Best Vegan Hair Products for Babies

Washing Your Baby’s Hair

Whether bold or already growing a forest on their head, choosing the best hair products for your baby is your main concern. And it starts with shampooing your baby, even if they do not have any baby hair. While shopping a shampoo for your baby, you should consider these important points:

• No chemicals: Fragances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates can be harsher on your baby’s sensitive skin. Always go for the most natural hair products.
• A low pH: The shampoo you want should have a pH value in between 4.5 and 6. Shampoos with higher pH can make baby’s hair tangled, which creates additional complexity and lots of frustration.
• Tear-free: When a baby shampoo is tear-free, it doesn’t contain any source of irritation for the eye. If the product does not mention “tear-free”, be extremely cautious around your baby’s eyes when applying.

When washing your baby’s hair with a vegan shampoo, always use a small amount and be gentle while lathering and rinsing. You can also use a soft washcloth to help distribute the shampoo evenly and to gently massage their scalp.

Treating Your Baby’s Flaky Scalp

It is pretty common for kiddies to develop red, flaky patches on their scalp. Called “cradle cap”, this condition is usually nothing to worry about. If it gets excessive, there is one thing you can do. Before a bath, massage a small amount of olive oil, or baby oil on your little one’s head. Gently rub with a soft washcloth or brush to loosen the dry skin and release the flakes. Then wash baby’s hair with a gentle vegan baby shampoo specifically designed for flaky scalps.

Note that if your baby’s flaky scalp persists or worsens, consult with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying conditions. But in the meantime, choosing gentle and vegan hair products can be a great way to care for your little one’s delicate skin.

Taming Baby’s Wild Hair

Whether you’re looking to tame your baby’s curls or style them in a Mohawk, baby hair gel is your friend. However, baby’s skin is very thin (skin cells are still growing) and more sensible to allergic reactions than adults.

Baby hair gels are usually free of toxic chemicals, but they can still contain allergens, even in plant-based ingredients. When using baby hair gel, always apply a tiny small amount on your baby skin first, and then wait 24 hours. If a reaction occurs, i.e. it becomes red, warm, or swollen, then you know this hair gel must not be applied on your baby’s hair. If nothing occurs, your baby should be safe and ready for a styling session.

Remember, be gentle when styling your baby’s hair. Avoid pulling or tugging too hard. With the right vegan hair products and a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to tame your baby’s wild hair in no time!

Managing Newborn Hair Loss

If your baby was born with hair, they will probably lose them several weeks or even months after birth. No worries, newborn hair loss is perfectly normal. Later, most babies will begin to grow new hair. And by their first birthday, their hair will be quite different from their newborn hair.

Vitamin / mineral deficiencies, friction on a solid surface (generally the back of their head), ringworm of the scalp, hair pulled too tight or even stress are causes of baby hair loss. If you’re worried about your baby’s hair loss or are noticing other changes in their health or behavior, it’s always best to consult with a pediatrician.

But in the meantime, incorporating vegan vitamins and supplements into their diet can be a great way to support their overall health and wellbeing. You can consider giving your baby a vegan multivitamin supplement. If so, look for a product that’s free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners, and that contains a blend of vitamins and minerals to support overall health and development.

Vegan Hair Care for African American Babies

African American babies have curlier, thicker and prone-to-dryness hairs. Therefore, it’s important to look for vegan hair products specifically formulated for their unique hair texture and needs.

As a weekly routine, just before bath time, gently rubbing oils into your baby’s hair and scalp helps to prevent breakage, and keep hair moisturized and healthy. Natural essential oils such as avocado, almond and jojoba oil can be used. As baby’s skin is particularly sensitive to allergic reaction, be careful before using certain oils. Always apply first a tiny drop on a safe area of your baby’s skin, and wait 24 hours. If a reaction occurs (red, warm or swollen), immediately stop using the product.

You can also use a shampoo specifically formulated for kids’ curly hair. But avoid washing your baby’s curls more than once a week. Washing your baby’s curly hair too often could strip the natural oils from their hair, making them even dryer.