Caring for Children’s Hair

What parent hasn’t wanted to scream in frustration when trying to wash, de-tangle or merely convince their child to wash his or her hair? While some children love having their hair washed, no one like getting knots combed out or having lice medication applied.

Here are a few golden rules when it comes to caring for your little one’s hair:

• Set a good example when they are still young and impressionable. Hygiene habits are most easily communicated through imitation, so if your child sees that you wash and brush your hair regularly, it’ll make a difference.
• Wash your child’s hair every few days if you live in an urban area, and a bit less if you live in the country. Use conditioner only on curly or dry hair.
• Wash with a gentle shampoo formulated for babies if your child is under six, and use a frequent-use shampoo as they get older.
• Brush, brush, brush. The only way to avoid tangles and knots is to brush their hair every day (this applies mostly to girls, of course) using a natural bristle brush. Give one to your child as a present and encourage her to brush on her own.
• Stay on the lookout for dandruff and lice. See our lice post for the most effective way to combat these nasty creatures.
• If your child is seriously averse to having his or her hair washed, involve them in the process—let them squeeze out the shampoo, or do a little role reversal: let them wash your hair after you’ve done theirs.
• Keep the styling products to a minimum. Children don’t need a whole battery of products; they’ll catch up when they are older!