Are you finding your toddler’s hair is thin, sparse, or coming in slowly? Slow hair growth is a common concern among toddler moms.
Here are the best tips and tricks for how to grow toddler hair in a way that is healthy and manageable. (PS – most of these tips will work for your older kids, and maybe even you!)
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Scalp Health:
Scalp health is the foundation for healthy hair. We want to make sure we treat conditions like cradle cap, dandruff, lice, or fungal infections (like ringworm) as soon as possible to help maintain their healthy scalp environment for better hair growth.
Scalp Massages:
Gently massage your toddler’s scalp can help to encourage blood flow and stimulate their hair follicles. Plus it can be a really sweet bonding moment – a scalp massage just feels good. It can be helpful to use a very small amount of natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. Just be mindful of what ingredients you’re using on your child’s scalp.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
There are a ton of hair care products on the market that are designed for toddlers, but they aren’t all created equal. Opt for gentle shampoos and conditioners specifically designed to prevent hair damage and scalp irritation. Say no to products containing harmful chemicals that can hinder hair growth.
Regular Shampooing – But Not Too Frequently:
An important part of hair health is regular shampooing to remove dirt and excess oils. That being said, toddler’s hair doesn’t need to be washed as often as older kids typically. I find washing my toddler’s hair every 5-7 days seems to be often enough to keep it clean without drying it out.
Deep Conditioning:
Use a hair conditioner or natural oils to moisturize and nourish your toddler’s hair, preventing dryness and split ends. It can be a little trick to deep condition toddler hair because some products can be too heavy on their fine hair. I find that my daughter, who has fine curly hair, has good luck with the So Cozy Kids haircare line. I try to wash her hair with a gentle shampoo at the start of her bath/shower and then let the conditioner sit on her ends until the end of her bath to give it time to
Keep it Loose:
We have all seen those super cute toddler hairstyles with lots of ponytails, braids, etc. Most of these tight hairstyles can pull on the hair follicles causing breakage, especially when these are our go-to everyday hairstyles. Opt for loose styles, headbands, or small clips to help reduce damage.
Avoid Excessive Heat:
While it is so fun to give your toddler an extra fancy hairstyle from time to time, it is important to avoid putting a lot of heat on their hair, like with hair dryers and styling tools. Instead, let their hair air dry or use a soft towel to gently pat dry. If you must use a hair dryer, use it on the cool setting and try to hold it a little further away from their head – this will help to prevent burns as well. Make sure to use some heat protectant when you do use hot tools for a fancy do!
Use The Right Hair Tools:
The small clear elastics are popular to use in toddlers’ hair because they hold their fine hair in place and they’re really inexpensive. Unfortunately, they tend to cause breakage when you take them out. If you use this type of hair tie, try to take them out carefully with a hair tie cutter. Another great option is to choose small silk scrunchies or other hair ties that don’t break their hair. I’ve included a list of some of my favorite hair products and tools for toddlers in this post below.
Another great hair tool to have in your home is a good old-fashioned wide-toothed comb. Hair is at risk for breaking when it is pulled on while it is wet so use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, and use a good detangling spray to make it easier. There are a ton of good ones on the market that are also leave-in conditioners (I use the So Cozy Kids line). Avoid using a rough towel to dry their hair as well – instead opt for using a soft towel to get the extra water out before you let it air dry.
Embrace Different Textures:
Celebrate your toddler’s unique hair type and texture, whether it’s super curly hair, straight hair, or somewhere in between. Embrace their natural beauty! Some of the damage we cause to our toddler’s hair can be from fighting their natural texture (straightening, tight hairstyles, etc). Instead, take some time to research your toddler’s texture level and find routines and products that are specifically for that texture.
Trim Split Ends:
It can feel hard to take your toddler in for a haircut but regularly trimming your toddler’s hair helps to remove split ends and promote healthier hair growth. Watch for any split ends and if you start to see them, a small trim will really help in the long run to grow a full head of hair.
Silk Pillowcase:
Consider using a silk pillowcase, or a silky flat sheet if they don’t use a pillow yet, for your toddler’s bed to prevent hair breakage and tangles while they sleep. This will help to keep their hair healthier when toddlers sleep like octopuses and roll all over (mine can’t be the only one!). If you think your toddler would be comfortable and leave it on their head, you could also consider having them wear a silk bonnet.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Hair:
A super important part of helping support and encourage your toddler’s hair growth is to help them get a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Some vitamins that help with healthy hair are vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B, and essential fatty acids.
Do your best to incorporate green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and healthy fats into their meals. This can be challenging with toddler palates that are a little pickier! I find green smoothies can be a great way to fit in some of those green vegetables that my toddler is less likely to eat off her plate. I also like making homemade jello bars with all-natural juices as a way to give my toddler a source of gelatin, which is also a good nutrient for hair growth.
If you’re worried that your toddler is having hair loss or you are concerned that they may have nutritional deficiencies, bring it up with their pediatrician so you can get specific advice for your child.
Patience is Key:
Understand that every child’s hair growth pattern is different, and some toddlers may have slower hair growth than others. Just like when we are older, there are a lot of things that influence hair growth – nutrients, genetics, lifestyle, etc. Be patient and consistent with your toddler’s healthy hair care routine. Healthy hair is a long game!
This post was all the best tips for how to grow toddler hair that is healthy, manageable, and with easy to find products. With time, these things can really help with healthy hair growth for your toddler.
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