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Hair washing

Child washing his hair

Many children find hair washing difficult. This is often because it involves lots of different sensations at the same time. These ideas can help make hair washing calmer and easier for both you and your child.

Why Hair Washing can be difficult:

Hair washing can feel overwhelming because of:

  • Scrubbing on the scalp
  • Smells from shampoo or conditioner
  • Water running over the face
  • Water going into the eyes or ears
  • Bright lights and loud echoes in the bathroom
  • Tipping the head backwards, which can feel unsafe

The head and scalp are very sensitive. For some children, these sensations can cause worry, distress, or refusal.

Top Tips to Make Hair Washing Easier:

1) Before Hair Washing

Make the bathroom calm

  • Dim bright lights or use a nightlight
  • Reduce noise with towels or bath mats
  • Make sure the room and water are warm

Talk to your child

  • Ask what they don’t like about hair washing
  • Make changes where possible
  • Use pictures or a simple story to explain the steps

Use pretend play

  • Practise hair washing on dolls, toys, or animals
  • This helps your child know what to expect

Do calming activities first

  • Tight hugs or firm pressure
  • Carrying items or pushing/pulling activities
  • This can help your child feel calmer before starting

2) During Hair Washing

Smell

  • Use fragrance‑free products or scents your child likes

Touch on the head

  • Start with washing the ends of the hair
  • Slowly move towards the scalp over time
  • Use firm pressure rather than light touch
  • Let your child help apply shampoo

Rinsing options

Try different ways to rinse and see what works best:

  • A jug or bottle
  • A wet flannel squeezed over the head
  • A gentle shower head

Water on the face

  • Use goggles, a visor, or shower cap
  • Keep a dry towel ready
  • Let your child cover their face

Water in the ears

  • Try earplugs if your child can tolerate them

If tipping the head back is difficult

  • Lean the head forward instead
  • Rinse over the bath edge
  • Keep head upright with goggles or a visor
  • Let your child rinse their own hair

Helping Your Child Feel in Control

  • Use a mirror so they can see what is happening
  • Let your child do parts of the task themselves
  • Offer choices where possible
  • Use hand‑over‑hand help if needed
  • Wash hair at the same time and in the same order each time

Using visual pictures, timers, or a washing song can help your child understand what will happen and how long it will last.

If Hair Washing Is Very Distressing

  • Wash hair less often
  • Use 2‑in‑1 products
  • Try dry shampoo or no‑rinse shampoos

Reducing stress is more important than perfection.

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