As parents, we always want the best for our children, and that includes nurturing their health from head to toe—literally!

Establishing a gentle and effective haircare routine for kids is essential not just for their current hair health but also for instilling good habits that will last a lifetime.

Why Children’s Hair Needs Special Care

Children’s hair and scalp are more delicate than adults’. Their scalps produce less oil, making their hair prone to dryness if overwashed or treated with harsh products.

Additionally, children are often exposed to environmental factors like dirt, sweat, and chlorine from swimming, which can affect their hair health.

Using the right products and techniques ensures their hair stays clean, healthy, and manageable while avoiding unnecessary damage or irritation.

Step-by-Step Children's Haircare Routine

1. Choose the Right Shampoo

Not all shampoos are created equal, and children’s hair requires products that are gentle yet effective. Look for shampoos that are:

• Free from harmful chemicals: Avoid sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive scalps.
• Plant-based and natural: Ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile are soothing and nourishing.

2. Wash Hair 2–3 Times a Week

Overwashing can strip the natural oils from your child’s scalp, leading to dryness. Washing their hair two to three times a week is sufficient for most kids – and here’s our personal view – you should only wash with shampoo once a week maximum (unless obvious reason to remove grime dirt chlorine paint etc !) , the rest of the time simply give them a thorough massage and rinse with warm water. This is because sebum production doesn’t ramp up until pre/during puberty

For active children who sweat a lot or swim regularly, consider rinsing their hair with water daily to remove dirt and chlorine. Choosing a nourishing and gentle conditioner is key to maintaining children’s fine soft hair – silicones are great for coating hair but they do nothing to actually nourish or repair the shaft from within (which just makes you more dependent on them in the long run)

3. Use a Mild Conditioner (if and when needed)

For children with longer or curly hair, a lightweight, natural conditioner can help detangle and moisturize their strands. Focus on the ends of the hair and avoid applying conditioner to the scalp to prevent buildup. Apply your own judgment however – if your child has hair that requires more conditioning by all means start from the root, if you find the hair feeling weighed down and greasy cut the amount of conditioning back, and vice versa!

4. Detangle Gently

Children’s hair can tangle easily, especially if it’s long or curly. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently remove knots. Start from the ends and work your way up to minimize breakage. For extra ease, use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray.

Remember, as with adults, hair is more fragile and prone to breakage when wet – so wait till the hair is damp before starting to brush or comb through.

5. Protect Hair During Play

Active play is part of every child’s life, but it can take a toll on their hair. Tie long hair into braids or ponytails to reduce tangling and breakage. For swimming, use a swim cap or rinse their hair immediately afterward to wash away chlorine and salt. Always apply conditioner or conditioning spray after the pool!

6. Trim Regularly

Regular trims help keep hair healthy by removing split ends and preventing tangling, especially for those with very long hair.

7. Avoid Heat Styling

Children’s hair is naturally beautiful and doesn’t need heat styling. Excessive exposure to heat can weaken their hair and lead to damage. Instead, let their hair air-dry naturally.

Common Haircare Concerns for Kids and How to Address Them

Cradle Cap

Try applying 100% coconut oil to the scalp and brushing through with a toothbrush or gentle hairbrush – this worked wonders for my daughter. You don’t always need a product!

Oily scalp

For children with oily scalp, use a shampoo specifically formulated for oily scalps (like A+S Haircare’s Cura Oily Shampoo). Avoid heavy conditioners and focus on scalp health.

It must be noted however that oily scalp would be very rare in most young children - sebum production doesnt really happen in early childhood (kicks in pre / during puberty) 

Tangles and Knots

Detangle hair after washing using a wide-tooth comb and a gentle leave-in conditioner. For curly hair, detangling while the hair is wet works best.

Sensitive Scalp

Choose hypoallergenic products free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals. Look for soothing botanicals like chamomile and aloe vera.

Tips for Making Haircare Fun

• Turn bath time into a game: Bath crayons work a treat (if you don’t mind the clean-up – like these wonderful all natural Honey Sticks https://honeysticks.com.au/products/bath-crayons?srsltid=AfmBOop124xL-N8pR0D3Dr-OqPUJjEy89LvHr_3fYIBpuzm7B-uKanUR)
• Let them choose their hair accessories: Bright-colored brushes and hair ties can make the routine more exciting (check these out: https://allkinds.com/au/collections/hair-accessories/)
• Reward consistency: Celebrate milestones like brushing teeth or washing their hair with lots of praise !

Why A+S Haircare is Perfect for Families

At A+S Haircare, we’re committed to creating products that are safe, effective, and family-friendly. Our formulations are all safe for children 2 and up

• Biodegradable and eco-conscious
• Vegan: Gentle on your child’s scalp and kind to the planet.
• Free from harmful chemicals: Giving you peace of mind about what’s going on your child’s hair.

Ready to start your child’s haircare journey? Explore our range of gentle, natural products at A+S Haircare and make haircare a family affair!