How to Take Care of Your Kid’s Scalp

BY Ritu Shah

07 Nov 2022

A child’s scalp is more sensitive than an adult’s and requires special care. The numerous hair follicles and sebaceous secretion in the scalp make it an ideal warm humid terrain for the breeding of parasites. If you think that regular shampoo wash can take care of your kid’s hair and scalp, it is not true.

Balanced Nutrition

Food intake affects hair health. Oily foods tend to make hair lacklustre and weak. Nutrient-rich foods and a balanced diet are a must in this growing age. Vitamins, protein, omega-3, omega-6, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, fibre, folic acid, and beta-carotene are vital for hair and scalp. 

Nutrient

Foods Rich in the Nutrient  

   Effect on Scalp

Vitamin A

  • Pumpkins
  • Squash
  • Oranges
  • Melons
  • Papaya
  • Carrots
  • Keeps the scalp dandruff-free
  • Helps the production of sebum to prevent split ends and dullness

Vitamin B

  • Walnuts
  • Almonds
  • Eggs 
  • Biotin (Vit B7) leads to the synthesis of Keratin which forms the fibrous part of the hair.

Vitamin C

  • Strawberries
  • Citrus fruits
  • Keeps the scalp dandruff-free
  • Prevents split ends and dullness

Vitamin E

  • Green vegetables
  • Increases hair strength

Protein

  • Eggs
  • Lean meat
  • Walnuts
  • Almonds 
  • Protein cells are building blocks for hair
  • Maintains strong and lustrous hair

Omega - 3

  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Chia Seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Improves blood circulation to the hair roots
  • Promotes shine and health of hair

Iron and Zinc

  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Walnuts and Almonds
  • Prevent breakage of hair
  • Strengthen hair roots

Folic Acid

  • Lentils 
  • Prevents a reduction in cell division
  • Premature greying of hair

 

Regular Head Massage

Massaging makes the roots strong by improving blood circulation. Dry massaging daily and using oil massage once a week will benefit the scalp and soothe nerves. You should use natural oils. 

Cocomo hair oil combines the benefits of 12 natural oils, and its non-greasy, sweet-smelling formulation will nourish your child’s scalp without causing discomfort. 

cocomo kids hair oil

Oiling

This is vital for the scalp to keep away frizziness and dryness.  Oiling once or twice a week is more than enough. Excessive oiling may lead to unnecessary build-up in the scalp and clogging of pores. This will not allow the scalp skin to breathe well and the natural sebum will not be able to exude outward effortlessly. 

 

Washing

Regular hair washing cleans the scalp as well. Shampooing washes away dirt and grime from the head and hair. Shampoo your kid’s hair every time you oil. As with oil, do not wash more than twice a week. Use only kid-friendly shampoo only since products for adults contain harsh chemicals.

Cocomo kids shampoo conditioner

Cocomo shampoo and conditioner is a one-stop solution that gently cleans and conditions your child's scalp and hair. It is devoid of harsh chemicals and specially formulated for your young ones.

Read More on Hair Care for Your Kid

 

Comfortable Hairstyles

Hairstyles need to be easy on the scalp. Tightly doing up the hair can keep the hair in check but will cause breakage and itching. The child will scratch the scalp, which will cause further damage to the hair and scalp. Even if you opt for unique styles, take care to let the scalp breathe with comfort.

Read More on Easy Hairstyles for your Kid

 

Avoiding Chemicals and Heat Treatments

Heat usages such as curling or straightening is detrimental to the child’s hair and is an absolute no-no before they reach their teens. Chemical usage like hair colouring will cause a lot of damage to the tender heads of kids. Chemical-containing oils, shampoos, and conditioners must not be used.

 

Regular Scalp Examination

Examine the child’s scalp regularly. Do this even if your kid is a teenager. Some of the problems that you need to look out for are 

  • Grey or white flakes
  • Tiny pus-filled bumps around hair follicles
  • Small bumps on the head, face, or neck
  • Greasy scales, red spots, rings, itchiness, dryness or inflammation
  • Zigzag burrows (due to mites), lice and bald patches

Most hair and scalp problems can be taken care of when caught in time. Early diagnosis and treatment are better than long-lasting damage. 

 

Skin Problems

If the kid has skin issues like eczema, alopecia, or psoriasis, they might affect the scalp's skin. So, a different kind of hair care may be required. The products need to be pre-tested for any ingredient allergy. A regular dermatological visit is a must in case of pre-existing skin conditions. 

To conclude, kid scalps are vulnerable, and parental care is crucial because all children tend to ignore scalp care (be it the young ones or teens). The harmful chemicals, dust, and pollution may affect their scalp. Any neglect may lead to various scalp conditions. Chemical-free skin-friendly products to wash, clean, and moisturize, and healthy eating habits are essential for a healthy scalp.