When a toddler doesn't want to brush their hair

Brushing hair, like washing it, is usually something children do not enjoy very much. However, just like brushing teeth, washing and combing hair is necessary, and if your child refuses to cooperate, here are a few tips for how to handle it.  

Detangle hair every day

Make combing hair a daily ritual. Girls can brush dolls while their hair is being combed, and boys can drive a toy car around the tray of a high chair. Don’t just comb it whenever you remember or when your child’s hair is already starting to dread; instead, add this short activity to your daily routine so the child gets used to it, and you’ll see it will work. 

A quality comb

A good comb is definitely the basis for easier, tear-free brushing, and if it also has a nice picture on it, you’ve almost won. The Tangle Teezer brush is highly recommended in lots of mom discussions on the internet, so if you don’t have one, you can try it; maybe brushing will become a pleasant experience for everyone. You can go to the drugstore with your daughter or choose a comb online so she can pick for herself what she likes. 

Motivate girls with hairstyles

Get all kinds of hair clips, elastics, barrettes, headbands, anything that catches her interest and won’t hold well without the hair being styled. Then the girl will be motivated to let her hair be combed and styled so she looks good. There are also girls who can’t stand anything on their heads; in that case, it may be appropriate to cut the hair shorter so it doesn’t tangle and doesn’t need as much care. 

Teach the child to comb their own hair

During the “I do it myself” phase, you have a unique opportunity to teach your child in front of a mirror to comb their own hair. Motor-wise, they probably won’t be quite ready yet, but if they show interest in brushing, why not try it. The child will be happy, and then you can finish brushing and tidy it up as needed. Since the child will use both hands, teach them to hold one side of the head with one hand and use the other to detangle. It’s best to teach this in front of a mirror so they can see what they’re doing and improve. 

A quality shampoo

One thing is the actual brushing of hair, and another is brushing tangled hair, which can be very problematic, especially for children with longer, curly hair. In this case, it is important to use quality hair care products - children’s shampoo and, if needed, conditioner for easier detangling. 

Funny hairstyles

With shorter hair, after washing you can try funny hairstyles that will make the child laugh and see combing as fun. With longer hair, you can comb it forward over the face so the child can hide, or just to one side—simply anything that makes it enjoyable for the child. 

Come up with a rhyme

For some children, it helps if you come up with a little rhyme for this activity. It only needs to be something short and funny that grabs the child’s attention and maybe makes them look forward to brushing. 

Distract them

It’s not ideal to rely on distraction, but if it’s the only way, why not use it. A fairy tale or a book can help, or a second parent who will talk to the child and show them something.  

The imagination knows no bounds, and anything that is interesting for the child can help. So experiment, invent little silliness, and make brushing hair fun. Believe that one day it will change, and you’ll only remember the difficult brushing in hindsight. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.