Whether your child's hair is long, straight and thin, or short, thick and curly or some other combination, it requires care and upkeep to stay healthy. A suitable hair care regime will vary depending on hair type and lifestyle, according to KidsHealth.org. Basic hair care for kids includes regular shampooing, daily grooming and frequent cuts. Learning proper hair care techniques in childhood can lay the groundwork for maintaining healthy hair throughout life.
Detangling
Keeping hair free of snarls can be an ongoing battle for a child who has longer hair. Hair tangles should be combed out of the hair before shampooing, according to WomensHealthResources.com. Any potential discomfort from tugging or pulling on the hair to separate and loosen snarls can be diminished by using a spray-on detangler.
Shampooing and Conditioning
Wash a child's hair with a gentle "no tears" shampoo that won't sting if some happens to sneak into his eyes, according to WomensHealthResources.com. Teach your child to use his fingertips rather than his fingernails to massage shampoo into his scalp.
How frequently a child will need to wash his hair will vary. Dry hair, for example, may need to be shampooed less often than oily hair. If your child is washing his hair daily, it may be better to choose a mild shampoo.
A hair conditioner or rinse can be especially beneficial for a child with longer hair since it can make it easier to comb through hair when wet.
Gentle Approach
A child should learn to treat her hair gently, particularly when it's wet. This is because wet hair can stretch more easily than dry hair, making it more prone to breakage and split ends. Curly hair is usually more fragile than straight hair, points out KidsHealth.org.
Teach your child to refrain from vigorous rubbing when towel drying her hair. If your child uses a hair dryer, make sure it is set on "low" to prevent heat damage.
Brushing and Combing
Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to help untangle it. The myth that hair thrives on 100 brush strokes per day is just that--a myth. In fact, excessive brushing can lead to breakage and leave hair greasy, according to WomensHealthResources.com.
Haircuts
Regular haircuts can be one of the best ways to help keep your child's hair healthy. Even if she has long locks or is determined to grow her hair out, a trim every six to eight weeks can help guard against split ends.
Hair Accessories
Your child may like to use barrettes, clips and ties to style her hair. Hair accessories that have sharp teeth can harm the scalp and damage hair and should be avoided, warns WomensHealthResources.com. Keeping hair tied back is a good way of keeping hair tangles to a minimum.
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