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Your Kids Must Learn to Wash Their Hair – No Joke!
Another day, another shower, and yet another 20 minutes spent navigating the haircare struggles of my two daughters, who have strikingly different hair types. If you’ve ever been a mom to tweens, you get it: their bodies are changing, they’re craving independence, and yet they still need your assistance—whether they like it or not. The result? Pure chaos.
One daughter emerges from the shower only for me to send her back in because she still has product lingering in her hair. No matter how little conditioner I apply or how much dry shampoo I use, her hair always seems to sport a greasy shine. I can’t count how many times I’ve explained that over-washing can be just as harmful as not washing at all, yet my words often fall on deaf ears. We go through this routine every single time. But honestly, she’s the easier one of the two.
Her sister, however, presents a whole different challenge. No matter how delicately I shampoo her scalp or how generously I apply conditioner and detangler, combing and drying her hair feels like a battle royale every single time. Her hair ends up looking like it just survived a car wash. It’s tangled, knotted, and I’m baffled as to how it even gets that way.
Managing each daughter’s hair (and their emotions about it) is already a hefty task, but throw in two totally different hair types: one has thick, full, and dandruff-prone hair, while the other sports wavy, fine, and easily tangled locks. What’s a mom supposed to do? Here’s what I’ve found that helps me keep my sanity.
The Essentials
While we all know the basics of shampooing and conditioning, it’s crucial to remember that one solution doesn’t fit all. I could use the same products on my kids that I do on myself, but our hair has different requirements.
After 17 years of coloring and styling my own hair, I know that using my products on the little ones won’t give them the healthiest hair and scalp. “I wish moms understood the right amounts of product to use. Many kids come in with buildup because they use too much or don’t rinse properly,” says hair stylist Bella R.
Must-Have Products
While some of these may seem obvious, covering all your bases will prevent haircare meltdowns.
- Shampoo: They probably don’t need the same heavy-duty, hydrating shampoo you use, but it’s still essential to check the labels. Cleaner ingredients are typically better for hair health. Bella emphasizes that “washing hair is VERY important. Despite the anti-shampoo trend, a good quality shampoo and a thorough scalp scrub are critical for scalp health!”
- Conditioners: Who doesn’t want silky smooth hair? But using the right amount of conditioner in the right spots is vital. You don’t need to slather it from roots to ends! With all the hormonal changes your tween is experiencing, adding hydration at the roots can lead to greasy hair by 2 PM.
- Detanglers and Wet Brushes: I can’t tell you how many times my child with fine, wavy hair has lost it over brushing her knots post-shower. A good detangler and wet brush make all the difference, saving me frustration and her tender scalp. A detangler is a must, and a wet brush is designed to untangle hair gently while it’s still wet.
- Scrub Brushes: This handy tool has been a revelation. It’s just a small plastic scrubber with flexible bristles that your tween can use in the shower to stimulate their scalp while ensuring all the shampoo is rinsed out. “If parents think their kid’s hair isn’t getting clean enough, a scrubber can help, and it also tackles those pesky forehead pimples caused by excess oil,” Bella suggests.
While these aren’t the only essentials, they’ve been game-changers for my tweens. As they move towards more independence, ensuring they know how to care for their hair is a crucial step. Empowering your tweens to manage their haircare is an important milestone—after all, hair is a powerful form of self-expression and can be a lot of fun.
For more insights, check out this other blog post, and for expert advice, this resource is invaluable.
Search Queries:
- How to teach kids to wash their hair
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In summary, it’s essential for your kids to learn how to wash their hair properly. This not only helps them maintain healthy hair but also fosters independence. Equip them with the right tools and knowledge, and you’ll be amazed at how much smoother hair washing can be.