How often do children need to wash their hair?
When children are between the ages of 8 and 12, parents often ask dermatologists this question. If you’re a parent trying to answer this question, you’ve come to the right place.
In three easy steps, you can figure out how often a child between 8 and 12 years of age needs to shampoo.
Step 1: Consider your child’s traits
To determine how often your child needs to shampoo, you first need to consider your child’s:
Hair type (straight, curly, oily, dry)
Age
Activity level
Step 2: Find your child’s traits on the following chart
Shampoo guidelines: Children 8 to 12 years old
Shampoo every other day or daily |
Exception: Hair is dry and curly |
Shampoo 1 or 2 times per week |
Exception: Hair is dry and curly |
Shampoo every 7 to 10 days |
|
Step 3: Fine tune to get it just right
Once your child is shampooing as often as shown above, you may need to adjust the frequency a bit. Each child is different. Changes in weather also can affect how often your child needs to shampoo.
To fine tune, look at your child’s hair and scalp between washings. The following chart shows you what to look for and how to fine tune.
Shampoo guidelines: How To tell if your child is shampooing too often or not enough
Shampoo more often if you notice that your child's: |
Continue to add one shampoo per week until you no longer see oiliness |
Shampoo less often if you notice that your child's: |
Continue to remove one shampoo per week until you no longer see dullness, shedding, or dryness |
When to see a dermatologist For most children, these guidelines work well. If your child’s hair or scalp seems too oily or dry after following these guidelines, you should see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can explain why this is happening and offer a solution.
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Last updated: 11/14/23