Managing Your Baby’s Hair

The Best Shampoo for Baby

Shampoos designed for babies and children also usually state on the package "tear-free." These shampoos use a mild detergent that will not sting the eyes. Aside from this standard, shampoos now are being designed with natural ingredients, such as extra-mild botanical surfactants, essential oils, and Jojoba oil. Specially scented shampoos with ingredients like lavender or chamomile are supposed to produce a soothing effect on the baby or toddler.

First Haircuts

When should you schedule that pinnacle first haircut? "When needed," answers Dr. Paller. There's really no rush. Cutting it during the first few years won't change the health of the hair, so it is merely a style choice.

"Given the range of how fast hair can grow in children and the desire to have hair different length, the guideline should be when the hair starts to get too long or gets straggly," suggests Dr. Paller. If you don't feel comfortable with scissors and a toddler that won't sit still, there are many hair salons that specialize in children's hair styling, with kid-friendly furniture, balloons, and silly themed rooms.

Styling a Little One's Hair

"Occasionally moms try to do certain styles, such as braids and pigtails, that can actually damage the hair. Hair in young children is more sensitive, and sometimes little ones can get hair loss from hairstyles that pull too tightly or are in place for a long period of time," says Dr. Muething.

Many disorders can result from manipulation of the hair (such as traction alopecia, in which tight braids or other hair styling can lead to hair loss at the sites of the greatest tension) or treatment with chemicals," adds Dr. Paller. "Children should have simple styles and avoid excessive manipulation or treatments."