Discover the secret to healthy, clean, and manageable hair for your little ones with our comprehensive guide to the “Best Shampoo for Kids.” From lice prevention to gentle cleansing and nourishment, we have handpicked the top shampoos that cater to the unique needs of children’s hair.
When we as parents or caretakers choose a shampoo for our kids, it’s essential to look out for products deemed safe and gentle for the kid’s delicate scalps, as lots of shampoos may cause scalp buildup.
Shampoos with a higher pH value than 5.5-6 may lead to the cuticle and hair fiber breakage, says Dr M. Narayanan, president Indian Medical Association.
In 2014 International Journal of Trichology published a study titled “The Shampoo pH can affect the Hair: Myth or Reality?” in which they tested and analyzed the pH of 123 shampoos of international brands.
The study concludes that a higher Alkaline pH level of shampoo increases friction between hair fibers and may increase the chance of hair damage, leading to cuticle damage and fiber breakage. Although, the researchers couldn’t reach a consensus or establish the best pH range for the scalp and the hair fiber’s health.
We have researched and found the below five special shampoos for kids that cleanse their hair effectively and prioritize their overall well-being. We have looked into research papers recommending good shampoo ingredients and checked pediatricians’ recommendations about various shampoo brands.
By using these shampoos on our team member’s nieces and kids and following the guidelines of various research organizations such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and Medicine Science International Medical Journal, we have tested and shortlisted these five best and safest children’s shampoos that every parent must buy and use to clean the hair and scalp of their children.
We also recommend parents to use good hair detangler sprays when detangling their little ones’ hair. They can also try Solutions for Severely Tangled Hair in Kids and Homemade Natural Hair Detangler Recipes customizable to your child’s specific hair needs.
Below are the 5 best Kids and toddlers shampoo and conditioner: Boys and Girls
- Best For Lice Prevention: Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo
- Best For Gentle Cleansing: Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel
- Best For Sensitive Skin: Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
- Best For Hydration and Nourishment: SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo
- Best For Delicate Hair: Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo
Whether you’re seeking a solution for lice prevention like the Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo or a gentle and tear-free formula like the Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel, we’ve got you covered. Find the perfect shampoo that suits your child’s hair type and ensures their locks are treated with the utmost care.
1. Babyganics Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash – Pediatrician and dermatologist tested
Why do We Recommend this Babyganics Shampoo for Kids
Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a trusted choice among parents due to its natural and plant-based formula. It is free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making it gentle on the skin and eyes of your little ones. This shampoo provides a mild yet effective cleansing action, leaving your child’s hair and skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished.
Key Ingredients
The Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash contains natural ingredients such as chamomile, calendula, and aloe vera. These ingredients are known for their soothing properties and help maintain the natural moisture balance of the scalp and skin.
How to Use
Apply shampoo to your child’s wet hair and gently massage it into a lather. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner if needed. Avoid contact with eyes.
What Experts Say
Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash for its safe and gentle formula. It has been tested by trusted experts and is considered suitable for the sensitive skin of babies and children.
Type of Hair
Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash suits all hair types, including fine, curly, and thick hair.
Pros
- Gentle and plant-based formula
- Non-Allergenic and Tear-Free
- Free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances
- Soothes and nourishes the scalp and skin
- Suitable for all hair types
- The pediatrician and dermatologist tested
Cons
- It may require a more significant amount for thick or lengthy hair
- The scent may not be appealing to everyone
Quick Tip
To minimize tangles, gently comb your child’s hair with a wide-toothed comb while the shampoo is still in them.
Pricing & Rating on Amazon
Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is available on Amazon for approximately $9.99. Based on customer reviews, it has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 400+ parents.
Did You Know?
Babyganics is a brand committed to creating safe, eco-friendly products for babies and children. Their products are not only gentle on little ones but also environmentally conscious.
List of Chemicals Free
Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, dyes, and mineral oil.
Vitamins & Minerals
While Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash does not explicitly mention added vitamins and minerals, it contains natural ingredients that nourish and support scalp and skin health.
2. Cetaphil Baby Body Wash and Shampoo lotion for sensitive skin
Why do We Recommend Cetaphil Shampoo for Kids
According to our team members Gurmeet and Manmohan, who are parents of 8 years old daughter and a 10-year-old Son, Cetaphil Baby Shampoo is a Hypoallergenic shampoo that does not cause any irritation or allergic reactions when used on their children. They say it is also a trusted brand recommended by dermatologists for its gentle and effective formula.
This tear-free shampoo from Cetaphil is designed to cleanse your child’s hair and body without drying their delicate skin, and after each hair bath and wash, you will know the difference as your kid’s skin will feel soft, smooth, and moisturized. It provides a rich lather that rinses off easily, leaving your child feeling clean and fresh.
Key Ingredients
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo contains organic calendula extract, chamomile, and aloe vera. These ingredients help moisturize and soothe the scalp and skin while maintaining the natural pH balance.
How to Use
Apply shampoo to your child’s wet hair and body, lather, and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding contact with the eyes.
What Experts Say
Dermatologists often recommend Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo for its gentle and hypoallergenic formula. It is considered safe for daily use and suitable for babies and children with sensitive skin.
Type of Hair
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo are suitable for all hair types, including delicate and sensitive hair.
Pros
- Gentle and hypoallergenic formula
- Tear-free and safe for the eyes
- Moisturizes and soothes the scalp and skin
- Suitable for all hair types
- Recommended by dermatologists
Cons
- The scent may not be long-lasting
- Some users may prefer a more organic ingredient list
Quick Tip
Use a soft washcloth or sponge to gently cleanse your child’s body with Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo for a thorough and gentle bath experience.
Pricing & Rating on Amazon
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo are available on Amazon for approximately $7.99. Based on customer reviews, it has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 20,000+ parents.
Did You Know?
Cetaphil is a renowned brand known for its gentle skincare products suitable for all ages. Their baby range is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of delicate baby skin and hair.
List of Chemicals Free
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo is free from parabens, colorants, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances.
Vitamins & Minerals
Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo does not explicitly mention added vitamins and minerals, but it is formulated to be gentle and nourishing for your child’s hair and skin.
3. Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner
Why We Recommend It
According to us and many other experts, including dermatologists and pediatricians Fairy Tales, Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner is an excellent choice for kids, mainly due to the presence of natural ingredients such as rosemary oil, citronella, tea tree oil, and lavender oil. All these ingredients are known to boost the blood flow on the scalp and help stop lice infestations on a kid’s scalp.
This “Fairy Tales” Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated with natural ingredients that cleanse the hair and help repel lice. It is gentle, safe, and practical, making it a popular option among parents concerned about lice prevention.
Key Ingredients
According to the shampoo manufacturer’s information, the critical ingredient in Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner is rosemary and lavender oil, known for their natural lice-repellent and blood circulation properties. It also contains other essential oils such as citronella, tea tree, and lavender, which are responsible for the shampoo’s pleasant fragrance and additional lice-deterrent benefits.
How to Use
We recommend that parents apply shampoo to their child’s wet hair, lather, body, face, and scalp massage. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if desired. For best results in lice prevention, use the shampoo daily during periods of high lice activity.
What Experts Say
Experts in lice prevention and treatment recommend Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner for its natural ingredients and efficacy in deterring lice. It provides a safe and non-toxic solution for parents concerned about lice infestations.
Type of Hair
Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner is suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- It contains natural ingredients with lice-repellent properties
- Gentle and safe for daily use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for all hair types
- Recommended by lice prevention experts
Cons
- It may not lather as much as conventional shampoos
- The scent may not appeal to everyone
Quick Tip
To enhance lice prevention, follow up with Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Conditioning Spray, which provides an extra layer of protection against lice.
Pricing & Rating on Amazon
Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner is available on Amazon for approximately $10.99. Based on customer reviews, it has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Did You Know?
Fairy Tales is a brand dedicated to providing hair care products for children free from harsh chemicals and formulated with natural ingredients. In addition to their lice prevention shampoo, they offer a range of products to support healthy and beautiful hair for kids.
List of Chemicals Free
Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner is free from sulfates, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
Vitamins & Minerals
While Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo and Conditioner does not explicitly mention added vitamins and minerals, the natural ingredients provide nourishing benefits to the hair and scalp.
4. Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel
Why We Recommend It
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel is popular for kids due to its gentle and tear-free formula. Gurmeet says that her daughter loves it because of its Natural Avocado fragrance. This hypoallergenic shampoo is designed to cleanse delicate baby and children’s hair and skin without causing any irritation.
She says that when her baby girl was 2-3 months old, she started getting acne over his cheeks, head, ears, and neck. She adds that her friends recommended this shampoo, which her dermatologist recommended. After two weeks of buying and using this shampoo, her daughter’s acne faded and was almost gone.
Gurmeet highly recommends this kid’s shampoo from Mustela to every mom looking for a safe and cleansing shampoo for their kids, which can help with rash and acne and is a good skin cleanser without any side effects.
It leaves the hair soft, shiny, and easy to manage, making it a favorite among parents.
Key Ingredients
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel contains natural ingredients such as avocado perseose and mild surfactants. Avocado perseose helps to protect and hydrate the scalp, while the mild surfactants effectively cleanse the hair without stripping away natural oils.
How to Use
Apply a small shampoo and gently massage your child’s wet hair. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner if desired. It can be used daily.
What Experts Say
Dermatologists and pediatricians often recommend Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel for its mild and gentle formula. It is suitable for babies and children with normal to sensitive skin.
Type of Hair
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel is suitable for all hair types, including delicate and sensitive hair.
Pros
- Gentle and tear-free formula
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and manageable
- Suitable for all hair types
- Recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians
Cons
- Some users may prefer a more potent fragrance
- It may require a more significant amount for thick or lengthy hair
Quick Tip
Use a soft washcloth or hands to gently lather while massaging the shampoo into your child’s hair and scalp.
Pricing & Rating on Amazon
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel is available on Amazon for approximately $23. Based on customer reviews, it has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,000+ parents.
Did You Know?
Mustela is a renowned brand known for its expertise in developing products for babies and children. Their products are formulated to be safe, effective, and compatible with delicate and sensitive skin.
List of Chemicals Free
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel is free from parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.
Vitamins & Minerals
Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel does not explicitly mention added vitamins and minerals, but it is formulated to nourish and hydrate the scalp and hair.
5. SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo
Why We Recommend It
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo is a tried and tested shampoo by thousands of parents, and we also vouch for its nourishing and hydrating qualities. It is an excellent choice for kids with dry or curly hair as it is made with Carrot, Mango, and Citrus Extracts – which are known to strengthen hair, illuminate hair brightness, help with curls, and also help strengthen weak strands of hair.
This sulfate-free shampoo provides deep hydration and nourishment, leaving the hair soft, manageable, and tangle-free. It is formulated with natural ingredients that promote healthy hair growth, making it a favorite among parents looking for an extra moisture boost for their child’s hair.
Key Ingredients
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo contains natural ingredients such as mango butter, carrot oil, and shea butter. These ingredients provide intense hydration, promote hair growth, and protect the hair from breakage.
How to Use
Apply a small shampoo to your child’s wet hair and scalp. Gently massage to create a lather, then rinse thoroughly. For best results, follow with a conditioner from the same product line.
What Experts Say
Experts and parents often recommend SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is considered adequate for enhancing the health and manageability of dry or curly hair.
Type of Hair
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo suits dry, curly, or textured hair types.
Pros
- Sulfate-free formula
- Provides deep hydration and nourishment
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Softens and detangles the hair
- Suitable for dry, curly, or textured hair
Cons
- The scent may not be appealing to everyone
- May weigh down fine or straight hair
Quick Tip
Follow up with SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Conditioner for enhanced moisture and detangling benefits.
Pricing & Rating on Amazon
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo is available on Amazon for approximately $10.99. Based on customer reviews, it has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3900+ parents.
Did You Know?
SheaMoisture uses natural, sustainably sourced ingredients in its hair and skincare products. They prioritize providing effective solutions for diverse hair types, including children’s.
List of Chemicals Free
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances.
Vitamins & Minerals
SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo is enriched with vitamins A and E and nourishing oils that contribute to the overall health of the hair.
Personal Experiences – How We test and Recommend?
Gurmeet Kaur, who works at ParentalDaily as a Parenting Writer, shares her experience using Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash for her eight-year daughter. She says, “As a parent, she has been using this shampoo from the start when her daughter was a toddler, as she always prioritizes the safety and well-being of my child.
Her experience of using Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash for eight years on her daughter has been a game-changer for her.
Babyganic’s gentle and tear-free formula gives me peace of mind knowing it won’t irritate my little one’s eyes. Also, the natural ingredients in the shampoo keep her child’s hair clean, soft, and smelling fresh after washing. She says this shampoo and body wash from Babyganic’s has become a staple in their bathtime routine as both she and her daughter love its scent.
Parmjit Kaur, Content Head at ParentalDaily, thoroughly explores her experience with Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo. She is also experienced with various skin care products, as she’s worked with Nykaa, Mamaearth, and Purplle.
She shares, Finding the right shampoo can be challenging for a child with sensitive skin due to a mixup of various harmful ingredients and chemicals.
She says that it is essential for parents to choose the right product that is free from chemicals, used and recommended by parents, and ask their dermatologist or pediatrician about a new product if they are unsure about the quality of the shampoo or body wash quality.
Parmjit acknowledges that Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo has been our savior. Its gentle and hypoallergenic formula has never caused any irritation or dryness. I appreciate that it’s free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. My niece’s hair feels nourished, and the scalp remains healthy due to its natural ingredients. She wholeheartedly recommends Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo to other parents and caretakers.
Throughout the article, we have tried our best to incorporate the personal experiences and recommendations of our team members, Gurmeet Kaur and Parmjit Kaur, to provide a firsthand perspective on the products mentioned.
They have personally tested some new products; some of these body wash, and shampoos were already their go-to kids cleaning and body care products, and they have been using them for over 7-8 years. Their insights and personal experiences highlight the effectiveness and suitability of these shampoos for children.
By considering the unique needs of your child’s hair and skin, the key ingredients, expert opinions, pros, and cons, quick tips, pricing, and ratings, you can decide on the best shampoo for your kids.
Whether you choose Babyganics Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo, Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Shampoo, Mustela Gentle Cleansing Gel, or SheaMoisture Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo, rest assured that you’re choosing a product that prioritizes safety, effectiveness, and overall hair health.
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