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Top 5 Best Shampoos for Kids

UpdatedOctober 23, 2024

Washing your kid's hair is not easy: believe me; but it is vital to see to their hair and the scalps are clean and healthy. Choosing the correct shampoo can be a real blessing in the case when your child’s skin is sensitive or their scalp is dry.

Currently on the market, there are so many kids shampoos of diverse category, starting with the tear-free one moving to the one that can help in hair loss. In addition, some of them are manufactured for particular purposes like, if you have dandruff or eczema.

We devoted several hours in scouring and washing our hair with different kids’ shampoos to come up with those that are right for the kids’ hair and scalp. Our selections were based on softness, efficiency, and utility.

Top 3 Best Shampoos for Kids

  1. SheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo hair care for Kids
  2. Aveeno Baby Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
  3. Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle

It can be very time-consuming and challenging to look for the right shampoo for the child. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best shampoo for kids. No matter if you have dry, curly, or sensitive hair, you and your little one are covered.


SheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo hair care for Kids Mango Carrot with Shea Butter 8 oz 8.01 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Editor's Choice

SheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo hair care for Kids Mango Carrot with Shea Butter 8 oz 8.01 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Delighted with the results after using SheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo for Kids. Safe on the skin and hair, low on sulphates and silicones, pretty floral fragrance, but expensive and not vegan. Note: Especially recommended for curly hair; may need more application to get rich foam.

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Extremely soft for the hair and skin of your little one, SheaMoisture Extra-Nourishing Shampoo for Kids Mango Carrot with Shea Butter is loved by kids.

Pros

  • Moisturizing and cruelty-free
  • Gently cleanses and detangles fine and delicate hair
  • Contains no parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, mineral oil, or petrolatum

Cons

  • Strong scent may not be for everyone
  • May not be suitable for all hair types

We've been using this shampoo for a few months now and we are contented with the outcomes. It softly moistens my little one’s fine hair without making him scalp feel rough or his hair lifeless. The smell is rather pungent, though we like it and it does not stay as a smell on the skin after washing.

The conditioner we’re crazy about is moisturizing, and it is not tested on animals; the product does not contain silicones, sulfates, or parabens. It also helps to remove tangles in hair; thus you can easily comb your hair when wet.

However, it may not be suitable for all hair types. Also, what we have noticed or realized is that it does not produce as much lather as most of the other shampoos and this means that you will have to apply a lot of shampoo to get a good lather.


Aveeno Baby Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

Aveeno Baby Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

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When you are seeking for the mild, yet efficient option for washing your kids’ hair, we suggest you to try Aveeno Baby Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner.

Pros

  • The shampoo and conditioner combination are mild, recommended for children and come with no tear formula for the eye area.
  • The oat extract formula ensures that hair is moisturized and de-tangled and thus appears healthy and manageable.
  • The tasteless and slightly sweet smell is likable and not intrusive for children as well as for the parents.

Cons

  • It is a bit expensive
  • Some users may prefer a stronger scent in their kids' shampoo.

We've used this shampoo and conditioner on our own kids and we’ve been quite satisfied with the outcome. The formula has no harsh chemicals and works a charm; the kids’ hair are not only smooth but manageable as well. We also notice that it does not contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, and phenoxyethanol and best of all, it is gentle on the skin of our kids.

The smell is barely noticeable depending on what kind of wax you prefer. It was just okay, not overpowering, and as a mother, we liked it this way yet some customers may want their children’s shampoo to have a deeper fragrance.

Overall, we believe that Aveeno Baby Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner should be on parents’ list of favorite products to use regarding the gentle, effective, and safe shampoo and conditioner for children.


Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle

Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle

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If you are in search for gentle hair products for your kids, then the Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle are more than perfect.

Pros

  • This bundle does not contain ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and dyes making it ideal is for kids with sensitive skin.
  • The shampoo and conditioner do not cause any harm to the hair but also make them easy to manage, clean, and silky.
  • Parents with children with lots of hair or hair tangled up will tell you that the detangler spray is a god send.

Cons

  • The shampoo and conditioner bottles are quite large.
  • Some users have reported that the scent is too strong for their liking.

We've been using this bundle on our own kids for months now, and we can confirm it has been very effective. As for the shampoo and conditioner, they are easy to use and wash off and after that hair feels rather clean and silky. Moms will love the detangler spray as it comes in handy when it comes to untangling the hair especially for the kids with long or curly hair. This great for brushing and styling because it does not pull or rip the hair out.

The smell of the products is quite intensive and can prove rather irritating to some. But we noted that they are cleasily wash off and some of them do not even stay in hairs for long after washing the hair. Also, both the shampoo and the conditioner come in large bottles, which could pose a problem of where to store the bottles especially if there is limited shower space in the house.

Overall, all the three products, Aussie Kids Shampoo, Aussie Kids Conditioner and Aussie Kids Detangler fit the bill of an effective hair care regimen for kids which are also safe for their tender scalps. If you are interested in how such a system could benefit you, just try it and feel the change!


Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo

Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo

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For overall issues of pediatric hair care and for children of any age or with any hair type, Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo can provide good washing requirements. The smell is powdery, with the delicate calm flower and vanilla background, nonintrusive and not overly feminine. It is in liquid Forumla; it has a rich lather and washes off very easy.

Pros

  • Ideal for all hair types, including normal hair
  • Tear-free formula that won't irritate the eyes
  • Leaves hair feeling clean, soft, and manageable

Cons

  • Some users may find the scent too strong
  • The bottle is quite large

We have used this shampoo on our kids and have noticed that it effectively froths up and does not harm the eyes when in contact with them. Their hair feels quite silky and appears as though they have just had it washed without the feeling of oiliness or fuzziness. We also like that it can be used for all hair types so it applies to all of the children regardless of the type of hair they have.

However, the smell is rather intense for some people, though personally, we like it. Also, we found that, for example, if a child has a serious condition on his/her scalp, this shampoo will not be enough to ‘cure’ the problem. But for everyday purposes, it can be rather useful and overall, the size of the bottle definitely corresponds to the price.

Overall, Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo is a recommended shampoo for parents who want to use a mild and efficient shampoo products for their children compatible with all types of hair.


Johnson's Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids' Shampoo

Johnson's Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids' Shampoo

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If you are in search of a gentle but quality shampoo for your kid then Johnson’s Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo will be more than fitting. This shampoo we highly recommend it to parents who would prefer to use a mild and safe yet efficient shampoo for their children.

Pros

  • Johnson’s baby ultra-hydrating tear-free kids’ shampoo specially designed and catered for children’s hair/ scalp without tear.
  • It contains proteins and pro-vitamin B5 to help supplement the hair and fortify as it cleanses the hair.
  • It is safe for the skin since it is dye, sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free but it is not completely vegan.

Cons

  • The shampoo may not lather as much as other shampoos
  • The shampoo is a bit expensive

The Johnson’s Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo is a recommended product for children since it is mild on the hair and skin. Friendly ingredients This shampoo contains proteins and pro-vitamin B5 ensuring that your hair is moisturized and made stronger while being cleaned. We appreciate the information the company has given about this shampoo; they have made it hypoallergenic and do not include parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and dyes. Due to how it is structured, the motion causes no irritation on the skin of children who have sensitive skin.

However, the shampoo does not get foamy as much as other shampoos in the market, and this makes it a bit tricky when applying it all over the hair. Further, the scent is not very overpowering as with the other shampoos which can be disadvantageous to some parents. Also, some parents may consider the price to be slightly higher as compared to the other shampoos targeted for the kids.

Overall, we recommend Johnson’s Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo as the best Babies and Kids Shampoo to buy especially for parents who are concerned about the health of their children.

Buying Guide

When looking for the right shampoo, the following guidelines need to be considered. Here are some features to look for:

Gentle Formulation

The skin of children is tender and sensitive and therefore one must opt for a harmless and chemical free shampoo. Products that do not harm the eyes and skin should be recommended; in this regard look for products that are labeled “tear-free” “hypoallergenic”.

Natural Ingredients

Most parents prefer to use products that contain natural ingredients. Choose the shampoos with natural ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, and lavender as they are safe for the hair. All these ingredients are mild to the skin and can be used to fade and reduce any inflammation that may be on the skin.

Age-Appropriate

Ensure that you are using a proper shampoo for your child by ensuring that it is one that is meant for use by children of that tender age. It is important to note that there are shampoos that are made to be used on infants, and there are those meant for children of a slightly older age. It is also advisable to read the label well and select the right product that suits the age of your child and the kind of hair your child has.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated shampoos for children's hair care?

The market is full of shampoos with various brands that are specific to children’s hair and advertised as safe for the hair. Nevertheless, the most popular shampoos for children hair are Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, Mustela Foam Shampoo, and Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash.

How can I choose a safe and gentle shampoo for my child?

When selecting a shampoo for use by your child, it is appropriate to use only those products which are developed for use by the young and are hypoallergenic and contain no sulfate, paraben, or phthalate. You can also try products such as natural products and those which contain ingredients such as aloe, chamomile, and lavender which provide the skin with an anti-itch factor.

What ingredients should I look for in a shampoo for my child's hair growth?

When choosing a shampoo for children, there are ingredients which you should look out for, these include biotin, keratin and vitamin E which will strengthen the hair follicle which in return leads to healthy hair growth in children.

Are there specific shampoos recommended for toddlers versus older children?

There are no specific shampoos are used for toddlers and children as there are for older children. But preference should be made on the shampoos that are suitable for the age of the child and type of hair. For instance, if you were combing your hair and found it to be curly, then you would opt for the curly hair shampoo.

How often should I shampoo my child's hair for optimal health?

The frequency of shampooing your child's hair depends on their age, type of hair, and the activity level. For infants, you can alternate washing his or her hair just once a week. As for infants and toddlers, shampooing their hair may take more time than for older children, if for instance, the child suffers intense physical activities that causes sweating.

Can you recommend a shampoo suitable for both boys and girls?

Yes, some of the shampoos that are equally suitable for boys and girls are Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash. These shampoos do not harm the hair and are suitable for use by both Boys and Girls.

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