Children do not usually like their hair touched, combed, or washed so taking care of your little one’s hair can be a challenging task. Unlike the scalp of an adult, a young child has a soft pliable scalp which can easily get dermatological issues like dandruff, cradle cap or eczema, Their hair too is thin and several factors ranging from hormones to sleeping position can easily cause severe hair fall. Their hair is prone to breakages and tangling. However, taking care of their hair need not be a battle.
What Can Help
Here are a few tips on keeping your child’s haircare tear-free for your little one and stress-free for you:
- Create a routine and stick with it. Most infants and young children learn to accept things that are familiar and a hair care routine is no different.
- Wash your child’s hair as recommended by the pediatrician. Most infants can go by without shampooing for a week or two. As they grow older, shampooing gets more frequent. Depending on their age, hair type, and activities, your child may even need shampooing on alternate days.
- Like skin. Hair needs moisturizing so include oils and conditioners in your hair care routine. Again, depending on your child’s age, skin type, and scalp conditions, your pediatrician may ask you to introduce oils and conditioners one by one or to avoid them as necessary.
- When choosing products, make sure to read labels for baby-safe ingredients. Most infant care products are water-based. The best baby hair oils, though not water-based, also keep their ingredients as chemical-free as possible.
- Make hair massage time and scalp washing time fun. Find something to distract your child with like bath toys, action songs, or even storytelling. This can be a really fun way to bond with your child and drastically cut down tears and tantrums.
The Routine
Once you have created a pattern for your hair care routine, try and stick to it.
- Moisturize: Create a regular oil massaging routine be it once a week or more frequently
- Shampoo: Wash your child’s scalp as frequently as required. \Sometimes you may need to use specialized shampoos like kids’ dandruff shampoo to take care of dry scalp issues.
- Condition: Most kids’ shampoos also condition so this may be an optional step depending on what you use on your child’s hair.
- Detangle: If your child’s hair is prone to get knotted, it is a good idea to brush it before shampooing. Avoid combing very wet hair. Use wide-toothed combs if you prefer combs to brushes. Use detangling sprays in consultation with your pediatrician.
- Dry: Let the hair dry naturally. Avoid using blow dryers on young children’s hair.
- Style. Once the hair is dry, you can braid it, put it in a ponytail, or simply put hair accessories on it. Comb it as you like. Avoid using styling gels too frequently. But there is no harm in indulging once in a while.
Remember to keep your routine fun!
Sources: Mom Haul