Tips and Tricks on How to Detangle Toddler Hair

How to Detangle Toddler Hair

As your child leaves the baby stage and enters toddlerhood, you may notice physical changes just as much as any developmental leaps. Their fine baby hair may fall out, and thick, curly, or straight hair can grow in its place.

Navigating new hair textures can be challenging, especially if their hair is different from yours. Hair tangles and knots are essentially synonymous with toddlers, so it’s best to be prepared in every way possible as you combat unruly bedhead and post-bath tangles. 

This post highlights the best ways to improve brushing your toddler’s hair so it’s not a dreaded experience every time. 

Tips & Tricks to Make Brushing Tear-free

Brushing a toddler’s knotted, tangly hair is certainly not the most enjoyable part of the day, especially if they don’t tolerate brushing well or start throwing tantrums as soon as they see the brush. 

Fortunately, there are some helpful tips and tools you can use to make this necessary process a little less painful and dramatic. 

Use products designed for their hair type

For the same reasons that adults purchase shampoo and conditioners designed for their specific hair type, toddlers’ hair can benefit significantly from the same formulas. From fine to thick and curly, these hair products can help reduce the severity and frequency of the tangles your toddler experiences. The fewer tangles, the fewer tears and meltdowns after a bath. It’s a win-win! 

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

For frizzy and curly hair, Fairy Tales Curly Q shampoo is highly moisturizing and will help to work any knots out of your child’s hair as you wash. This shampoo also helps to manage their hair after it’s dry and to prevent tangles during the day. 

For super-fine hair, Hello Bello’s coconut shampoo works to soothe, soften and nourish fine hair and keep tangles at bay. Bonus points: it’s a body wash as well!  

Related post on toddlers: Why does my toddler call me by my first name?

Use the right brush for their hair’s texture

Using the right brush is just as important for tangle management as the right hair product.

For easy, pain-free brushing, a wet brush for all hair types is a great tool to have in your arsenal for post-bath brushing. Contrary to its name, a wet brush can be used on dry hair just as effectively. A wet brush is much gentler than a standard hair brush, and it won’t cause damage or wear and tear to your child’s hair. 

If your child has thick, curly hair, a wet brush may not work as well. A thick and curly detangling brush will help to brush through knots with its wide-tooth comb and bristle combination. 

Related post: Tips on How to Put Sunscreen on a Toddler

Brush regularly 

Adding a morning and evening brushing session to your child’s wake-up and bedtime routine can make all the difference to the knots and tangles in their hair. 

Your child is busy during the day—from playing, running, napping, meals, and activities; there are so many opportunities for tangles to show up in their hair, no matter how long or short it is. 

When your toddler wakes up in the morning, ensure they (or you) brush their hair while in the bathroom after brushing their teeth. Adding hair brushing to their daily routine early on will build good habits they can carry throughout their lives.

Another tip that works wonders is to brush your child’s hair right before a bath. This way, it’ll already be tangle-free when you wash it, and the conditioner and detangler will have less work to do. 

Related toddler post: The Best Toddler Snack Cups

Start brushing from the tips

When brushing your child’s hair, it does make sense in some cases to start at the root and work your way down. However, thicker knots or tangles towards the top of their head may require more effort to comb free. 

Starting at the tips where the hair is thinner will help untangle the knots at the bottom and work your way up. It will probably hurt your child’s head much less, too. 

Related toddler post: What To Do When Toddler Won’t Tell When He Needs To Go Potty

Detangler is your friend

You’ll be surprised at how well a detangler really works on your child’s hair, regardless of its texture or length. 

You can spray the detangler after shampoo or conditioner or use it as a dry spray in the morning when your child is getting ready for the day. Detangler works effectively for both dry and wet hair and is a must-have for ornery toddlers with knots in their hair.

For curly-headed kiddos, this curly leave-in conditioning spray is a family favorite. Simply spray it in your child’s hair, brush it smooth, and let their hair soak up all the nourishing vitamins and oils to improve their hair’s shine and texture. Or, try the detangler product by the same brand.

If your child has fine, thin, thick, or dry hair, Honest Company’s detangler spray is a leave-in conditioner and a calming spray that moisturizes and nourishes their hair. Its lavender properties are hypoallergenic and make hair easier to manage. 

Related toddler post: How To Teach A Toddler To Go Down The Slide

Make it fun 

You may think, “How can I make brushing through my toddler’s tangles fun?!” Parenthood is all about being creative! 

Distract your child with toys, sing songs, let them color, or brush their hair after a bath while they’re winding down and watching their favorite TV show before bed.

Encourage your child to “help” with brushing by giving them an area of their hair you’ve already combed through. Including them in the process will make it more fun and improve their patience as you brush through their locks. 

Whatever it takes to distract them from the tugging is worth trying! 

More grooming tips: What to do when toddler won’t let you brush their teeth

Wrap Up – How to Detangle Toddler Hair

You can conquer the tangles!

There’s nothing worse than hearing your toddler scream and cry because you’re brushing their hair. You don’t want to traumatize them, but brushing their hair is necessary. You just have to find the right products that will make it less painful and more enjoyable. Trial and error may take time, but it can make all the difference. Happy detangling! 

You may also want to get tips on how to wash toddler hair without their crying!

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