away from the face.
• A half-up, half-down style to balance definition and practicality.
• Loose plaits or twists, ensuring they’re not pulled too tightly at the hairline.

Whatever style you choose, the most important thing is that your child is comfortable and their scalp isn’t under strain. Many dermatologists suggest keeping an eye out for redness, irritation, or signs of tenderness and seeking professional advice if you’re worried.

In real-world terms, it can be as simple as setting aside an extra five minutes each evening to detangle gently, pop hair into a soft protective style, and make curls a celebrated part of your child’s identity — exactly the kind of pride we see in those joyful celebrity family photos.

Key Takeaways

• Celebrity children like Malti Jonas highlight how important it is to embrace and celebrate natural curls from a young age.
• Curly baby and toddler hair is often drier and more delicate, so many stylists recommend gentle cleansing and a strong focus on moisture.
• Detangling is kinder and less stressful when done on damp, conditioned hair using fingers, a wide-tooth comb, and a section-by-section approach.
• Simple bedtime steps — such as silk pillowcases and loose, protective styles — can dramatically cut down morning knots and frizz.
• Parents can start small: adding just a few minutes of mindful, curl-friendly care to the evening routine can make hair healthier and styling time calmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my toddler’s curly hair?
Many stylists suggest shampooing curly toddler hair once or twice a week, focusing mainly on the scalp. In between, you can refresh curls with water and a little conditioner instead of a full wash.

Is it better to brush or comb curly children’s hair?
For most curl patterns, a wide-tooth comb or fingers on damp, conditioned hair is kinder than brushing. Some soft, curl-friendly brushes can be useful, but they should glide without pulling or scratching the scalp.

Can I use my own hair products on my child’s curls?
Adults’ products can sometimes be too strong or heavily fragranced for young scalps. Many dermatologists recommend child-appropriate, gentle formulas and patch-testing anything new, especially if your child has sensitive skin.

What can I do about frizz in my child’s curls?
Frizz often improves with better moisture and less friction. Try blotting rather than rubbing with a towel, adding a lightweight leave-in conditioner, and using a silk or satin pillowcase at night.

When should I take my curly-haired child to a professional stylist?
Most parents book a first trim when ends look uneven or knotty, or if they’re unsure how to manage the texture. In the UK, many salons now specialise in children’s curls and can demonstrate techniques you can copy at home.