Cradle Cap is a common, harmless skin condition in babies that causes flaky, scaly, or crusty patches on the scalp. For babies with afro-textured hair, extra care is needed to remove cradle cap without damaging their delicate hair or scalp. Here’s a gentle and effective approach:
Oil Treatment: Apply Johnson’s baby oil to the scalp. Now many will read this and lose their ish! But would I lead you astray? What do I have to gain by recommending Johnson Baby Oil? NOTHING! But after speaking to numerous independent experts, this is safe and super effective!!!!! Olive oil used to be the number 1 recommendation (and I sell Olive oil, so I should push this), but there is recent research to suggest that in a minority of children, Olive oil may feed the yeast causing the issue and make it worse. There I want to err on safety! Gently massage the mineral oil (Johnson’s) in and let it sit for 15–30 minutes or overnight for stubborn flakes. 
If you really don’t want to use Johnson’s baby oil you can try Calendula oil, which is equally effective. However, there is an allergy risk with babies with plant allergies - you may not realise your child has plant allergies yet, hence again I prefer a full-proof hypoallergenic product like Johnson’s.
Warm Towel Method: Place a warm (not hot), damp washcloth over the scalp to help loosen scales before washing.
Use a Mild Shampoo: Wash the baby’s hair with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby shampoo. Avoid harsh products that can dry out the scalp.
Soft Brush or Cloth: After oiling, use a soft-bristle brush (like a baby brush or silicone scalp massager) to gently lift flakes. For very tight curls, a damp washcloth can help wipe away loosened scales.
Avoid Scrubbing: Be gentle to prevent irritation or hair breakage.
After washing, apply a moisturiser or aloe vera gel to keep the scalp hydrated. Avoid heavy products that can clog pores.
Wash Regularly (But Not Too Often). Overwashing can dry the scalp, but infrequent washing can lead to buildup. Aim for 1–2 times per week unless more is needed.
Avoid Harsh Products: Skip adult shampoos, heavy oils, or greases that can worsen cradle cap.
Keep Scalp Dry (But Not Too Dry): If sweat or milk gets trapped, gently cleanse the area to prevent irritation.
My daughter’s cradle cap was so bad, we had to go to the doctor!!! If the suggestions above don’t work, please see your doctor, especially if the cradle cap spreads to the face/body, becomes red/swollen, or doesn’t improve with home care as noted. They may recommend a medicated shampoo (like ketoconazole 2%) or mild hydrocortisone cream.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Braids or ponytails can pull on delicate hair and irritate the scalp.
With patience and gentle care, cradle cap will usually clear up on its own within weeks to months. The key is to avoid picking or harsh scrubbing, which can lead to irritation or hair loss.
If you have other recommendations for our community, please do share!