Managing Your Baby’s Hair

Hair Texture and Color Changes

Genetics play a huge role in determining hair texture and color. Think back to your own baby pictures and look at your hair now. This may give you a clue as to how your child's hair will change.

Typically baby hair curls more easily than adult hair because it is much thinner and has less weight. "Color of both hair and skin often darkens during the first two to three years of life. Often hair in the baby is much finer than it is in the older child or adult," adds Dr. Paller.

Hair Washing Made Easier

What's the trick to washing your tot's hair? "In one word, distraction," says Dr. Muething. "Don't make a big deal out of washing the hair. Let the child play, sing to them, and while they are playing, gently wash and rinse their hair. Bathtub visors are available to keep the bubbles out of your child's face. Try using a detachable showerhead, which a toddler might find fascinating, or a damp cloth rather than running water.

In general, most babies do not like to get water in their faces. Set aside plenty of time for a bath during these fussy stages and practice patience. Continually talking in a calm, encouraging tone will let you baby or child feel there is nothing to be frightened of.

Detangling Those Curls

"Using a conditioner on hair is always a good idea after shampooing, as it decreases trauma from brushing or combing," says Dr. Paller. Specially designed kid-friendly, two-in-one shampoo and conditioners are now widely available. However, Dr. Muething advises, "Parents should not overdo washing their children's hair. In general use less soap. Baths can become long playtimes, and typically parents will wash their children first and then let them play. It's better to have the bath play first and then save using the soap until the end of the bath."