Toddlers should have their hair shampooed about three times a week. Oily and straight hair should be shampooed once a day or every other day. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Straight, non-oily hair can be shampooed once or twice a week. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source African-American hair, curly hair, or dry hair should be shampooed every 7 to 10 days. Hair should be rinsed with water and conditioned after heavy sweating or swimming. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you notice that the hair and/or scalp is oily, add an additional shampoo per week until the oiliness is gone. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source If you notice dullness, shedding, or dryness, remove one shampoo per week until the hair feels better. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If your child has a scalp condition such as psoriasis, dermatitis, or dandruff, consult a dermatologist about the best shampoo. If your child has fine or thin hair, try a lightweight shampoo that will not weigh his or her hair down.
Use the ball of your fingertips to massage the scalp. Scratching with your nails can irritate the scalp. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source If the child has tight curly tresses, do not gather the hair on top of the child’s head. This can cause the hair to tangle. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Adjust the amount of shampoo you use based on the child’s hair. For example, a child with thicker hair may need more than a quarter-sized amount of shampoo, and a child with thin or fine hair may need less than a quarter-sized amount of shampoo. An itchy, dry, or flaky scalp may be a sign that all of the shampoo is not being rinsed out. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Leave-in conditioners are kept in and are not rinsed out of the hair. They can make the detangling process easier. A leave-in conditioner may weigh fine or thin hair down. Instant conditioners coat the hair and create softness and shine. They do not have to be left in the hair for very long before they are rinsed out. Deep conditioners usually stay in the hair for about 15 minutes before rinsing. Depending on the condition of your child’s hair, they can be used after every shampoo or once a month. A hot oil treatment can also be used once or twice a month to condition hair as well. Heat up some oil (e. g. olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil) and then massage the warm oil into the scalp and hair. Cover the hair with a shower cap or a warm towel and let the oil sit for 20 minutes. Rinse out the oil when finished.
Thicker and curlier hair should be divided into smaller sections to better distribute the conditioner. Work the conditioner through the hair using a wide toothed comb or your hands. Conditioner does not need to be applied to your child’s scalp. Thicker and highly textured hair may need more conditioner than fine and thin hair. Adjust the amount of conditioner you use based on the child’s hair type.
Vegetable oil works best if the gum is in the child’s eyelashes or eyebrows as well.
If the conditioner does not work, try using baby oil instead of the conditioner. The oil should be left on the hair for 20 minutes as well.
Talk to your child about the appropriated ways to use scissors (e. g. for arts and crafts). If your child is interested in styling hair, allow them to cut the hair of a doll or mannequin instead. If another child cuts your child’s hair, address the matter with the teacher and the other child’s parent so this does not happen again. Remind your child that other children should not touch or play with his or her hair. Remember that hair grows back.
Cowlicks are less visible on long hair, super short hair and textured hair. Growing out the hair or having a very short hair style may hide the cowlick. Cowlicks should be brushed down while the hair is still wet. [17] X Research source
Entertaining the child with a movie or book can help the detangling process go more smoothly. Make sure both you and the child are in a comfortable position before you get started. A wide tooth comb is a good tool to use for detangling. Once a section is detangled, either braid it or twist it so it does not become tangled again. Be extra gentle with kinky and curly hair. This hair type should be divided into smaller sections for the detangling process. You can also use your fingers to help detangle the hair. If you plan on applying heat to the child’s hair later, apply a heat protectant to the hair as you are detangling.
For African-American children, pay special attention to the hairline. Styles such as braids and cornrows should be done gently. Avoid excessive pulling and tension which could cause thinning of the hairline. Small bumps around the hairline can also indicate that a style is too tight.
Hair should be separated into sections before blow-drying. Start at the ends first and work your way up. Thicker and highly textured hair should be blow dried in smaller sections. Blow-dryers with a comb nozzle attachment are recommended for African-American hair. If you are using a ceramic comb or iron to straighten hair, put it on the lowest temperature setting possible. Thick or coarse hair may need more heat or be divided into smaller sections before straightening. African-American hair should not be straightened more than once a week. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If you choose to relax the hair, wait until the child is at least 12 years old and have the relaxer done by a professional stylist. Permanent and semi-permanent hair color should not be used by children under 16 years of age. [22] X Research source Use styling products such as mousse, gels, and pomades that are specially formulated for children.
