Children Shampoos: Comprehensive Guide & Advice!

When I first had Sharon, I was hesitant to use any shampoo on her hair as I feared that the products would be too harsh. It took a lot of research to finally get down to the best options for her sensitive scalp.

The thing with children is that they have much more fragile hair than ours and using harsh products on their heads can be very disastrous. You need a baby shampoo that is gentle and yet effective and narrowing down to these two features can be a bit hard.

However, it is worth it in the end and if I had to do it all over again, I would.

What is baby shampoo?

Baby shampoo works like all other shampoos. Its work is to get rid of dirt as well as excess oils on your baby’s head without altering the balance therein. Sometimes, people make the mistake of using regular shampoo on their kids, and this is not right.

You see, most of the shampoos on the market have lauryl sulfate which tends to dry the scalp and irritate the eyes. Thus, babies should only use baby shampoo.

Is baby shampoo good for hair?

Yes, it is good for babies’ hair. For adult hair; not so much. Baby shampoo removes dirt and other sorts of buildup with ease. Given that it is mild, it works best for babies who do not have build-up from products such as gels or sprays.

For adults, we use a lot of products on our hair, and we thus deal with a lot of residues. For this reason, we cannot rely on baby shampoo.

What is baby shampoo good for?

Each baby shampoo works for a different hair type, and it is essential to know what your child needs before making a purchase. For one, you should consider that shampoo works on the scalp and not the hair, and you should get something based on the condition of the scalp.

Curly hair often has natural oils, and this is a good thing because the lack of these secretions will lead to frizz. For this reason, go for something that is not drying. Babies with oily hair need a deep cleansing shampoo that will not be harsh on their skin.

Frizzy hair requires a hydrating shampoo while fine hair does best with a gently-cleansing shampoo. Thick hair could do with a detangling shampoo.

What makes baby shampoo tear-free?

You are likely to come across the term tear-free as you shop for baby shampoos and may wonder why this is the case. This label means that there is no soap in the formula and for this reason; the shampoo will not irritate your baby’s eyes.

Tear-free shampoos use non-alkaline surfactants that are gentle on babies’ skins and eyes, and they are the best for regular cleaning.

What shampoo is safe for babies?

When buying shampoo, you need to look into some things. For one, you must ensure that you understand all the listed ingredients. If a manufacturer uses umbrella terms in their description, keep away from their products as they are likely to be harmful.

Take note of the presence of parabens, fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, and other harmful components when selecting a shampoo to ensure that you get something gentle on your baby. If you can get a shampoo that is 100% natural, then you will be getting something suited to your child’s needs. A few artificial ingredients will not hurt as long as you understand what they are.

With these factors out of the way, you are sure to select something good for your child. Here are five excellent options in this regard:

List of Top-Rated Shampoos For Children

Product ImageProduct NameWeightSuitabilityMore Information
1. Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract - Best Gentle-Cleansing Baby Shampoo1. Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract - Best Gentle-Cleansing Baby Shampoo22.88 ouncesGentle CleansingMore Information
2. Cantu Care for Kids Shampoo + Conditioner + Leave-in Conditioner + Detangler 2. Cantu Care for Kids Shampoo + Conditioner + Leave-in Conditioner + Detangler "Set" - Best Shampoo for Fragile Hair48 ouncesFragile HairMore Information
3. Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Original Tear Free Baby Soap - Best Hydrating Baby Shampoo3. Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Original Tear Free Baby Soap - Best Hydrating Baby Shampoo29.44 ouncesHydrationMore Information
4. Mustela Gentle Shampoo, Tear Free Baby Shampoo - Best Detangling Baby Shampoo4. Mustela Gentle Shampoo, Tear Free Baby Shampoo - Best Detangling Baby Shampoo26.4 ouncesDetanglingMore Information
5. California Baby Eczema Shampoo & Bodywash - Best Baby Shampoo for Irritated Skin5. California Baby Eczema Shampoo & Bodywash - Best Baby Shampoo for Irritated Skin19.04 ouncesIrritated SkinMore Information

The Best Shampoos For Children Reviews

1. Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract – Best Gentle-Cleansing Baby Shampoo

General Overview:

With this baby care kit, you get not one but two shampoos to use on your little one. This natural shampoo for children has oat extracts which are ideal in scrubbing and getting rid of any residue on the scalp without drying out the hair.

It lathers quickly and makes it easy for you to clean the head without using too much shampoo. It has a light sweet fragrance that lasts even after rinsing out the soap, leaving your baby smelling clean.

Safety-wise, this shampoo is free of parabens and phthalates and is thus great for use on children. What’s more, you can rely on it for a great wash with no drying effects. It works on sensitive scalps too and leaves the skin feeling supple and immune to irritation.

FAQs

Q: Is this product tear-free?
A: Yes, I use this shampoo on my child, and it has been a great experience.

Q: How gentle is this shampoo? My child is sensitive to chemicals present in most products.
A: This shampoo boasts of natural products that are not only effective in cleaning the scalp and hair but also gentle to ensure that your child is safe.

For a tear-free shampoo that will gently cleanse your baby’s scalp and hair, choose Aveeno. It works on all hair types.

2. Cantu Care for Kids Shampoo + Conditioner + Leave-in Conditioner + Detangler “Set” – Best Shampoo for Fragile Hair

General Overview

Fragile hair calls for gentle products, and this is what this care kit provides. It comprises of a shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, a leave-in conditioner, and a detangler. The mild shampoo for children not only cleans the scalp but it also works to promote the growth of hair.

Included in the ingredients are honey, shea butter and coconut oil which nourish fragile hair without taking away the essential oils.

The conditioner comes in to add moisture to the scalp, and this is great for babies with dry scalps. It also has coconut oil, shea butter, and honey in its formula and they work to nurture fragile hair such that it becomes easier to manage and stronger.

The detangler is quite handy when it comes to minimizing the amount of breakage that occurs when working the hair. It also has natural ingredients such as coconut oil which gently softens the strands to make it easy for you to comb hair after cleaning.

The leave-in conditioner comes in as the last thing, and it works to minimize frizz owing to environmental conditions. It also intensely conditions the hair, giving you an easy time working the hair until the next wash.

FAQs

Q: Does this work on curly hair?
A: Yes, this shampoo moisturizes curls to make them more manageable.
Q: Will this shampoo dry my child’s hair?
A: No, the shampoo and other products in the kit work to add moisture and your child should not have a dry scalp upon use.

When it comes to this care kit, it is all about nourishing the hair. It works best for children with dry scalps and will work to prevent the occurrence of itchiness and flakes.

3. Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash, Original Tear Free Baby Soap – Best Hydrating Baby Shampoo

General Overview

This kid shampoo and conditioner is great when you are dealing with a child whose scalp tends to be quite dry. The shampoo is very gentle and will not disrupt the natural balance of oils present on the scalp, thus avoiding any irritation.

It cleans the skin while hydrating and nourishing it to make hair growth easier. The body wash comes in handy in cleaning your baby from head to toe without running the risk of inducing dryness.

This two-in-one product works great owing to the natural soy proteins in its formula as they work to clean as well as moisturize the skin. It leaves your baby with a fresh and mild scent.

With 99% natural ingredients in play, your child is sure to be safe while enjoying the gentle cleansing that this product provides. No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS is present in this product.

FAQs

Q: What is the fragrance?
A: It smells a lot like honey. However, the scent is minimal, and you may not notice it much.
Q: Does this shampoo have a pump for ease of dispensing?
A: Yes, it has one.

Avoid dry skin by using this hydrating baby shampoo. If your child has an oily scalp, you should not use this as it will lead to greasiness.

https://youtu.be/AArCoDNUEFg

4. Mustela Gentle Shampoo, Tear Free Baby Shampoo – Best Detangling Baby Shampoo

General Overview

Cleaning your baby’s head is likely to end up in tangles and what was otherwise a pleasant situation could quickly end up being frustrating.

For this reason, you need a shampoo and body wash that not only cleans the hair and scalp but one that also softens the hair in the process. Not only will this shampoo not get rid of essential oils on the scalp but it also makes it easier for you to comb through the hair once you finish cleaning.

Additionally, it moisturizes the hair, and you will notice that it has a soft and shiny look.

The formula in place comprises 93% natural ingredients which are useful in hydrating the scalp as well as softening it. You can use this paraben-free shampoo as from birth as it is hypoallergenic.

It works great for fine hair, and you can easily use it on a child with a sensitive scalp. To use this shampoo, start by wetting the baby’s hair with warm water. Next, apply the shampoo and gently massage it onto the scalp.

Do not let it sit for long and rinse it out with a sufficient amount of warm water. It should not leave any residue if you rinse it out thoroughly.

FAQs

Q: My baby has cradle cap. Can I use this to eliminate it?
A: This shampoo will help you deal with the situation but will not get rid of it. It’s best to seek advice from your doctor.
Q: Is this a tear-free shampoo?
A: For as long as I have used this shampoo, I have not seen any tears or irritation. And the manufacturer claims that it is, so that makes it a yes.

You can count on this de-tangling shampoo to take care of all the knots in your baby’s hair. It works on all hair types.

5. California Baby Eczema Shampoo & Bodywash – Best Baby Shampoo for Irritated Skin

General Overview

Irritated skin is sure to give your baby a hard time. From the itching to the redness to the flaking, it can be tough to get through this phase without shedding tears. This non-drying shampoo seeks to reverse the effects of harsh products on your baby’s skin.

It comprises plant-based ingredients that are not only gentle but also effective in combating dry skin. The aloe vera hydrates the skin, allowing it to be soft and supple, thus making it immune to irritation.

This no-tears baby shampoo is free of dairy, soy, gluten, steroids, fragrances, and sulfates and is, therefore, an excellent choice for anyone steering clear of dryness-causing irritants. It is also free of nuts, except coconut.

FAQs

Q: Does this shampoo have no scent?
A: Yes, the product is not scented and is thus great for use on sensitive skin.
Q: How tear-free is this product?
A: It is entirely tear-free, and your baby will love it.

If your baby is suffering from eczema or other skin conditions that are keeping them up at night, you can count on this hydrating shampoo to put them at ease.

Even though all these shampoos are gentle, you should not wash your child’s hair too often as you could interfere with the balance of natural oils. One to three times a week should be enough. Here’s to tear-free shampooing!

About the author

Bridget Stein

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