Some kids love having their hair washed, others hate it with a passion. However hair washing is a necessary event, even if it’s only occasionally just to remove the sand gathered from the sandpit. There's a range of kid’s shampoos available so whatever type of hair, skin or tantrums are involved, you can find one to do the job.

• Children’s shampoos are generally formulated to be gentle on skin. Some have a neutral pH so they don’t cause scalp dryness or irritation. These are especially good for frequent use and may help to prevent cradle cap.
• Many shampoos are formulated so that the lather doesn’t sting your child’s eyes.
• Plant-based shampoos are available that don’t contain synthetic chemicals and are mild enough for everyday use.
• All-in-one shampoo and conditioners are great if hair washing is a battle, as you only have to do one rinse.
• There are some interesting fragrances that can make hair washing more fun – things like strawberry, apple, blueberry, honey or even tropical.
• Some products have soothing and calming night-time fragrances like lavender and chamomile.
• Some children seem to have particularly tangled hair, especially at the back from where they sleep on it. To help this, try a detangling and conditioning shampoo that makes hair easier to comb afterwards.

If hair washing becomes a battle, you can always try the old trick of distracion. Make a game out of it and try to have fun!

• Pretend you’re at the hairdressers and ask your child to put their head back in the bath while you massage their head (oh yes, and rinse all the lather off at the same time).
• While the lather is in, spike their hair up or give them a Mohican look and together you can admire them in a mirror.
• Make a ‘bandanna’ out of a flannel to put across your child’s forehead and they can pretend to be a cowboy while you rinse their hair. The bandanna stops the water from running into their eyes.
• Give your child a pair of swimming goggles and get them to look up at a picture you’ve stuck on the wall above the bath while you rinse. Ask them questions about the picture to take their mind off hair washing.
• Promise to blow-dry their hair afterwards - this is doubly cool if your child can watch in the mirror and see their hair go flying!

Even toddlers can have cradle cap, but as it’s hidden under a mop of hair it’s less obvious. To remove cradle cap, you can massage baby oil into the scalp and leave it for a couple of hours. Then comb your child’s hair against the direction of hair growth to dislodge the crusts. Wash their hair with a gentle shampoo. Regular brushing may help to remove it too.

Head lice are one of those things you will probably have to deal with at some point. You can buy treatments from the chemist or supermarket - read the packaging as some have more natural ingredients than others. An alternative is to comb cooking oil through the hair to make it smooth and easy to handle while you comb out the lice and eggs, then wash thoroughly afterwards. However, on a personal note, having tried many different methods I suggest buying a good nit comb and once a week combing your child's hair after washing with shampoo and conditioner. If they have any lice you'll catch them quickly and any eggs they've laid. This prevents an infestation which is distressing for everyone!

So if you despair of hair washing now, just remember that in the teenage years you won’t be able to get them out of the bathroom!

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