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A quality hair care routine is just as essential for your kids as it is for you, so it’s not a bad idea to teach them how to maintain healthy hair early on. Best part is, it doesn’t even have to be complicated! Basic yet effective shampoos and conditioners are suitable enough for your child’s hair needs. But if you’re noticing white flakes taking over their scalp, you may need a more specific treatment to fight dandruff. Don’t worry though, as dandruff is a common scalp condition that can happen at any time. We spoke to an expert about the reasons why people get dandruff and how to treat it.
Despite popular belief, having a dry scalp isn’t the only factor behind why kids and adults get dandruff. As certified skin specialist, Dr. Harikiran Chekuri explains, “It’s caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, which can be triggered by stress, hormones, or other factors.”
If you’re looking for ways to treat and prevent dandruff in kids, it’s important to wash your child’s hair regularly to help remove dead skin cells. According to Dr. Chekuri, you’ll want to look for shampoos and conditioners specifically made for dandruff. You’ll know because they usually contain zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid.
“These ingredients help reduce the growth of yeast and prevent flaking,” Dr. Chekuri says. Additionally, make sure that these anti-dandruff products are formulated with natural ingredients like tea tree oil that “soothes an itchy scalp and reduces inflammation.” You want to avoid any harsh formulas that are meant more for adults.
Of course, maintaining a healthy diet helps your child’s condition too. As Dr. Chekuri says, “foods rich in Vitamin B and Omega-3 fatty acids like fish can help reduce dandruff symptoms.”
We totally understand that dandruff can be embarrassing for your child at first. Luckily, we’ve found anti-dandruff products for kids that will stop the itching and flaking. These choices are safe and affordable, while also being gentle at soothing their scalp. Take a look at some recommendations for kids that are effective at fighting against dandruff.
California Baby Tea Tree & Lavender Shampoo & Body Wash
gently cleanses from head to toe, making it a great option for even babies experiencing dandruff. The plant-based formula acts as a wash and shampoo for hair, face, and body without irritating or drying out those areas. In a nutshell, this dandruff-fighting product is perfect for the whole family to use.
Head & Shoulders Supreme Shampoo and Conditioner Set
keeps your child’s dandruff at bay. It deeply hydrates your hair to prove not any dryness, flakes, and itch that comes from dandruff. Plus, it leaves your hair soft, smooth, and shining for 24 hours.
One reviewer vouched that her daughter loved this duo. They said, “She has dandruff and this seems to really help her with that. It smells good and moisturizes well too. It detangles her hair nicely and leaves it shiny and healthy looking.”
The product is available at Amazon and Walmart.
SheaMoisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Keep your hair flake-free with SheaMoisture’s Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Infused with salicylic acid and apple cider vinegar, this hair product removes build-up and flaking. Plus, it also strengthens your hair. Luckily, you can take an additional 25% off when you click the coupon code — making it just $9 today.
The product is available at Amazon, Ulta, and Walmart.
Aveeno Kids 2-in-1 Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner
Dermatologists and pediatricians recommend Aveeno, which has a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner just for your kids. It relieves the scalp’s dryness and itchiness for only $8. And thanks to its soothing oat extract, this hydrating solution is more gentle than adult products. As a bonus, it leaves their hair soft and easy to manage too.
“This shampoo and conditioner combo gets the job done. It has a nice fragrance, and it’s strong but not too intense,” said a reviewer. “It lathers nicely when you scrub it and then rinses out easily.
The product is available at Amazon and Walmart.
PURA D’OR Scalp Therapy Shampoo
Fight all symptoms of dandruff with the Pura D’or Scalp Therapy Shampoo. Its blend of peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils helps to calm the dry, itchy scalp. This anti-dandruff shampoo deeply moisturizes, removes frizz, and leaves a shinier look in a few weeks.
Even a licensed cosmetologist says this treatment is a must-have. “This is by far the best shampoo I have used in years. I have been struggling with a very dry scalp and after just one use I noticed a significant difference! No dryness, my hair is hardly falling out, and is shiner than ever.”
The product is available at Amazon, Ulta, and Walmart.
Redken Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo
Get your dandruff under control with Redken’s Scalp Relief shampoo. This leave-in product cleanses and soothes the scalp. It contains Pyrithione Zinc that specifically eliminates flakes, dry, and itchy skin.
A reviewer said this anti-dandruff shampoo felt like a salon treatment. They added, “I have 40% less flakes, and my hair was silkier than with any other shampoo I’ve ever used.”
Whereas another said that this product worked in just one use for her 10-year-old daughter. “My daughter use it 3 times a week. As soon as I start to see her scratching scalp I will ask her to wash her hair. And it will go away from first wash!”
The product is available at Amazon, Ulta, and Walmart.
Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kids Shampoo & Conditioner
Although Fairy Tales’ shampoo for kids prevents lice, it works great on dandruff as well. The Rosemary Repel daily shampoo maintains a healthy scalp with its natural ingredients like tea tree, jojoba, rosemary, and more oils. Now, you can snag it along with its conditioner in this hair care set.
One reviewer vouched, saying “This is some good stuff. I use this every day and we are now lice-free. […] It makes my daughter’s hair healthier and it also helps with dandruff too. I would recommend for the whole family to use.”
The product is available at Amazon and Walmart.
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