Linda, I am a black woman with a 10-year-old with beautiful hair. Although she is biracial (her dad is white), her hair is (thankfully) more like mine. Don’t be afraid of your daughter’s hair! I started braiding her hair when she was about three years old. And she is tenderheaded (I’m sure by now you know or can figure out what that means), so it’s been a bit of a nightmare. But she loves the end result of having her hair in french braids (cornrows) or even simpler and easier, twists with beads on the ends. They are like single braids all over except you only use two strands instead of three. They are simpler than braids, easier to take in and out and beautiful. I have straightened my daughter’s hair for a different look, but for heaven’s sake, don’t put a relaxer in it! My daughter’s hairdresser says it can ruin hair if put in before the age of 13. Plus, it takes away a lot of options and versatility. Myself, I have dreadlocks, which I have kept and maintained for 14 years. And with respect to the writer of this article, I am a professional woman, and it has never been an issue in the workplace (even though my hair is long enough to sit on). Don’t be afraid to try new styles with your daughter. Most of my daughter’s friends would give their eye teeth to have her hair. I even gave a hair party to show the moms how to do cornrows. And her friends have been asking for another to learn how to do twists. Also look for a black hairdresser, if there is one in your area, who specializes in natural hairstyles. Good Luck!