Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair in Active Kids

Do you know what is one of the most daunting tasks in personal care? Hair maintenance. When you get to do it for super-energetic kids, you’re basically jumping onto a thrill ride in parenting. Between school, sports, playdates and various other activities, children's hair can quickly become tangled, dirty and damaged. However, some ideas can help your child’s hair grow healthy and look great. 

Read on about how to handle hair care, especially for children buzzing with tons of energy.

But why is a hair care routine important?

Hair care is an essential part of personal hygiene and grooming, especially for teenagers who undergo a wave of physical and hormonal changes. Proper hair care routines can provide numerous benefits, from maintaining scalp health to boosting self-esteem. 

Here are the key benefits of good hair care habits for teens:

Prevents Common Hair and Scalp Problems

Regular hair care routines help prevent common hair and scalp issues such as dandruff, oily scalp, and dry hair. Teenagers are often more prone to these issues due to hormonal fluctuations. For instance, an oily scalp can lead to dandruff, while a lack of proper hydration can cause dry and brittle hair. Consistent care can help mitigate these problems, keeping the hair and scalp in good condition. You can also use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for your teen's hair and scalp type. Regularly oiling their hair can help keep both the scalp and hair moisturized. Experiment with different hair oils and ingredients (like coconut and jojoba oils) to find the best match for your teen.

Reduces Damage to hair

Teenagers often experiment with various hairstyles, heat styling tools, and hair colouring products, which can lead to hair damage. Regular conditioning, using heat protectants, and minimizing the use of harsh chemicals can significantly reduce damage. Proper hair care routines ensure that hair remains resilient and less prone to breakage, split ends, and other forms of damage.

Enhances Self-Esteem

Healthy, well-maintained hair can greatly enhance a teenager’s appearance, contributing to higher self-esteem and confidence. Some teenagers can be particularly conscious of their looks, and having healthy hair can positively impact their self-image. Good hair care practices lead to better-managed hair, making it easier to style and maintain, which in turn boosts confidence.

Encourages Personal Hygiene Practices

Developing a consistent hair care routine encourages teenagers to establish good personal hygiene habits. Regular washing and conditioning become integral parts of their daily routine, fostering a sense of discipline and self-care. These habits can extend beyond hair care, promoting overall better hygiene and well-being.

Manages their Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during adolescence can lead to increased oil production in the scalp, causing greasy hair and potential acne around the hairline. Regular hair washing with products that suit them can help manage these hormonal effects, keeping the scalp clean and reducing the risk of acne and other related skin issues.

Prepares them for Adulthood

Learning proper hair care techniques during the teenage years prepares individuals for adulthood. It instils the importance of personal grooming and self-care, ensuring that they carry these habits into their adult lives. Perhaps understanding how to care for their hair could help teens make informed choices about hair products and practices in the future.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation

Engaging in a regular hair care routine can have a therapeutic effect that reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Massaging the scalp while washing or conditioning can improve blood circulation and provide a calming experience. These hair care routines can serve as a self-care ritual, helping teenagers manage stress and anxiety.

Let’s get started with the tips:

Regular Washing

Depending on your child's activity level and hair type, you may need to adjust how often you wash their hair. For some super energetic and active kids, washing their hair 2-3 times a week is sufficient. It’s important to note that over-washing can strip natural oils from the scalp, leading to dryness and hair breakage. So it’s important to create a routine that works for your teen.

When it comes to shampooing, choose a gentle, sulfate-free variant that is appropriate for your child’s hair type. For children with sensitive scalps or specific needs, there are hypoallergenic or specialized shampoos available. The key is to get the kids to apply shampoo to the scalp and roots, where oil tends to build up and to massage gently with their fingertips. This is to remove the excess oil, sweat and grime, so be sure to massage the scalp for around two minutes. Moreover, make them rinse their hair thoroughly to avoid shampoo residue that can cause irritation and eventual scalp deterioration.

Use Hair Conditioners

If you thought that hair conditioning was just another cosmetic routine that is required for elite stars on screen, you were wrong. Conditioners are crucial for keeping hair moisturized and manageable. You need to apply them mainly to the ends of the hair, as this is where it tends to be the driest and gives way to breakage. Once a month, consider a deep conditioning treatment. By doing this, you can restore moisture and repair damage caused by exposure to sunlight, and chlorine in swimming pools, and dusty or damp environments.

Gentle Detangling can be helpful

Use a wide-tooth comb or a special detangling brush to deal with those tangles. These tools are designed to minimize breakage and make the detangling process less painful. Always begin detangling from the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots. This prevents the formation of larger knots in the hair and makes the process easier. If you find that your hair is riddled with stubborn knots, a detangling spray can be very helpful. It provides slip, making it easier to work through tangles without causing damage.

Protective Hairstyles are a thing

If you didn’t know, there are some hairstyles which can help protect hairlines. In fact, for kids, this could be a game-changer. Protective hairstyles, such as braids, buns and ponytails, can help reduce hair breakage and tangling. Rotate between different hairstyles regularly to prevent tension in the same spots on the scalp, which can lead to hair breakage and traction alopecia. Use hair bands and accessories that are gentle and do not pull on the hair. Avoid rubber bands and opt for fabric-covered elastics or scrunchies.

Diet and Hydration are equally important

Hair health is closely linked to overall nutrition. Ensure your child is eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Key nutrients for hair health include biotin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Hydrated bodies are better able to maintain healthy, shiny hair.

Protection from the sun

Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage hair and scalp. Encourage your child to wear a hat or a scarf when spending extended periods outdoors. Consider using hair products that contain UV filters to protect your child’s hair from the sun’s harmful rays.

Precautions for Swimming

For those teens who would like to chill in the water, rinse their hair moderately with clean water. Wet hair absorbs less chlorine and saltwater, which can be very drying. Use swim caps to protect hair from chlorinated pool water and saltwater. As an added measure, apply hair oil to the hair before you put on the cap. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly and use a clarifying shampoo to remove any chlorine or salt residue. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture.

Regular Trims

Schedule regular haircuts every 6-8 weeks to trim off split ends and keep the hair healthy. Regular trims prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which can cause more extensive damage. Sometimes the little ones may revolt against a haircut, but, you could try making it a fun activity and a positive experience. Find a child-friendly hairdresser who understands how to handle kids' hair and makes the process enjoyable.

Avoid Blow drying

Heat styling tools can cause significant damage to children's hair. Limit the use of hair dryers, curling irons and straighteners. If heat styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Whenever possible, allow your child's hair to air dry. This is the gentlest drying method and helps maintain hair health.

Educate and Empower

As your child grows, teach them how to care for their hair. Show them how to wash, condition, and detangle properly. Empowering them with knowledge will help them maintain healthy hair independently. Encourage your child to take pride in their hair care routine. Positive reinforcement and making the routine fun can instil good habits early on.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy hair in active kids requires a combination of regular care, proper nutrition, and protective measures. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child's hair remains strong, healthy, and beautiful despite their active lifestyle. Remember, the key is consistency and using gentle, effective products and techniques. With the right approach, your child can enjoy all their activities without compromising the health of their hair.