Bath time shouldn’t be riddled with an unnatural fear of shampoo, although any of us who have actually gotten the sudsy soap in our eyes know the fear is all too real. This is, of course, the absolute last thing you want for your child when they’re taking a bath and we know that for a fact. Choosing the right product can turn into a much more stressful task when faced with all the different brands out there with such promising labels. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to put together a list of great options that are all kid-approved, for any age and bath type. Washing their hair no longer needs to be something super scary for kids and who knows–maybe they’ll even love doing it after being introduced to an awesome new shampoo! Read ahead for our list of the top brands out there and all the benefits they have to offer your child. Ready, set, shampoo!
Our Top 3 Picks
Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo
5 out of 5 Our rating
Formulated for Newborns
Price: See Here
Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot
4.5 out of 5 Our rating
Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Price: See Here
Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
4.4 out of 5 Our rating
Sulfate Free
Price: See Here
For kids, they need a product that works best for their type of hair. Not to worry since we’re going to share with you the 10 best shampoos for kids in 2019. Not only will your kid’s hair smell fresher, but it will also be healthier.
The integumentary system of babies are very sensitive, very fragile, to say the least. This is especially true with their superfine hair. Add to this the sensitivity of their eyes and you’ve got a young individual who requires absolute patience and extra tender loving care when it comes to bathing and shampooing. Aveeno understands this well. That’s why it formulated its Baby Wash & Shampoo to be specifically gentle not only on the locks and skins of babies but also on their eyes. The Aveeno hygiene product enjoys a strong base of followers, buoyed by more than 1,200 positive reviews of which nearly 4 out of 5 customers gave it 5 stars. Aside from this fact, the Aveeno is highly recommended by pediatricians everywhere making it, without a doubt, the best baby shampoo around. Part of Aveeno’s success is its inclusion of natural oat extracts into its formulation. This allows it to be extra gentle on babies’ skin. And since it also nourishes the skin, more nutrients are thus, absorbed by the roots of the hair which effectively translates to healthier mane. The Aveeno doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals yet it comes off as refreshingly soothing with a scent that is guaranteed to enhance the natural baby-scent of your little one. It doesn’t include any chemical that’s typically used in the production of soap. Neither does it contain parabens and other harmful substances. What you get for every 8 ounce bottle of the Aveeno is peace of mind for your baby’s optimum skin and hair health.
BENEFITS
This product is great to use on newborns because it doesn’t irritate their skin, even when it's extremely sensitive. The gentle smelling formula doesn't skimp on cleaning power either. Parents don’t have to switch out this product as baby grows because it's strong enough to be used by children and adults. The hypoallergenic properties make it ideal to use on any type of sensitive skin.
Pros
It is hypoallergenic, children don’t have a bad reaction when its used on them.
It suds up nicely and the scent is mild and pleasant.
Doesn’t burn their eyes.
Some people like to use this product on their dogs because it doesn’t irritate their skin.
Cons
It may dry up your baby’s hair a little.
What We Like About It
Its natural scent, natural ingredients, and very safe formulation make the Aveeno one of the most trusted products when it comes to taking care of your baby’s mane.
2
Shea Moisture Mango & Carrot Kids
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Save: $N/A (15.38% OFF)
SUMMARY
Smooth, soften, and strengthen your child’s hair with the shea moisture shampoo and conditioner. Composed of organics ingredients this formula is great for children with thin or thick hair. However, it is especially great for children with curly hair. Both you and your child will be able to smell the sweet fruity smell in their hair all day long. Not only will this set nourish and hydrate your child’s hair but the extract from the orange blossom will also nourish their scalp. Children of all ages can enjoy the healthy effects of this shampoo and conditioner.
BENEFITS
This set infuses hair with extra moisturizing and nourishing properties. This makes it great for kiddos with wild or especially curly hair. The fresh scent and gentle lather work deeply into hair providing all the nutrients follicles need to stay silky and shiny. Parents of little athletes appreciate that the freshness can last through practice.
Pros
Works great on detangling curly hair.
Hairs smells fresh for a couple days.
A detangler is available online for purchase.
Keeps baby’s hair moistened and strong.
Cons
Some people like how strong the scent is, and some don’t. It’s all about personal preference.
What We Like About It
It has a longer lasting effect and comes fully tested to be free from harmful ingredients.
3
Puracy Natural Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
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Save: $N/A (16.58% OFF)
SUMMARY
Doctors came together and created a formula that will allow you to wash your baby without stressing about what is being put on their skin. In 2018, the bump awarded the Puracy Baby shampoo and body wash with the title of Best Baby Skincare product. Composed of all natural ingredients it can be used on babies with the most sensitive skin. Not only is this soap great for your baby but it is also great for the environment. The bottles can be recycled and the refill pouches save more than 90% in energy, plastic, and water. You will receive two
16-ounce bottles of soap that can be used as body wash and shampoo
BENEFITS
A blend of natural botanical extracts and grapefruit essential oils give this soap a light citrus scent that babies will surely enjoy. The soap easily lathers thus you won’t need to use a lot to get your little one clean. With it being tear-free you can easily and confidently wash your child’s face.
PROS
No harsh chemicals
Allergen-free
pH-balanced formula
Combination body and hair wash
Pleasant, faint citrus scent
Certified cruelty-free and never tested on animals
CONS
Gets sticky and is difficult to wash out when mixed with thick, long hair; best for babies
What We Like About It
It’s truly developed for sensitive skin, so there won’t be any fuss from discomfort when using this combination shampoo-and-bodywash. The list of allergens and irritants it has managed to avoid is extensive and comprehensive, so if you have a little one with special hygienic needs, this is a strong contender.
4
L’Oreal Paris Kids Strawberry Smoothie 2-in-1
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SUMMARY
The eyes of children are particularly sensitive to harsh chemicals. That’s why the best baby shampoo will still have to be those that have the no-tears formulation. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to put a no-tears formula into any label. Companies can always lay claim to the property of their product as being made of safe, quality materials to safeguard your baby’s health. Now, if the product has been tested by an ophthalmologist, would you give it due consideration? Personally, we would. At any rate, it goes to show that it’s mild even to the most sensitive part of your baby’s body. And if it is this mild, then it should also be very useful for your baby’s scalp and skin. Here’s the best part. What if this product was made by one of the world’s leading brands in skin and hair care? We’re sure you’re going to grab the chance. That’s exactly our sentiment as well as those of hundreds of other consumers about the L’Oreal Paris Strawberry Smoothie Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo for Extra Softness. The L’Oreal Strawberry Smoothie is super gentle on the skin, the scalp, the hair, and, most of all, the eyes of even the most sensitive of babies. It already comes with conditioner so there’s no need for a separate product to make sure your child’s locks are flowing as free as the wind. It easily washes out while leaving your kid’s hair super smooth and extra shiny. We have seen many moms actually using the L’Oreal product for their own locks primarily because of the way it is able to provide such extra smoothness. With this in mind, we’re sure you’d want to get your hands on the L’Oreal for your little ones too.
BENEFITS
This product is perfect for parents who want their little one to have extra soft hair. It provides a gentle wash and smells amazing. You’ll find yourself smelling the air as your little one runs past you and fills the air with the sweat scent of strawberry smoothie.
Pros
Easily washes out without leaving hair feeling greasy.
Works great on many hair types.
Makes children's hair feel super soft.
It is very gentle on their skin.
It has no paraben and is ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested.
Cons
Parents wish the bottle was bigger.
What We Like About It
The brand itself already speaks of quality. Adding ophthalmologist tested to the equation significantly ups the score. A formidable score in satisfaction ratings seals it.
5
Fairy Tales Super-Charge Detangling Shampoo for Kids
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Save: $1.32 (8.37% OFF)
SUMMARY
Brushing your child’s thick curly hair no longer has to be a stressful experience. The Fairy Tales Super Charge Detangling shampoo makes it easy for you to manage your child’s hair. The blend of provitamins will detangle and condition your little one’s locks. The keratin and Vitamin B extracts found in this organic formula will strengthen every strand. There are no parabens, phthalates, nuts, soy, sulfates, or gluten found in this product. The cute castle on the front of the bottle gives this product a kid-friendly design that will ease your child’s anxiety about having their hair brushed. The organic ingredients will provide your little one’s hair with a clean scent.
BENEFITS
Not only will this shampoo tame your child’s curls, but it will also drastically reduce the level of frizziness. The twelve fluid ounces will last you quite a while as it only takes a few sprays to detangle your child’s hair. The formula will add a shine to your child’s hair that will leave it looking clean all day long.
Pros
It is free from sulfate, paraben and phthalate chemicals.
Great for all hair types.
The scent is soft and sweet.
It does a great job of detangling hair.
For extra tangled hair, this company sells a detangling spray that is available online for purchase.
Cons
If product is not rinsed out all the way, it can leave a residue on kid’s hair.
What We Like About It
Its unique blend of essential oils, vitamins, and minerals make the Fairy Tales a really phenomenal product for everyone – kids and adults alike – to use.
6
Paul Mitchell Kids Baby Don’t Cry
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Save: $0.01 (16.00% OFF)
SUMMARY
Paul Mitchell’s Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo has a very special formulation that’s guaranteed to keep the bath time of your baby or kid tear-free. The Paul Mitchell is a children’s product that already conditions the hair without having to use a separate product. This results in a smoother and shinier mane. The ingredients used in the Pau Mitchell product have all been tested to be safe for the sensitive integument of young children. It can also serve as a great children's body wash, too. If you’re after salon-smooth hair for your children, then the Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry product is a great alternative to other brands. It also comes in a hefty size of 33.8 ounces so your kid will be able to use it a lot longer. Part of the Paul Mitchell charm is its gentle formulation. It doesn’t cause itchiness or even dryness which is what would happen if there are harsh chemicals in a shampoo. We even read that some parents actually consider it to be a lot better than other leading brands of no-tear baby shampoo formulations.
BENEFITS
Paul Mitchell understands how to care for hair. This salon quality product is perfect for any diva looking to have the best looking curls. Your little tyke will be ready for their close-up or school with this soothing blend of extracts and moisturizer. And the tear free formula means that they will look good whether they resist or not.
Pros
Soothes hair and scalp.
The blend of extracts helps baby’s hair stay hydrated by locking in moisture.
The tear-free formula works for kids and adults.
This product thickens kid’s hair.
Cons
Some kids are allergic to this brand and need a gentler shampoo.
What We Like About It
It’s a superbly gentle product for the sensitive locks of children. It’s great for adult use as well.
7
Fresh Monster Coconut 2-in-1
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Save: $3.50 (9.34% OFF)
SUMMARY
If it’s all natural, organic kids product that you’re after for your children, you may want to consider the Fresh Monster Coconut 2 in 1 Kids Shampoo and Conditioner. It contains coconut fruit extracts as well as extracts from apples, apricots, vanilla, coffee beans, and rice. It is naturally rich in Vitamin B5, potassium, and citric acid as well as a host of other ingredients that have been carefully selected, processed, tested, and integrated into the final formulation of the Fresh Monster. Coconut oil extracts are primarily known for nourishing and strengthening the hair strands while giving it a certain luster that makes any hair to shine. There are no artificial and harmful chemicals to worry about. The Fresh Monster has your kid’s locks guaranteed looking and smelling fresh all day while also keeping it stronger.
BENEFITS
Nature is the best provider and this 2-in-1 understands that taking care of the planet doesn't have to come at the cost of cleanliness. Perfect for people with sensitive noses and those who just want to stay chemical free. And the goof-proof pump prevents spills and allows for single-handed application so you don't have to let go to get your little one clean.
Pros
Comes in 3 different scents: fragrance free, coconut and watermelon.
It is 100% toxin-free.
This product was not tested on animals.
The goof-proof pump lets kiddos take charge of their own hair cleanse.
Cons
Due to its all natural ingredients, this product doesn’t lather much.
What We Like About It
When purchasing you can choose between a coconut or watermelon scent for this product. If your little one has an aversion to those scents, you can choose to purchase the fragrance-free version. Designed with a re-closable pump your child can easily apply this product to their hair by themselves.
8
Fairy Tales Lice Repel Rosemary
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SUMMARY
Rosemary essential oil has been used for many centuries in the promotion of hair growth as well as in the prevention of lice infestation. While babies and kids don’t necessarily have problems with baldness, they can nevertheless benefit from the growth-promoting properties of rosemary as well as its lice-prevention characteristics. The Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel children’s shampoo is especially formulated to help prevent lice infestation while facilitating optimum hair growth. The rosemary essential oil that’s been infused in the product deep cleans as well as conditions every strand. The Rosemary Repel is one ingenious product especially for children who may have issues with lice infestation. Since the product is made of natural organic oils, plant extracts, and other botanicals, there’s no danger of it causing irritation or even excessive drying. What your kid will get are locks that are free from damage and lice infestation, making it glowing with life and body.
BENEFITS
If you have a lot of other people’s children running through your home, this lice preventing product that adds an extra layer of protection. While not a silver bullet, this helps bridge the gap between prevention and infestation. The sweet scent and chemical-free formula means that this proactive measure against lice feels luxurious and soothing. And the formula is strong enough to use on the whole family so you only have to deal with one bottle for the whole house.
Pros
This product helps prevent future lice contaminations because of the products active ingredients: rosemary, cinnamon and citronella oils.
It contains no strong chemicals.
Even with oils, this product does a good job of keeping hair feeling fresh and clean.
The jojoba and chamomile keep hair hydrated and soothes the scalp.
Some parents like the scent and others don’t. It’s all about personal preference.
What We Like About It
It’s a very effective and safer solution to the problem of childhood lice infestation compared to other chemically-synthesized products. It leaves the hair smelling fresh, too.
9
Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash
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Save: $7.01 (21.59% OFF)
SUMMARY
With the Burt’s Bees Baby shampoo your little one can have a pleasant bath time experience.
Not only can this product be used to wash your baby’s hair but it can also be used to gently clean their skin. Composed of natural plant-based products this shampoo is tear free and will not irritate your child’s sensitive skin. The soy proteins found inside the formula will moisturize your child’s skin. Your purchase will consist of three 12 fluid ounce bounces of this shampoo so you can always have a backup on hand.
BENEFITS
The fresh clean scent will eliminate any fussing at bath time. It has been tested by pediatricians and formulated without parabens, petrolatum, and phthalates. The soap lathers up quickly so a small dab will be more than enough for a child’s bath. This soap is great for babies who struggle with eczema as it does a great job of moisturizing their skin.
Pros
Gently cleans hair and skin
Includes three bottles
Composed of natural plant-based products
Moisturizes skin
Cons
Some reviewers find it to be expensive
What We Like About It
There’s no need to spend tons of money on bath products because this formula is both a shampoo and body wash. Furthermore, you will receive three 12 ounce bottles.
10
Cetaphil Baby 2-in-1 Organic Calendula
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Save: $0.37 (5.65% OFF)
SUMMARY
Cetaphil is known for their incredibly gentle formula that’s efficient for adults but also safe enough to be used with children. Whether you’re familiar with the brand or not, they have a long-standing reputation for excellence as far as the bath department goes and this shampoo is sure to make your child’s bath time go a lot smoother. Calendula comes from the marigold flower and has calming and soothing properties that will ease your child into a relaxed state, which is something many children need when they get anxious about bath time. It’s organic and all-natural which goes hand-in-hand with their tear-free and moisturizing formula. The product itself can be worked up into a subtle lather but won’t hurt your child’s eyes in any way and when it’s rinsed off, there will be no residue left behind like with other body washes and shampoos. It’s gentle enough to be used in the hair as well as on the body, making it a great two-in-one for any child. Not surprisingly, this shampoo and body wash combo is hypoallergenic and contains no additives.
BENEFITS
Even though Cetaphil is known for their gentle formulas, sometimes just knowing about a brand isn’t enough. The use of calendula helps to calm little ones so that bath time isn’t such a nerve-wracking experience, while the gentle formula helps to wash away impurities without causing any tears or irritation.
Pros
Tear-free formula
Super gentle on all skin types
Calendula helps put little ones at ease
Can be used as a body wash and shampoo
Cons
The fragrance is very strong
Eye irritation may occur in babies and toddlers regardless of the tear-free promise
What We Like About It
If you’re a fan of the Cetaphil brand then this shampoo and body wash combo might be the perfect formula for you and your child. Even though the scent is strong, it’s a well-priced product that does the job with little to no fuss.
Criteria Used in Evaluation of The Best Shampoo for Children
The products on our list have a variety of different functions. Some are better for detangling while others are gentle and fragrance-free. But what they all have in common is that they are tear-free and widely available so you won’t have to be a digital sleuth to find them.
No one wants to make their kids cry when they try and comb out the tangles. Luckily, there are detangling shampoos for kids that help make the hair brushing experience a better experience. And they smell fantastic. Fairy Tales detangling shampoo is a great product that helps parents keep kids hair detangled.
Aveeno Baby doesn’t irritate baby’s sensitive skin. Other products don’t protect against eczema or dry skin but this shampoo does. Aveeno Baby wash and shampoo has a light scent that doesn’t irritate people’s sinuses and it can be easily found online and in general grocery stores.
What Determined the Best Shampoo for Children in Our List
Some parents think that the product they use can also be used by their kids. Unfortunately, the hair of children is grossly different from the hair of grownups. It is naturally finer, downier, thinner, and, as such, is more susceptible to changes brought about by environmental and chemical factors. If we are not careful in what we are putting in our children’s hair, we might end up disrupting the normal pH balance of their scalp as well as render every strand of hair fragile. This is the reason that our very first parameter for choosing a good product for children is the safety of the ingredients in its formulation. While organic kids shampoo is devoid of the harsh chemicals found in non-organic products, it doesn’t really guarantee absolute safety. So, even if the product is labeled organic we still had to determine the safety characteristics of its individual ingredients, particularly any additives that may have been included during the manufacturing process supposedly to lengthen the shelf life of these products. So, safety is a paramount concern for us in our choice of the best baby shampoo. It should not contain any type of chemical or substance that has been proven to be harmful to human health, especially to children, in the long-term.
Another consideration was the substances that were embedded into the formulation with the goal of infusing these vitamins, minerals, and other elements into each strand of the locks. While these may not be found in their purest forms and may actually be in the form of essential oils, we strived to determine the health value of such substances especially in the care of children’s manes. This is important as some substances, while they are considered safe for adults, may not be safe for kids.
The ability to clean the shaft all the way to the root is already a given. If it comes with a no-tear formulation, then we checked this, too. We also took note of the product’s satisfaction rating by customers, putting the cutoff at 4.1 stars. We then correlated this with the company’s overall reputation which must jive with the product’s rating. Overall, we’d say we did a fine job identifying these 10 awesome shampoos for children.
Tips to Hair Care for Children
The American Academy of Dermatology has very detailed yet easy-to-follow recommendations on how to teach your kids healthy hair care habits. They start by advising parents on how to teach their kids on the correct way to wash their hair. Of course, this is not the only thing you will need to make sure that your kid’s locks are healthy. Here are some easy tips to care for your kid’s hair.
Look for specialty salons that really specialize in children’s hairstyles as these come with a variety of tools to make the experience a lot of fun and less stressful for the young child.
Always wash your kid’s hair with a product that will never sting his or her eyes. These are called no-tears formulations. You may have to be mindful of the different ingredients in these products though.
If your kid’s locks are frizzy, make sure to detangle them first before washing. Always use a comb with extra-wide teeth. Also, start detangling at the bottom of the locks and work your way up.
If your kid has to brush her hair, make sure to do so when the hair is already dry. If he or she has to brush them while the hair is still wet, use a comb instead. This helps minimize hair breakage while also promoting maximum shine.
If your kid has to accessorize her locks, make sure to invest in high-quality ones. Choose those that will not hurt the scalp or lead to hair damage.
The Bottom Line
Shampooing is an integral part of hair care and general hygiene. Using only kid-safe and kid-appropriate products is important to maintain the health of the hair and scalp. The 10 best shampoos for kids in 2019 can help you in this regard.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why not use normal shampoo for babies?
A: Most adult products are made with lauryl sulfate. This chemical can cause eye irritation. Baby-specific products have milder chemicals that don’t cause eye irritation. The problem is that milder chemicals sometimes don’t do a good job of removing oils and other products. For babies, this isn’t an issue, but for adults who use lotions, gels, hairspray and work out, they need to use an adult shampoo and body wash.
Q: Is baby shampoo safe to use?
A: Yes, baby shampoo is safe to use on babies and adults. All major manufacturers test their products extensively. Even if some of the ingredients are somewhat questionable, the quantity found in each bottle is extremely low and minimal.
Q: Are there other uses for baby shampoo?
A: Baby shampoo can be used to clean makeup brushes, help make shoes shine, wash puppies, remove makeup and remove oil from brushes and combs. Mixed with baking soda, it can be used as a polish for metal and chrome household items.
Q: Can baby shampoo be used on adults as a facial wash?
A: Adults with sensitive skin can use baby shampoo as a facial wash. Baby shampoo is usually hypoallergenic because their skin is so sensitive. And adults with sensitive skin have a better time using products that are hypoallergenic.
Q: What else can you do with baby shampoo?
A: People can use baby shampoo to wash dishes, shampoo carpets, wash clothes, wash the car and make an exfoliating facial wash.
Q: Should adults use baby shampoo?
A: Many adult products contain an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate. This cleaning agent tends to dry out people’s hair. Baby shampoo generally doesn’t have this ingredient, instead it has amphoteric surfactants. It is a milder cleaning agent but is less harmful than other sulfates. Baby shampoo can clean an adult’s hair without leaving it dry.
Q: How often should I wash my baby’s hair?
A: As tempting as it can be to wash baby every chance you get (they manage to be pretty messy, don’t they?), you really only need to wash your infant’s hair between one and three times a week with a gentle shampoo. The appropriate shampooing and bath time regime will vary from infant to infant, as our biochemical make-ups are all different. Overwashing can lead to dry, brittle, or frizzy hair, as it strips away the natural oils of the scalp. Babies who suffer from cradle cap or who sweat profusely around their hair/forehead may need more frequent attention, but you hardly need to be running the bath or faucet every day.