How to wash a child's hair

Washing a child’s hair may seem like a trivial matter, something all adults do several times a week, but children see it differently. They are constantly learning how things work, they want to touch everything themselves, and they test parental boundaries. So how can you manage washing a child’s hair so that it is pleasant for everyone?

Preparation is important

During the first 6 months of life, it is necessary to place the child on their back in the bath or baby tub and wash their hair that way too, so they get used to having their head submerged, their ears under water, and to rinsing their face with water so they get used to water on their face. This needs to be continued until the child is 18 months old - baby tub bathing or later baby swimming can also help with this.

The most common tricks mothers use when a child resists

From around 18 months, resistance may set in and the child does not want to sit in the bath, let alone lie down. They want to do everything their own way. However, if you have spent the previous months practicing dipping their head in water or going to baby swimming, you can try the following tricks:

• if the child lets you lay them on the water, then you have won - this way you can wet and wash their hair;
• let the child lather their own hair themselves;
• pour water over the hair with a cup or a watering can (some children mind the stream from the shower), the child can do this themselves too;
• put a towel or washcloth over the eyes so that water or shampoo does not run into them;
• get a bathing visor;
• teach the child to tilt their head back so the shampoo rinses off and does not run into their eyes;
• lead by example and wash your hair with the child, or let them wet and rinse your hair, perhaps with a watering can;
• put a mirror in front of the child so they can see how the hair is wetted, lathered, and then rinsed;
• take a doll or dinosaur into the bath or shower and wash its imaginary hair;
• put on swimming goggles so water does not get into the eyes;
• the other parent can try washing the hair;
• while washing the hair, breastfeed - it may be a bit awkward, but it is definitely worth trying;
• let the child choose shampoo themselves in the store;
• come up with a rhyme or song for hair washing;
• ask the child how they would need it to be done;
• you can give the child a choice between two options - either we wash the hair or we cut it;
• if nothing works, then talk to the child about it, just as you would about brushing teeth, and do it as quickly as possible and with respect for them.

Watch out for a fear of water on the face

If the child’s defiant phase passes but the problem with washing their hair remains, they are most likely afraid of water on their face, and it is necessary to gradually practice laying the child on their back in the water and then wiping the face with a wet palm. Once the child gets used to it, you can continue by pouring water over the face with a cup and placing the whole head in the water while lying down, or by pouring water over the hair while sitting. 

Whether it is washing hair, brushing teeth, cutting nails or combing hair, there will likely always be something you have to deal with as a parent and child. But don’t worry - every phase eventually passes and is replaced by another, so what is troubling you today may be a memory in a few days or weeks. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you with hair washing - you can do it.