Bath-time shouldn't feel like a wrestling match, but many parents dread it for one reason—toddler hair washing. A little water on the face, and suddenly it’s chaos. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With the right techniques, you can keep things calm and even turn bath-time into a fun ritual your toddler enjoys.
Does your toddler hate having their hair washed – or hate being in the bath at all? Does your child throw a tantrum or cry when you try to rinse the shampoo from their hair? There are ways to make bath time and washing a toddler’s hair easier – here’s how.
Why does my toddler scream or cry when I try to wash their hair?
There are four main reasons why a child might hate having their hair washed:
- They don’t like the sensation of the shampoo being massaged into their scalp.
- They might be afraid of getting water or shampoo on their face or in their eyes when their hair is rinsed.
- They don’t like having their head or body leaned backwards. Some kids find the sensation – and the fact that they can’t see where they’re going – frightening.
- They simply hate the bath, whether they’re getting their hair washed or not, and there’s no real reason.
No matter why your child hates having their hair washed, it goes without saying that you should use a specially-formulated no-tear children’s shampoo. If you can find an unscented one, even better. And you only really need to wash their hair once or twice a week at the most.
Making bath time easier: How to wash your toddler’s hair without them throwing a tantrum or crying
If your toddler is afraid of having their hair washed you can try making bath time more fun. For example, you can:
- put a handheld mirror in the bathroom and let them play with different hair styles while the shampoo is in their hair – they can make a mohawk or horns – or anything, really. This may help them feel calmer during baths.
- get them to wash a doll or toy’s hair. You can do this to get them comfortable with the idea of hair washing, and it’s a brilliant way to distract them if they wash their toy’s hair while you do theirs.
- pretend that you’re the ‘hairdresser’ and turn it into a game.
ALSO READ: How to raise your children to have a healthy body image
What to do if your toddler doesn’t like having shampoo rubbed into their hair
If your little one doesn’t like the sensation of having the shampoo rubbed into their scalp (this can be quite common in children with sensory processing disorders), try:
- pat the shampoo into their hair instead. Or put the shampoo on a facecloth and wipe it over their head – this sensation can be more tolerable for sensitive kids.
- consider letting them massage the shampoo in themselves, as it gives them a chance to choose the pressure. If you’re letting them do the shampooing, you may need to get involved with the rinsing to make sure it’s done properly.
What to do if your toddler doesn’t like having shampoo rinsed out of their hair or having water in their eyes
If your toddler hates having water or shampoo run over their face, try:
- give them a dry face cloth to hold over their eyes while you rinse. And if they hate leaning back, get them to lean forwards instead, while covering their eyes with the cloth.
- experiment with different methods of rinsing shampoo out of your toddler’s hair. If a jug of water doesn’t work from them (or you!), try a handheld shower on a soft setting – if they’re old enough to do it themselves, some children will feel more comfortable if they feel they’re in control of the water. You could event try using a kiddies’ watering can to make the process seem a little more fun.
- buy a rinse pail – we like this one by Nuby – which has a soft, contoured edge that can be placed directly against your baby’s forehead to help prevent water from running into their eyes as you rinse the shampoo from their hair.
- Need to keep your child’s eyes and ears dry when rinsing their hair? A shampoo cap should do the trick.
- Get your child a colourful pair of swimming goggles. With their eyes properly protected they might not mind – or might even enjoy! – having the water run over their face.
- If all else fails, use a wet facecloth to ‘wipe’ the shampoo off.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: 7 brilliant ways to deal with toddler tantrums
What to do if your child hates bathing
The trick here is to try loads of different tactics – from distraction to entertaining them – to see what works for you, and them. Consider:
- sometimes it’s the sound of the water draining that scares kids – wait until they’re out of the bath (or even out of the room) before pulling out the plug.
- buy a few special toys that are reserved for bath time only.
- bath crayons or paints can be used to decorate the bath or tiles – a brilliant distraction while you’re trying to wash their hair.
- try putting them back into their baby bath. A smaller, more familiar space might mean a calmer baby come bath time.
- get into the bath with them. This will usually calm even the most anxious bathers.
- if you just can’t get them to be comfortable in the bath, put them in the shower with you and – if you have one – use a handheld shower to rinse them off.
NEXT READ: Why toddlers have tantrums, how to avoid them & discipline techniques
FAQ’s: Toddler Hair Washing Without the Tears
Why does my toddler hate having their hair washed?
Most toddlers dislike hair washing because of sensory sensitivity or a fear of water getting into their eyes, ears, or nose. It can also feel cold, uncomfortable, or unpredictable.
How can I stop shampoo from getting into my toddler’s eyes?
Use a tear-free shampoo and tilt your child’s head slightly back while rinsing. You can also use a rinse cup with a soft edge or a bath visor to help redirect water away from the face.
What’s the best position to wash a toddler’s hair?
Some toddlers prefer lying back in the bath like they’re at a salon, while others feel safer sitting upright. Let your child choose the most comfortable position for them to help reduce anxiety.
How can I make hair washing fun for my toddler?
Turn it into a game! Use bath toys, sing silly songs, or let your child “wash” their doll’s or teddy’s hair first. Involving them in the process can make it feel less like a chore.
How often should I wash my toddler’s hair?
For most toddlers, 1–3 times a week is enough. If their hair is fine, dry or curly, you can wash it less often to prevent it from drying out. More frequent washing may be needed in hot climates.
What if my toddler has long hair that tangles easily?
Use a gentle detangling conditioner or spray and a wide-tooth comb. Start brushing from the ends and work your way up. Brush hair before washing to remove knots and reduce post-bath tangles.
Are there any shampoos made specifically for toddlers?
Yes. Look for mild, fragrance-free or naturally scented toddler shampoos labelled “tear-free” or “gentle.” Brands like Johnson’s Baby, Pure Beginnings (South African), or Dove Baby Shampoo are good options.
My toddler screams every time we wash their hair. What should I do?
Stay calm and patient. Offer choices (like “Do you want me to wash or do you want to try first?”), use distractions (songs, bubbles), and keep consistent. Over time, many toddlers grow out of the resistance.
Can I use a showerhead instead of a cup for rinsing?
If your child isn’t afraid of the noise or sensation, a handheld showerhead can be very effective. Use lukewarm water and let them play with it first to reduce fear.
How do I dry my toddler’s hair gently?
Pat the hair dry with a soft towel. Avoid rough rubbing, which can cause tangling and discomfort. If your child tolerates it, use a cool hairdryer on the lowest setting, keeping it a safe distance away.
Disclaimer: The advice shared in these FAQs is for general information purposes only. For specific concerns related to your child’s hair, scalp condition, or sensory issues, please consult a paediatrician, dermatologist or occupational therapist.
There are so many toothbrushes and toothpastes available on the market that it is very difficult to understand the difference between them all and to …
