If your little one is itchy, wriggly or just plain unhappy at wash time, a sensitive scalp might be part of the story. Little scalps are more delicate than ours, so how you wash matters just as much as what you wash with. These are the small things we do in the salon to keep wash time comfortable.
Our salon tips for sensitive scalps
- Keep the water lukewarm. Hot water can leave the scalp feeling dry and tight. Warm, not hot, is the sweet spot.
- Use less than you think. A small amount of shampoo is plenty for little heads. More product just means more to rinse out.
- Rinse, then rinse again. Leftover shampoo is one of the most common causes of itchiness we see. Keep rinsing until the hair squeaks.
- Fingertips, not nails. Massage gently with the pads of your fingers. It's kinder to the scalp and most kids love it.
- Pat dry. Squeeze the hair gently in a soft towel instead of rubbing it.
- Keep it simple. Stick with a small routine and introduce one new product at a time, so you can tell what suits your child.
If redness, flaking or itching keeps hanging around, it's always worth checking in with your GP or pharmacist.
What we recommend
Our Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo ($24.95) has been tirelessly refined to suit even the most sensitive children's scalps. It cleanses and detangles in one gentle step, with lemon myrtle and flame tree extract to help keep the scalp feeling calm and comfortable.
One product, less rinsing, and a quicker, happier bath time.
If your child also gets knots, our Essentials Bundle ($64.95) pairs our extra gentle Kids Shampoo with our lightweight everyday Kids Conditioner and Detangler Spray.
