Baby Hair Washing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Though newborn hair can be washed with just water and a cloth, after a couple of months their hair will need a full washing with shampoo. Once hair washing becomes part of your baby’s regular bathing routine, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right to avoid bad habits down the line! Follow our step-by-step guide for soft, clean hair after every wash… 

Before You Start

1. Choose your shampoo carefully. Any products you use should be formulated specifically for infants, as products for adults are too harsh for delicate baby skin and hair! We recommend our Baby Hair and Body Wash, which is pH balanced and dermatologically tested to ensure its safe use on your little one. Its dual-use as both a soap and shampoo also comes in handy, giving you fewer products to think about having nearby. If your child has a lot of hair, you might also consider using a conditioner! 

2. Make sure to have everything you will need to hand, because once your baby is in the water they will need your full attention and both hands! Set up a station for yourself with your soaps, lotions, washcloths, and towels, and make sure these are at arm’s reach so you can grab them when you’re ready.

Time to Wash Your Baby’s Hair!

1. Fill your tub or sink with warm water, ensuring it’s not too hot. The ideal temperature is around or slightly above body temperature - you can test the water temperature against the inside of your wrist or elbow as you would with bottled milk or formula!

2. Wash your infant's body first before moving onto hair washing -  having a wet head for too long can make your baby cold!

3. Gently wet your baby's hair. Depending on your setup, you can do this a few different ways. Either scoop a bit of water with your hand and pour it onto your baby's head, or use a wet muslin cloth to gently dampen it. Alternatively, you can also cradle your baby in your arms and gently lower the back of their head into the water - just be sure not to submerge their eyes or face! You can also try a Bathtime Hair Rinser, which helps you to gently pour water onto your baby's head with better accuracy!

4. Gently rub shampoo onto your baby's head, making sure to shield any run-off from their eyes and face. There’s no need to rub vigorously, a gentle massage will do!

5. Repeat whichever version of step 3 you find the most comfortable to rinse the shampoo off. To avoid any suds running forward onto their face, rinse from the front with their head slightly tilted back!

6. Using a muslin cloth or towel, gently dab at your baby’s head and hair to dry it off - there’s no need to rub!

For more tips on bathing your baby, check out our previous blog!