Whether you’re wondering how to teach your daughter to wash her hair or establish a hair routine for your child, hair care for kids can be tricky.
Kids can be picky, and wiggling out of getting their hair done can make it even harder.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t make their hair look good. You can still make your child’s dream hair routine.
Here, we’ll share some hair care tips for kids to keep their hair looking healthy.
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Common Mistakes Parents Make When It Comes To Their Kid’s Hair
Unfortunately, many parents make common mistakes when it comes to their kid’s hair care. From using the wrong products to not brushing enough, these mistakes can lead to some serious hair problems down the road.
Not brushing enough
While it’s true that kids have a lot of energy and may not always sit still, make sure their hair is being brushed at least once a day.
This will help prevent tangles and knots from forming and will also help distribute natural oils throughout their hair.
Not trimming their hair regularly
Like adults, kids’ hair needs to be trimmed every few weeks to prevent split ends and damage.
If you’re unsure how often to trim your kid’s hair, talk to their pediatrician or a professional hair stylist. They’ll be able to give you specific recommendations based on your child’s hair type.
Rubbing hair too hard
While it’s important to get the excess water out of their hair, rubbing it too hard can damage the hair shaft and lead to breakage.
Instead, gently squeeze the water out of their hair and let it air dry whenever possible.
Skipping conditioner
While shampoo is important for cleaning the hair, conditioning is just as vital for keeping it healthy.
Conditioner helps to hydrate the hair and prevents tangles and knots. It’s also important for kids with curly or wavy hair, as it can help tame frizz and keep their hair looking smooth and sleek.
Using the Wrong Products
Many parents believe that any shampoo or conditioner will do, but this isn’t the case.
Kids have different hair types than adults, so it’s essential to find products specifically designed for kids. These products will be gentler on their hair and won’t strip away natural oils as some adult products can.
Using extreme temperatures
Aside from ensuring the ingredients in their child’s shampoo and conditioner are safe, you should also consider the temperature at which they’re being used. Too much heat can cause burns or permanently damage hair follicles, while using cold water may cause dry hair or scalp problems. Moreover, styling too much can cause dry, brittle hair.
Child Hair Care Tips
Whether it’s long layers, short or any hairstyle, kids’ hair can be a challenge to manage. With the right products and some patience, you can keep their hair looking healthy and beautiful for a long time.
Make a Shampoo Routine Specific to Your Child’s Needs
The frequency with which you should shampoo your child’s hair depends on his hair type, level of activity, and age. Each child will have different demands.
- Babies – According to Ari Brown, M.D., a pediatrician and coauthor of Kid 411, if your baby has a cradle cap, which is an oily-skin condition despite the flakes. Wash with a dandruff shampoo two or three times a week after rubbing some olive or baby oil onto his scalp to loosen the flakes.
- Toddlers – Shampooing should be done three times a week.
- Preschoolers and above – Wash your child’s hair every other day as it becomes longer (less often for very curly, dry, or African-American hair; in these cases, you can use conditioner once a week, too).
Pick a Suitable Shampoo
Consider the child’s hair type, fragrance, and tenderness when selecting a shampoo. For instance, if your child has dry hair, you should look for a hydrating shampoo. Given the variety of alternatives, finding the finest kids’ shampoo will likely involve some trial and error. You should also look for products that contain natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
Gently Work the Shampoo into your Child’s Scalp
Apply a small amount of shampoo, and instead of washing the entire length of the hair, focus on the scalp. Washing simply the hair frequently results in dull, coarse hair that flies away. Too much shampooing can break the hair, giving the hair an unhealthy appearance. Rinse the hair well with warm water after massaging it to remove any build-up and excess oil, while avoiding any irritation or pain.
To-do After Shower
Once your child’s hair has been washed, gently squeeze any remaining water using a cotton towel. Avoid rubbing too hard since it can cause frizz and hair loss. Cover their hair with a towel. Alternatively, use a hair dryer on low to help tame their hair and prevent it from becoming frizzy.
Apply Hair Oil
The best lubricant for hair is oil. Your child’s hair will grow better if you routinely use oil with it. Massage your scalp since it promotes blood flow to the hair roots and nourishes your hair. You can use coconut, jojoba, or olive oil to prevent hair from becoming dry.
Gently Comb out the Hair
When combing curly hair, use a wide-toothed comb. The comb should not be tugged or yanked through the hair as this may result in hair breakage or yanking out. Additionally, it promotes blood flow to the scalp. By removing the knots as you go, the hair should be combed, starting from the bottom and working up to the top.
Eat Healthy Foods
Foods with high nutritional content, such as eggs, leafy greens, and fatty salmon, are some of the greatest for hair development. Fruits and vegetables, especially vitamin A-rich orange and yellow veggies, support healthy hair growth. Additionally, dark green vegetables, strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and strawberries all contain vitamin C, which guards against hair breaking.
Introduce a Simple Exercise or Physical Activity
Exercise stimulates blood flow and promotes hair growth. Engage your children in games or physical activity like walking or hiking twice or three times a week to keep them active.
Choose a suitable haircut
Pay close attention to your child’s hair length and texture when choosing what style to go with. For example, going with long curly hair can be difficult if your child has fine or thin locks. On the other hand, opting for straight styles often won’t work well with curly hair as it will become frizzy and unmanageable.
Nourishing Hair Masks That Are Perfect For Kids
A hair mask can help keep your child’s hair hydrated and healthy. It’s especially important during the winter when temperatures can make kids’ hair frizzy and dry.
- Apple cider vinegar rinse: Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar) into a pot filled with warm water and gently pour it over your child’s head while rinsing thoroughly.
- Olive oil treatment: Rub diluted olive oil all over your child’s scalp and massage gently until absorbed. Keep it for 2 hours or overnight before washing off hair.
- Honey shampoo treatment: Mix equal parts honey and shampoo together, then massage into the scalp before rinsing well.
- Baking soda bath: Soak a towel in baking soda, then wrap it around your baby’s head like a turban. Wash off and this will leave the hair shiny, build-up free and soft.
- Egg yolk mask: Rub half an egg yolk vigorously between hands, then apply evenly onto the wet scalp avoiding the eye area.
Home Remedies & Tips For Promoting Hair Growth
- Feed them a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Give them supplements. Some children may also benefit from taking supplements such as biotin, iron, and zinc. Talk to your doctor about which supplements may be right for your child and how often to take them.
- Massage your child’s scalp. Massage stimulates hair growth and encourages the production of scalp oils.
- Keep their environment clean – smog levels increase the production of DHT, which can lead to hair loss problems in children as well as adults!
- Help your kid relax and reduce stress. Stress can slow down hair growth. Positive and supportive behavior is key to helping your child achieve their hair goals.
The takeaway
Your child’s hair routine should include washing, conditioning, styling, and drying. For a child, a 30-minute hair routine is typical. However, this time can vary depending on the length and thickness of their hair.
You also want to make sure that their haircare products are safe for children; some parents choose not to use any harsh chemicals or sulfates on their children’s hair because they know that these ingredients can be difficult for kids’ scalp to break down fully.
There are no exact rules when it comes to hair care for kids. Just like their health, your child’s hair is important. Early hair habits are important, so get them started young.
