by maipham

March 28, 2021

shampoo for infants with dry scalp

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Many moms have to go through the struggle to find the right shampoo for infants with dry scalp.

Why? A dry, itchy scalp is one of the most irritating sensations. Who would want to scratch their heads from time to time, right? Wouldn't it be worse if this happened to your infants?

Because a baby's skin is so delicate. It is irritated and susceptible to a variety of skin problems, including dry scalp. As a result, it is not uncommon for mothers always to face this quandary with their children. But dryness is accompanied by itching. It's always better to be prepared and know what to do in a situation like this. Using shampoos is one of the easy, effective solutions.

But how do you know which product will work for them without aggravating their irritability? In this guide, we tell you what to consider when choosing the right shampoo for your little one and we've put together a list of the 7 best shampoos for infants with dry scalp.

Ready? Let's dive in.

Our Top Picks - Best Shampoo For Infants With Dry Scalp

How to choose shampoo for infants with dry scalp

Organic and Natural Ingredients

Organic products are free of harsh chemicals and other harmful ingredients. So it safes for your baby. They're made with natural extracts that are gentle on the baby's scalp and help to relieve irritation and dryness. Look for shampoos that contain vitamins like provitamin B5, which nourish, moisturize, and hydrate the scalp and hair of babies.

Hypoallergenic

To make sure the product has no allergies or reactions, go to a hypoallergenic shampoo. Make sure there are no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and formaldehyde carries in it.

No Artificial Dyes Or Fragrances

Make this a rule of thumb when buying anything for your baby. Read the label to see what's in the product and find out what's safe and what's not. Make sure there are no artificial dyes or fragrances in the ingredients list. As these can cause allergic reactions.

Tear-free Formula

It is highly recommended to use a shampoo with a no-tear or tear-free formula. This will not only be a great option if you are concerned that the shampoo may end up in your baby's eyes. But it will also allow you to be carefree and wash the shampoo from the baby's scalp.

7 Top Shampoo For Infants With Dry Scalp

1. Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo - best overall shampoo for infants with dry scalp

The Bella B Bee Gone Cradle Cap Baby Shampoo is one of the best shampoos for infants with dry scalps. It moisturizes the scalp, unclogs hair follicles, and nourishes the roots. Oatmeal, shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin E, organic flower extracts, and amino acids are included in hypoallergenic shampoo.

Shea butter nourishes and moisturizes the scalp. While oatmeal exfoliates and cleans it to remove dry flakes and baby dandruff. Proteolytic enzymes in aloe vera aid in the repair of dead skin cells and flakes on the scalp. Vitamin E reduces inflammation. Chamomile, lavender, and marigold extracts help to improve scalp blood circulation, reduce inflammation, clear flakes, and stimulate hair growth.

What we like

  • Gentle
  • Mild fragrance
  • Paraben-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Contains natural and organic ingredients
  • Cheap price

What we don't like

  • Not tear-free

2. Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo 

Try the Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo if you want to remove dry scalp from your baby's scalp as soon as possible. The shampoo is designed specifically for babies' dry scalps. Your child will be safe and will show no signs of side effects. 

This tear-free shampoo moisturizes and cleans your baby's dry, flaking, or itchy scalp. Chamomile essence is a key component of this shampoo, as it helps to retain moisture and promote hair growth. Most importantly, it demonstrates gentleness while effectively treating your baby's hair. With just a few drops of shampoo, you can create an incredible amount of lather to thoroughly clean your child's scalp.

The product includes a mild solution to effectively combat various scalp and hair issues. This shampoo received high marks from many parents when compared to other similar shampoos. Because it is preservative and fragrance-free, you won't have to worry about your baby's sensitive skin.

What we like

  • Soap-free
  • Tear-free
  • Rinses easily
  • Ingredients that can soothe irritations

What we don't like

  • Has synthetic chemicals
  • Has a medicinal smell
  • Some parents had problems with the pump

3. Cantu Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo

Cantu Care shampoo is a good option when looking for the best shampoo for infants with dry scalp. The shampoo gives the hair the right texture and relieves the baby of dry scalp and dandruff. It strengthens the hair strands and keeps the scalp healthy so that new hairs can grow without dandruff. Cantu Care shampoo contains a balanced blend of Shea butter, honey, and coconut oil. Coconut oil nourishes the scalp and keeps hair dandruff-free in any weather.

It is appropriate for all hair types, but it works best with curls and coils. Cantu Care shampoo's tear-free formula makes it ideal for use on children with dandruff and itchy scalp. Cantu care's gentle care is essential for the infant's hair.

What we like

  • Strengthens hair strands
  • Helps in hair growth
  • The dandruff free care
  • It works best for coils and curls
  • The scalp is nourished with shea butter, honey, and coconut oil

What we don't like

  • It is not possible to guarantee dandruff-free care.

4. Mummy’s miracle All Natural Moringa Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

If you are considered what to use on a baby's dry scalp, then Mummy’s miracle All Natural Moringa Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is the ideal shampoo. Your baby's scalp and skin will be refreshed and squeaky clean after using this natural tear-free baby shampoo.

The two-in-one product is made of natural ingredients, has been tested by a pediatrician, and contains no toxins or chemicals.

This shampoo contains organic moringa oil, a natural antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory that aids in the healing and soothing of dry scalp, abrasions, and baby dandruff. 

Cradle cap and eczema in newborns, babies, and toddlers are best treated with a pH-balanced, hypoallergenic shampoo. This bubble bath is suitable for sensitive-skinned babies. Even if the shampoo gets into their eyes, the all-natural ingredients are safe and do not cause tears.

What we like

  • pH-balanced formula
  • No tears formula
  • Cruelty-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Pediatrician tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-freeToxin-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Can be used as a body wash

What we don't like

  • Unpleasant and strong fragrance

5. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula

One of the most well-known brands on the market is Cetaphil. They have some products designed for people with sensitive skin. One of them is this baby shampoo. Calendula Oil, derived from the Marigold flower, nourishes and protects the scalp against itching and drying. It's been proven safe over time, and it's also been tested. 

Cetaphil's baby wash is tear-free, as are many other infant shampoos. It's also free of parabens and dyes. It does, but, contain sulfates and is not fragrance-free. Please be aware that when you see the word "sulfate" in the bottle doesn’t mean that the product will dry out the skin.

Sulfates are surfactants that produce the lather that removes oil and impurities from the skin. If the rest of the formula is moisturizing, the drying effect should be mitigated. Organic calendula is the major benefit of this baby shampoo. It's derived from the marigold flower. It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to the skin.

What we like

  • It’s doesn’t dry out baby skin
  • No produce a ton of lather
  • The flowery scent isn’t too strong
  • A spill-proof cap

What we don't like

  • Have no pump top

6. The Honest Company Truly Calming Lavender Shampoo + Body Wash

Here's a fun fact: Jessica Alba founded this company. That's right, you read that correctly. The Honest Company's Shampoo could be the key to giving your baby's skin a healthy glow. Jessica Alba wanted a product that she could feel good about using for her family, so she created this. 

Sweet Orange Vanilla, Dreamy Lavender, and Sweet Almond are some scents available. But, if you prefer to use a fragrance-free product, they have one as well. Their shampoo is free of harsh chemicals such as parabens and is gentle to use. It is beneficial to the entire family, not babies.

What we like

  • A gentle natural product
  • The light scent
  • Safe for baby and the entire family

What we don't like

  • A little expensive

7. Aveeno Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo with Natural Oat Extract

Aveeno is one of the most well-known and trusted brands on the market, particularly for baby products. They have an enormous selection of shampoo, body wash, lotions, and other personal care products. 

This baby wash and shampoo is recommended by a pediatrician. It is designed to meet the needs of babies with sensitive skin. It's scented with added freshness after bathing, and it's made with natural oil extracts for moisture. This shampoo also free of all harmful chemicals (paraben and phthalate) that could harm or irritate sensitive skin.

According to the company, it has a hypoallergenic fragrance. If your baby's skin is sensitive, but try a fragrance-free product instead.

What we like

  • Doesn’t dry hair out
  • Softens and soothes your baby's skin and hair
  • The scent is light and fresh 
  • Tear-free, paraben-free, soap-free, and hypoallergenic
  • After each wash, the fragrance lingers

What we don't like

  • Some ingredients aren't up to par.
  • Slippery hands when gripping
  • Eczema sufferers should avoid it

Why Do Babies Have A Dry Scalp?

A dry scalp in babies can be caused by a variety of factors. They are:

  • Weather change: Changes in the weather, and any transition in the climate from too hot to too cold, could be one of the major causes of your baby's scalp drying out.
  • Using hot water for the baby’s bath: Bathing your baby in hot water for an extended period can cause a dry scalp. This is because prolonged exposure to hot water depletes the scalp's natural moisture.
  • Wrong choice shampoo: Not all shampoos are suitable for a baby's delicate skin. Shampoos containing ingredients and chemicals that are too harsh for your baby's skin can cause buildup and reactions such as itching, flaking, and rashes.
  • Not rinsing: Failure to rinse the shampoo out of your baby's hair can cause the scalp to become itchy and dry. The shampoo residue may irritate your baby's skin, resulting in flakes, a dry scalp, and itching.

Tips For Treating Your Baby’s Dry Scalp

Adjust the shampoo sessions

Shampooing frequently can cause a significant loss of natural moisture and oils from the scalp, causing the scalp to become even drier. Babies' hair strands are fragile and lack the strength to hold on to natural oils. As a result, shampoo your baby's hair once every week or every two weeks.

Use medicated or organic shampoos

If adjusting the shampoo frequency isn't working, you may need to switch shampoos. A few ingredients in your shampoo are most likely irritating your baby's sensitive skin. Switch to medicated or organic shampoos, which address specific scalp issues in children. The natural ingredients also aid in the reduction or elimination of dry scalp.

If you're using a medicated shampoo, make sure you leave it on your baby's scalp for at least two minutes to let the ingredients do their work.

Do oil massages

Oil massage is one of the simplest and most effective treatments for dry scalp. They aid in the removal of dry, stuck-on-the-scalp flakes and the prevention of recurrence.

Massage the oil into your baby's scalp gently and leave it on for 15 minutes. Allow the oil to soak into the scalp for a few minutes to loosen the flakes and moisturize the scalp from the inside out before shampooing.

You'll see visible results in a few weeks if you follow this procedure each time before shampooing. You can reduce the frequency of oiling once the flakes start to disappear. You can massage with any mineral oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.

Use a moisturizer

Applying a moisturizer while your baby's hair is still damp will help trap the moisture and keep his or her skin from becoming dry and scaly.

Use a humidifier

A humidifier in your baby's nursery can help prevent dry skin, which is especially important in the winter. Humid air (such as that produced by central heating systems) will dehydrate their skin, and a humidifier will help to compensate.

Add Omega-3 Oil

Fish oil is one of the so-called "Wonder Foods," as most people are aware. It's less well known that it can be mixed into infant formula to help with dry scalp.

Omega-3 Fish Oil is anti-inflammatory, and it will be especially beneficial if your baby's dry scalp is itchy and irritable. Adding 500 mg to your child's formula once a day may help. Of course, you should first ask your pediatrician for a recommended fish-oil brand.

Consult the doctor

If none of these methods appear to be effective, see a doctor for further advice.

Shampoo For Infants With Dry Scalp - Wrap it up

That was our round-up of the 7 best shampoo for infants with dry scalp. This list has it all, from pediatrician-recommended products to organic and tear-free formulas. Choose one that is right for your baby to help heal, soothe, and prevent dry scalp and other issues. 

We can't say which one is best for your child, and the decision is ultimately yours to make, so choose wisely. Don't be afraid to be picky about the products you use. You don't want to choose something simply because it's a well-known brand; it could contain an ingredient that irritates your baby's skin. Know your products so you can make an informed decision.

About the author 

Mai Pham

Mai Pham discovered her passion for writing a few years ago and she never stop thinking about it ever since. She finally took the leap and created Live a Worthy Life to brag about her smart ass (mainly just for fun). Enjoyed the fun writing brings, now with her new interest in everything-baby-related, she created Mommy Instinct, to tell mamas that it's ok that they mess up, that they don't know what the hell they are doing, and that it's okay to sit back and relax for a while.

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