How Tweens Can Properly Take Care of Their Hair

Now that your child is older, they may have taken an interest in hygiene and hair care in particular. Learning how to care for one's hair is a big step in tackling hygiene and in feeling good about yourself. Tweens can be very insecure about their physical appearance and self-conscious about their hair, skin, and clothes. If your child isn't sure where to begin when it comes to taking care of their hair, the hair care tips below will help get them started.

Tween Hair Care Tips 

• Shampoo When Needed: Shampooing is an important part of hair care, but the frequency of shampooing will vary depending on a variety of factors including your child's hair type, and activity level. If your tween has oily hair they may have to shampoo every day, while tween's with dry hair might only need to shampoo twice a week. If your child is active in sports, that will also dictate how often your child should shampoo. Try to work with your tween to find the shampoo balance that's right for her so that she shampoos often enough, but not too much.
• Be Sure to Condition: Shampooing is only the first step. In order to help your child keep their hair healthy, they'll need to condition after every shampoo. If your child is very busy or active, they may occasionally use a shampoo that already has a conditioner in it. Leave in conditioners might also help tweens that have very dry or frizzy hair.
• Use Heat Sources Sparingly: Barbers and hair stylists will tell you that blow dryers, curling irons and hair straighteners may help style your hair, but they will also damage your hair or dry it out if they're used too much or if they're set on a high setting. Today's tweens use these devices regularly, and many of them pay the price with frizzy, dry or dull hair. Encourage your tween to use these appliances sparingly, and to resist setting them on the highest setting. Also, ask your hair stylist for recommendations of products that help protect the hair when using high heat appliances.
• Be Careful With Treatments: Curling irons and hair straighteners aren't the only dangers your child must consider. Hair treatments that contain harsh chemicals may also dry out or damage your child's hair. Hair relaxers, permanents, and hair coloring kits will also damage hair, especially if they're used often. Be sure your tween follows the instructions on these products, and only uses them occasionally. If your child insists on having a hair treatment, it might be best to find an experienced hair stylist who knows how to use the products and prevent hair damage.
• Eat Well: Taking care of one's hair involves total body care. In other words, if your tween wants to have healthy, shiny hair they'll need to know that a healthy diet plays an important role in one's skin and hair health. While you may not be able to convince your child to eat healthy at every meal, you might occasionally remind them that eating healthy impacts how they look and feel.
• Dandruff: Children can experience dandruff just as adults can, but a child who has dandruff won't necessarily know how to treat it. Over the counter dandruff shampoos help those with mild cases of dandruff, but if your child has a serious case, or if over the counter shampoos don't work, then it might be time to visit your child's pediatrician or dermatologist. Prescription medication may be just what's needed to help your child control her dandruff problem.