Some infants are born with a full head of luscious locks while some are born with sparse hair or even bald. While genetics do play a part in determining the type of hair children inherit from their parents, the quality of care given will still influence the health of the hair and scalp.
Haircare in children has gained more importance as parents are now aware that a clean scalp promotes healthy hair and one of the signs of good health in a child is the head of shiny hair.
As a parent, of course, all you want to do is to care for your child the best way possible, but you may not know where to start! Here are some answers to common questions regarding child hair care.
How often should I wash my baby’s hair?
Your little one would never benefit from over washing his hair, regardless if he has a full head of hair or sparse hair. Babies’ sebaceous glands on the scalp produce natural oils that keep their scalp moisturised, so over-washing could result in a dry and flaky scalp.
From infancy right up to about six months, chances are he is less mobile and is most likely on a milk diet. Hence, there is a low chance of him getting mushy baby food particles stuck in his hair.
Practice washing his hair with shampoo about once a week, as this would be alright in our humid climate. On other days, you can rinse his head with plain lukewarm water during bath time to get rid of any dust or particles of lint on his tender scalp.
My baby has very little hair – is it still necessary to wash?
Yes, it is necessary even if your little one has sparse hair, tufts, or only wisps of hair as not only the hair is cleaned with every wash – so is the scalp. However, it is not necessary to use shampoo every time you clean baby’s hair – Just shampoo once a week if needed, to prevent stripping off the natural scalp oils.
What is the difference between baby shampoo and normal shampoo?
Most adult shampoos contain sulphate, which is a chemical substance used to provide a ‘squeaky clean’ feeling after a hair wash. Sulphate is a powerful degreasing agent found even in common household products, such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids.
Baby shampoos are believed to contain a reduced amount of sulphate in order to cater to a baby’s fragile scalp. Do keep in mind that despite widespread awareness, many baby shampoos still contain sulphate, so if you plan on avoiding it completely, remember to look out for one that states ‘sulphate free’ on its packaging. You may also check out adult shampoos made specifically for people with the sensitive scalp – these shampoos are allowed on your baby’s scalp in very small amounts, provided the ingredients are gentle enough.
Is it a good idea to blow dry my baby’s hair?
Blow drying your baby’s hair may not be the most convenient method to dry his hair, but it can still be done if you practise a few safety measures. Take note of the following:
- The blow dryer should be of good quality
- It should be one with comes with an option to use the cool setting
- Blow drying should be done away from any area with water, such as the bathroom
- Your little one should never be left alone with the blow dryer
Have your babysit in your lap, and then turn on the blow dryer to a low setting. Remember to test the head of the wind on the back of your hand before pointing it at your baby’s head. With the blow dryer at least six inches away from his head, gently run your fingers through his hair to dry it thoroughly.
How do I detangle knots from my baby’s hair?
It’s quite easy these days, with all types of baby conditioners available in the market. Use them on your baby’s hair post-shampooing. Rinse it off completely though, unless it is a no-rinse formulation. Alternatively, you can use a water-based detangling spritzer and run your fingers gently through your baby’s hair.
Would temporary styling gel or colour spray damage my baby’s hair/scalp?
Hairstyling and colouring have become fashion statements in recent years and many parents have jumped onto the bandwagon by sporting rainbow colours in funky styles for their little ones’ hair. But are these styling and colouring products safe? Well, if used sparingly and infrequently, there should be little or no risks of damaging your baby’s hair and scalp.
However, use these products only on the hair, and avoid touching the scalp as the chemicals in these products might irritate. Do use these products only occasionally and remember to wash it off thoroughly. Hairstyling and colouring products tend to leave residue on the scalp, causing undue irritation.
Always do a patch test behind your baby’s earlobe and look out for any rashes within 24 hours. If nothing appears, then the product is safe for occasional use.
What kind of oil can I apply to my baby’s hair?
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis or better known as cradle cap is very common in babies. It is believed that the cradle cap is due to secretions of the sebaceous glands on the infant’s scalp while still in the uterus, due to maternal hormone influence.
Using oil is a great way to loosen the flakes and to soothe the scalp of your baby. Your little one would also love a gentle scalp massage and it is a fantastic way to lull a tired baby to slumberland! A pea-size amount is sufficient for the entire scalp – take care not to massage or rub vigorously.
The most popular oils that are used for babies are mild baby oils, and also other oils such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, and extra virgin coconut oil. For older children, pure Argan oil would be a great option to promote healthier scalp and hair.
The oil used should be of a lightweight texture which washes off easily with minimal shampooing or one that does not form a greasy film over the scalp, for it will then act as a dust and dirt magnet.
My toddler loves playing dress-up, are curlers and straightening irons safe for use on a child’s hair?
Crimpers, curlers, and straightening irons are a definite no-no when it comes to little children’s hair. These beauty tools need high heat settings to achieve these hairstyles and the excessive heat would only cause damage to your child’s hair. Your child’s hair is far more fragile than yours and therefore not able to withstand the process.
The protein structure of the hair may even get altered due to the heating process. However, if the wind- tousled, beach look is what you’re after – all you have to do is mix some dilute saline water and pour it into a spritzer; spray it into your child’s hair and braid it. Proceed by using a blow dryer on a cold setting to dry the braids. Leave the braids to air dry for half an hour or so, undo the braids and Voila – gorgeous, loose curls!
My child dislikes having haircuts. How do I calm him down?
Although it’s not as intimidating as visits to the dentist, some little ones aren’t fans of hair salons either. This is a tricky issue and if it’s not handled properly, it may lead to the child feeling traumatized by the entire experience. Below are some tips that have been tried and tested – who knows, they might work like a charm for you as well!
- Let your child see you get your hair cut a few times so that he knows it isn’t something to be fearful about.
- You can role play with him at home acting as his hairstylist. Get him to sit in a chair and clip off a few strands of hair just to show him there is no pain involved. Keep the mood as light as possible.
- Instead of calling it a hair ‘cut’, which may sound painful, try calling it something else like trim or make up another name that your child might find more acceptable.
- Bring along a favourite toy, book, or snack to the hair salon to keep your child occupied or distracted.
- Do some asking around as to where the kid-friendly hairdressers are in town – those with stylists who are good with kids.
- Be prepared for some tears in the initial days but as your child gets older he will realise that hair cuts are not a big deal and that his tears and
- tantrums would be a thing of the past.
Here are our top picks of hair care products for your little one:
BabyOrganix Gentle Hair Shampoo
- Specially formulated with hydrolyzed soy protein
- Vitamin E in our shampoo guard against environmental damage
- Free from harmful chemicals such as SLS, Paraben, Mineral oil and methylisothiazolinone
Johnson’s Baby Conditioning Shampoo
- Soap-free and clinically proven hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- No more tears® formula is gentle for newborns
- Dermatologist-tested
Carrie Junior Baby Oil
- Enhanced with Fruito-E
- Leaves baby’s skin free from dryness
- Available in two variants
Johnson’s Baby Oil
- Moisturizes baby’s delicate skin and helps protect from dryness
- Pure mineral oil forms a silky barrier to help prevent excess moisture loss
- Dermatologist- and allergy-tested
Why isn’t my toddler’s hair growing?
Hair growth for toddlers varies in rate. Some may have been born with little hair and may not have a thick head of hair until the age of three or even four years. Others develop thicker and longer hair more quickly. It’s also common for a toddler to have uneven hair, which could be a leftover from babyhood from rubbing the hair off in places. Hair growth patterns may also change course as they grow. So, be patient with your little one’s hair growth and pay more attention to the care it receives while growing out.
4 toddler hair care tips
- Most toddlers have fine hair, so it can get damaged easily. Avoid using combs meant for adults on your little one’s hair – instead, use a soft wide-toothed brush to groom or style his hair.
- You can a good quality baby oil to moisturize your little one’s hair before bath time.
- If your little one is a girl, avoid over-styling for now – headbands, barrettes, and others can be too much for her hair, causing them to break.
- Don’t neglect sun protection! Use proper caps when taking them out in the direct sun.
