Hair Washing

Tips for Hairwashing 

Many children do not enjoy the experience of washing their hair. This can make bath time an unpleasant experience for the child and for caregivers. 

• Some children feel very out of control because they cannot see what is happening. Consider giving your child a handheld mirror so they can see the bubbles in their hair, see when the water is coming, and see the 'clean' hair at the end

• If your child does not like having the water in their face/eyes, consider using a bath visor to help deflect some of the water

• Try taping a poster with a favourite show or character to the ceiling, or other visually stimulating pictures/ objects that are water safe and have the child look up at it to wash his hair without water getting in his eyes. Pictures of characters can be laminated to make them waterproof.

• A shower pump toy can often be fun and the child can be included by pressing the button.

• Talk your child through the steps before you do them so that they can anticipate what is coming: "I am going to get your hair wet now, let's look up at the ceiling so we don't get the water in your face"