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The best shampoos for kids
Not happy with your shampoos’ result?
Do you want to reduce dandruff or remove lice from your kid’s hair? Do you want to ensure that bath time isn’t a tear? Or do you just want your kid to have clean hair? Finding the top kids’ shampoos can be a difficult job!
From hair breakage to allergies, The incorrect shampoo bottle could be a real pain. It’s the primary reason why it’s crucial to conduct your research and consider all aspects.
Children tend to be active; hence regular sweating and activity can result in a buildup of hair oils. This can lead to irritation of the skin. It’s essential to clean your hair regularly to eliminate the excess oil and keep your skin and hair healthy.
Although natural oils present on the scalp are beneficial, excessive oil isn’t. It can cause hair to become oily and cause seborrhea and fungus, an illness that makes the scalp scaly and itchy. Similarly, the scalp’s natural oils move faster through straight hair than curly. Hair appears greasy because of this, and washing becomes a necessity.
Likewise, if you live in a humid area, or perhaps your child is frequently sweating every day. The sweating (whether from exercise or in a hot climate) can cause over-accumulation of oil on your scalp. It is crucial to wash your scalp regularly to remove the buildup and help prevent the formation of dandruff.
And in the case your kid has dandruff, washing hair regularly can help remove dead skin cells, which can form a clump and then fall off. A gentle, light shampoo can reduce the risk of dryness of the hair and dandruff.
Washing your hair removes dead skin follicles and encourages hair growth. If you’d like your kid’s hair to develop faster, you should consider doing more frequent washing.
Hair texture is a factor in the frequency of washing your child’s hair. Thin and fine hair tends to be more oily than thicker hair. A daily wash can help ensure that you keep your child’s hair clean. To help you with this task, we have listed the top 10 kids shampoos that are safe to use.
Best overall
Johnson’s Baby Ultra-Hydrating Kids Shampoo
Johnson’s Baby Ultra-Hydrating Kids Shampoo
From all the products that we have selected, Johnson’s shampoo is the best overall, as it is an ophthalmologist and pediatrician-tested tear-free item that won’t harm fine hair.
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Johnson’s ultra-hydrating shampoo nourishes and strengthens the delicate locks of your child. This hypoallergenic kid-friendly shampoo is an excellent option, made with pro-vitamin B5 and protein to help treat children’s fragile growing hair. The presence of pro-vitamin B5 in this shampoo helps strengthen delicate hair, while the absence of sulfate and dye-free ingredients make it tear-free. Although we like this product for thin hair, it may not work for hair with a coarse texture. Since it utilizes protein to thicken it and alcohol to clean, it may be dry for other hair textures.
Best for babies
Johnson’s Baby Head-to-Toe Kids Shampoo
Johnson’s Baby Head-to-Toe Kids Shampoo
Johnson’s Head-To-Toe Baby Wash and Shampoo, a 2-in-1 formula that helps maintain the baby’s natural moisture barrier and get rid of germs without the presence of phthalate, paraben, sulfate, and dye.
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If you’re looking for a scent-free baby wash, then you should opt for the most classic of them all: Johnson’s Head-Toe Wash and Shampoo. The most recent version is hypoallergenic and is made with no harsh ingredients such as parabens and phthalates, sulfates, and dyes. It is tear-free and the best option for sensitive or combination skin babies. However, keep in mind the new formula might not rinse out easily and can also make the hair dry.
Best scent
Dial Kids Body + Hair Wash Kids Shampoo
Dial Kids Body + Hair Wash Kids Shampoo
It is a 2-in-1 product that can be used as body and hair wash; secondly, it gives out an apple scent without the use of harmful ingredients in the formula.
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Dial Kids Body + Hair Wash shampoo is created with approval from pediatric dermatologists to ensure that kids have flawless, healthy skin. This gentle formula is pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, dye-free, and has a refreshing apple scent. But, this product can only be used on kids aged six and above.
Best for curly hair
Johnson’s Baby Curl-Defining Kids Shampoo
Johnson’s Baby Curl-Defining Kids Shampoo
This pediatrician and ophthalmologist tested hypoallergenic shampoo is phthalate, paraben, sulfate, and dye-free, which helps keep curly hair smooth.
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Johnson’s curl-defining shampoo is hypoallergenic, enhanced with shea butter that helps smooth curly hair. The shampoo is paraben, sulfate, dye-free, and has a 24-hour long effect. However, this shampoo has a 24-hour effect only and, for better results, needs to be used with Johnson’s curl-defining conditioner. It may also have a strong smell.
Best 3 in 1
Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Shampoo
Everyone 3-in-1 Kids Shampoo
The product is multi-purpose; you can use it as a shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath. It is available in three scents, orange, lavender, and coconut.
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Everyone’s 3-in-1 Kids Soap works as a body wash, bubble bath, and shampoo. Every 3in1 Kids Soap is EWG confirmed, GMO-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, triclosan-free, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic fragrances. The product contains essential oils that can affect kids with sensitive skin or skin conditions. Some of its ingredients might be toxic or lead to an allergic reaction.
Best organic
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Kids Shampoo
Babo Botanicals Moisturizing Kids Shampoo
This product is formulated with natural ingredients such as calendula oil to soothe the scalp with cradle cap and dry patches.
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This incredibly nourishing body wash and shampoo soothe and moisturize the scalp, hair, and skin. It can also be used for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. This shampoo is specifically designed using oat milk and calendula oil that gives hair, smooth, silky and shiny texture. Also, the product has a light fragrance that some kids might find strong.
The shampoo is hypoallergenic; it reduces the chance of allergic reactions. It is clinically evaluated under dermatological control. It is also soy, dairy, gluten, walnuts, and peanut free.
Best for dandruff
Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Kids Shampoo
Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Kids Shampoo
This product contains an active ingredient found in other shampoos for dandruff; however, it contains Licorice root extract to help reduce, and it’s non-scented for kids with sensitive scalps.
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Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy shampoo helps treat dandruff and cradle cap both. The shampoo is created using pyrithione zinc, the most sought-after ingredient in seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff treatment. This shampoo is the perfect remedy that your baby needs. But, it could cause skin irritation or a burning sensation for kids with other skin types.
Best affordable
L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo
L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo
This product can be used for all hair types, and the strawberry smoothie scent smells incredibly delicious and can make washing your hair an enjoyable experience.
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The L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1 Shampoo is used as a shampoo and a conditioner cleanser. The kid’s shampoo and conditioner will stop tears from occurring when bathing. It is free of parabens but not formulated with natural ingredients. The bright design on the bottle’s exterior makes bathing more exciting, fun and works as a good distraction for kids.
However, it contains potential allergens, fragrances, sulfates, polyethylene glycol, and formaldehyde releasers that can be harmful. Since it has fragrance, some might find it too strong for their kids. Secondly, in some cases, the added use of conditioner is required to detangle their kid’s hair.
Best set
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Shampoo
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Shampoo
The SheaMoisture shampoo is a natural product that helps strengthen, nourish, and detangle curls for kids with fine hair.
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SheaMoisture Mango and Carrot KIDS, extra-nourishing shampoo, is ideal for separating delicate and fine hair. The sulfate-free blend nourishes your kid’s hair with coconut and shea butter to give a natural look. The ingredient shea butter helps moisturize and nourish, while the distinctive mango, carrot, and citrus formula defines curly hair.
There are no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, petrolatum, or mineral oil. This product is eco-friendly and the perfect option for people with sensitive skin. Still, the fragrance of the product might be strong for some people, whereas it also contains ingredients that can cause irritation or allergic reaction. The shampoo may also leave your hair oily.
Best for dry scalp
Maple Holistics Rosemary Scalp Treatment Kids Shampoo
Maple Holistics Rosemary Scalp Treatment Kids Shampoo
Since the product caters to dry scalp treatment, you can use it regularly without worrying about it stripping hair from needed moisture. The presence of rosemary oil helps moisturize hair strands from the root, giving a fuller appearance. The jojoba oil helps hydrate hair without making it look oily.
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Honeydew’s rosemary scalp treatment shampoo offers an intense cleanse that removes dirt, oil, and build-up. This shampoo for kids is created from a combination of oils, including argan oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil, that nourishes the hair. It helps keep hair shiny and moisturized without feeling greasy. The hair remains smooth and clean throughout the day. Since the shampoo formula is created using essential oils, it might not be tear-free and contain potential allergens and irritants.
What to look for in a good shampoo for kids
If your child’s hair is long, short, straight, curly, thin, or thick, it must be washed regularly to stay healthy. Many types of shampoos for kids are available; however, how to decide which is the right option for your child? Just like adults, every child requires a shampoo that caters to their individual needs; we suggest that you should keep the following things in mind when buying a shampoo for your kid:
Purpose
When looking at shampoos for your kid, think about why it is required. While most shampoos are designed to maintain hair health and cleaning, others are designed for specific purposes, for example; shampoos to treat lice elimination or the cradle cap.
Examine the label on the shampoo you’re considering to determine the intention. If you’re looking for lice shampoo, you should look for shampoos specifically designed to help treat and prevent lice. If you require hair repair or hair strengthening, you need to look for shampoos that cater to this problem.
We believe, clarity about the purpose of purchase can aid in keeping your child’s hair healthy, as you’ll be capable of selecting the best shampoo for your requirements.
Hair texture
Well, there is no secret that all hair textures and types differ. So finding the best product for the hair of your kid is essential. There are four major hair types, curly, wavy, straight, and coils, breaking into thin, medium, or thick hair. Some children fall between textures and types, and others fall in one particular kind.
For instance, if your child’s hair is curly, then you should use a shampoo created for curly hair. They will have ingredients that ensure that your child’s curls are in good shape and healthy. Similarly, many shampoos are designed with different styles and components to cater to particular purposes. For textures like dry, thin, or damaged hair, all will have different shampoos; it’s best to buy the one that fits your hair type or problem.
Ingredients
Always read the ingredients label to ensure that you aren’t exposing your child to dangerous chemicals. Choose brands containing natural ingredients, and be aware of your children’s sensitivities or allergies towards scents and other elements.
Also, you should ensure that the ingredients of the shampoo for your child will cleanse their hair effectively of dirt or odor. Some shampoos are made up of over a dozen components, although you might not have the time to research for them all; however, you must make sure you know what you’re applying to your hair.
Since the right ingredients depend on the hair type of your kid but there are some ingredients that dermatologists suggest to avoid. For example:
- Propylene glycol – It has a high risk of allergy.
- Synthetic scents – Look for natural or fragrance-free scents.
- Sulfates – Ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate are the most common causes of eye irritation.
Additional tip
If you’ve got a young one who has sensitive skin, buying shampoo can be challenging. Be cautious.
Each child has their own allergies and sensitivities, so you’ll have to prepare for some trial and failure. However, there are a few typical suspects to keep an eye out for:
When young, tears-free shampoos are the norm, therefore looking for sulfate-free shampoo is a top priority. To avoid allergic reactions, stay away from the use of fragrances, preservatives, dyes, and any other antibacterial substance.
In general, we suggest that less is better. Choose products that are labeled for skin that is sensitive. Use natural products, but keep in mind that children can be allergic to everything around them!
Buying considerations for kids shampoo
Most of the ingredients within these items are controversial or lack research and data on their use for infants. Certain substances have been associated with health issues, and the FDA has not reviewed many products. Because there are no studies conducted on the use of these products for babies, there is no guarantee that they are 100% safe. We recommend that you should always consult your pediatrician before using any product on your kid.
The Environmental Work Group (EWG) has developed a database of products (cosmetics) since the FDA does not regulate them. This database gives information on the most popular cosmetics and ingredients used within, including whether or not the product is an allergen, irritant, or trigger for reproductive or organ toxicities. It ranks the product from 1 to 10, with 1 being the safest. It is recommended to choose the products that have been EWG certified, either 1 or 2.
FAQ
Do kids need a special shampoo?
There is no need for children to have the same shampoo as adults, but there are plenty of advantages of having their own. When it comes to adult shampoos, a few contain various ingredients that might not be safe for a child’s hair, which is why it’s crucial to verify ingredients before purchasing.
Also, consider how kids’ shampoo is made tear-free, which means that it will not cause any tears or pain when it comes into your eyes. Adult shampoos could cause burns when it gets into the eyes of children. So your best option is to buy kids shampoo if you can.
When should I begin shampooing my kid’s hair with child-specific shampoo?
With a newborn, parents usually use a baby wash as shampoo. The same is the case until the toddler years, and maybe even in pre-school since baby wash is typically ideal for all skin types.
Around the time your kid turns one, children’s skin gets less irritable, and you’re washing them more often as well. This is the perfect time to make the transition from baby wash to shampoo. Just remember, it all depends on your child’s age and the amount of hair it has. If they’ve got a lot of hair, think about switching to shampoo for kids to ensure that their hair gets the nutrients it requires.
Can I use regular shampoo instead of kids shampoo?
Children may, of course, wash their hair with regular shampoo; however, most shampoos for adults can be harsh on the hair, scalps, and skin of kids. Additionally, the regular shampoos may be overly perfumed, resulting in an increased risk of irritation to the skin or allergic rashes. It’s best to use kids shampoo for your children instead of regular shampoo.
What natural ingredients to look for in kids’ shampoo?
It is possible to find gentle hair shampoos that can be used for everyday use and won’t remove the natural oils from your kid’s scalp and hair. Here’s what you should look for:
Green Tea: You’ve probably drunk green tea, but did you know that drinking green tea to treat hair can help for reducing the loss of hair and encourage hair growth? This is why a light shampoo that contains green tea will give your child’s hair the natural boost they need.
Rice Protein: Rice protein is a component added to natural kid shampoos due to its ability to moisturize and add volume to hair without weighing it down. It also helps in strengthening, improving shine, and detangling hair strands.
Aloe: Aloe for hair offers excellent skin benefits, including improving the health of the scalp and strengthening hair. A daily shampoo containing aloe can penetrate the hair follicles, helping condition and strengthen dry, damaged hair.
Papaya: As synthetic fragrances can trigger allergy reactions. A mild shampoo with papaya extract will provide a natural scent, help stop any uncomfortable, itchy skin reactions. Papaya extract also helps improve hair shine and lessen frizz.
Final verdict
The best shampoo for kids involves deciding the appropriate one to match your child’s specific hair kind. Be attentive for several days to examine your requirements. Examine the level of moisture, sensitivities, and ease of combing. Remember that your child has their own locks. What works for other kids may not be the best choice for your child. Take note of these specific concerns. Once you’ve identified the suitable one for your kid, stick with it.
