10 Ways to Care for your Baby/Toddler’s Hair Naturally
- Introduction
- 10 ways to care for babies hair naturally
- Conclusion
Babies’ scalp and hair are usually so delicate and tender that caring for their hair requires gentleness. Just as babies’ bodies are cared for, their hair and scalp also require optimal care. To care for your baby’s hair, it is important to use natural products to avoid side effects that may occur now or in the future. Using 100% natural hair care products can care for your baby’s hair gently without tampering with their health. Products laden with chemical ingredients may be dire to babies’ hair and health, so opting for a gentle natural hair care product is a better option as it will not tamper with babies health when used appropriately.
Here are ten ways to care for your baby’s hair naturally:
- Use a Mild, Natural Shampoo
It is important to use a mild natural shampoo for babies since they have a sensitive scalp. Picking out shampoos without sulphates, harsh chemicals, and artificial fragrances will protect babies hair optimally. Looking out for shampoos with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, chamomile, lavender, and so on can enrich a toddler’s hair, leaving it clean and moisturised. Natural shampoos are essential hair products, but parents must consider reading product labels to identify shampoos with harmful substances.
- Massage the Scalp with Natural Oils
Scalp massage can improve hair growth as it stimulates blood flow in babies’ scalps. Using carrier and gentle oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and many more can revitalise your baby’s hair strand and strengthen their follicles, improving scalp and hair health. Coconut oil is packed with antimicrobial properties that prevent scalp conditions like dandruff, itchiness, and many more. Olive oil and almond oil are also rich in antioxidants, making them a rich hair oil for babies. This helps prevent dryness, which might bring discomfort and irritation altogether.
Application: warm the oil to a minimal degree and massage in circular motions into your baby’s scalp. This will improve blood circulation and improve healthy hair growth. Leave the oil in for a few minutes and wash off with your mild and natural hair product.
- Avoid Using Hot Water
Hot water has a harmful effect on the hair, especially when used on babies’ hair since their scalp is still very tender and delicate. Hot water strips hair of its natural oil, leading to dry and frizzy hair. Instead of using hot water for your baby’s scalp and hair, use lukewarm water to cleanse their hair to protect the natural oils in your baby’s scalp. To also avoid further damage to the hair after washing with lukewarm water, pat dry your baby’s hair to avoid damage, as rubbing may cause hair breakage. Opt for a microfibre towel instead of a random towel that may soak moisture from the hair after washing.
- Comb Gently with a Soft Brush
Another way to care for babies delicate scalp and hair is to comb their hair gently with a soft brush. Utilise a wide-toothed comb and soft bristle brush to avoid rough brushing and discomfort. This will allow effective combing and brushing of your baby without pulling their hair roughly. Besides, gently brushing your baby’s hair can help promote blood circulation, supporting healthy hair growth and evenly distributing hair products through the hair. To avoid hair breakage, comb your baby’s hair gently when slightly damp.
- Moisturize with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural and effective moisturiser that is suitable for sensitive skin. It suits babies scalps as it soothes their tender, delicate scalp and hair. It is an efficient moisturiser known to effectively moisturise the skin. Its hydrating and soothing properties make it an ideal hair care product. It contains natural enzymes that help remove dead skin cells from the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. To apply aloe vera to your baby’s hair, take a little gel and rub it gently on the scalp. Leave for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. This will make your baby’s hair healthier, shinier, and more manageable.
- Keep the Scalp Clean and Healthy
Due to the sensitivity of babies’ scalps, they are prone to scalp infections like cradle caps. To avoid occurrences like this, keep the scalp of your baby healthy with breast milk or use other natural solutions like coconut oil or gentle and natural shampoo to soothe irritations. This would keep your baby’s scalp clean and revitalised, preventing moisture loss and improving the scalp. A healthy scalp is required for healthy hair growth, so keeping the scalp clean and moisturised is essential for healthy hair.
- Use a Silk or Soft Cotton Pillowcase
Using a silk or soft cotton pillowcase for babies can serve as protection against friction, which in turn significantly reduces hair breakage. Silk or soft cotton pillowcases help prevent moisture loss, promoting tangle- and knot-free hair. It maintains hair health, which further contributes to improved hair texture.
- Protect Against the Sun
It is important to shield babies’ hair from the sun. Babies’ hair and scalp are sun sensitive; overexposing their hair to sunlight can dry out and irritate the hair, leading to hair damage. When going out with your baby, use a head cover to protect their hair from sunlight. This would reduce hair damage and physical discomfort like headaches and so on.
- Incorporate Natural Conditioners Like Shea Butter
Incorporating shea butter into your baby’s hair regimen is an excellent option for soft and manageable hair. Shea butter is a natural and gentle moisturiser that can serve many things, including natural conditioners. It is rich in Vitamins A and E, which help to treat the scalp and moisturise hair. It is a natural emollient known to moisturise the hair by preventing dryness, frizziness, and many more. It helps to seal in moisture, preventing moisture loss and promoting healthy hair growth. To use shea butter on your baby appropriately, massage a little amount into the hair, especially the ends of the hair, to promote hair growth and moisture.
- Ensure a Balanced Diet (for Older Babies)
Maintaining a balanced diet for your toddler can contribute to healthy hair. For newborns, ensure they adequately rely on breastmilk to absorb adequate nutrients needed for the body, including the hair. Toddlers, on the other hand, can eat foods rich in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, fibre, and many more. Fruits can be introduced into their diet to gain sufficient nutrients needed for a healthy body and hair. These nutrients contribute not only to the body but also to the hair. Eating nutrient-dense foods can strengthen the hair follicles and promote healthier and shinier hair.
Toddlers and babies’ hair can be catered to with gentle natural products instead of chemical-infused ones to guarantee their health and assure their parents of healthy hair and bodies. Also, this lays a strong foundation for babies’ hair, aiding healthy hair through their years as they continue in hair maintenance. Gentle and natural hair products can afford babies healthier hair and scalp. This will also erode physical discomfort that comes with certain hair conditions, like itchiness. With these ten tips, you can give your baby healthy hair and a scalp they will be grateful for as they age beautifully!
