Straight and curly hair on kids is adorable, but as you know, those bouncy, shiny locks require maintenance and care. Some parents may prefer organic and non-toxic ingredient-based shampoos for their children. It's the right way to go but not every chemical is bad for them. Various chemicals in shampoos treat lice and dandruff, which are helpful at most. 

Like grown-ups, every child requires a shampoo that meets their individual needs. 

We must select it based on their hair type, texture, scalp health, and even keep in mind their activities. Today, the market has various options for shampoos and the soundest ones are hard to find. So, here we are with some of the top choices for the best shampoo for kids. Take a look.

• 1
  Best Multi-purpose Shampoo

  Dr Teal's Kids 3-in-1 Elderberry Bath

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The makers of Dr Teal’s Elderberry Kids shampoo believe that bathing should be an enjoyable process for your little munchkins and not a reluctant compulsion. Hence, after immense brainstorming sessions, the makers have formulated an immensely bubbling formulation with the alluring sweet scent of elderberry and the goodness of vitamin C and E. Vitamin C present in the product helps to fight photo damage and free radicals that lead to the formation of dandruff on the kid's scalp, and vitamin E prevents aggravated moisture loss. Moreover, the product helps to soothe scalp inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth by gently exfoliating the scalp without over-drying the upper epidermal surface.

2

Editor’s Pick

Noodle & Boo Baby Extra Gentle Shampoo

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The struggle for young mothers to find a shampoo with low sud formation and high moisturizing properties is a real one. Hence, to make their hustle go away, we present the Noodle & Boo shampoo for kids. The nutrient-enriched milk protein in the shampoo gently exfoliates the dead skin cells, dirt, and grime without depriving the hair follicles of their natural source of nourishment. The best part? The shampoo is richly infused with panthenol that facilitates better growth of the hair shaft, and glycerol that helps in moisture retention. Lastly, the product is a loved choice among kids and mothers because it helps to revive dull hair, accentuate hair shine, and soften rough hair over time. 

3

Best Paraben-free

Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo

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Pamper your kids with the gentle and nourishing Paul Mitchell Baby Don’t Cry Shampoo. This shampoo contains extracts of white ginger root and stevia rebaudiana that are gentle on the hair and inhibit the growth of bacteria to prevent inflammation. In addition, white ginger root has antioxidant properties that protect the hair from free radical damage and rejuvenate the scalp. If you’re looking for a hair cleanser that gets rid of build-up without making the scalp dry or irritated, this is the one! This tear-free and paraben-free shampoo ensures your little one has a nice and calming hair-cleansing experience.

4

Alluring Scent

L'oreal Paris Kids Shampoo Tropical Mango

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The season of mangoes might have waned away but your little ones can still indulge in its enticing essence with this L’oreal Paris shampoo for kids. It is a loved choice of kids, young mothers, dermatologists, and paediatricians because it has a lightweight, non-runny, and non-messy formulation. Moreover, the product helps eradicate accumulated scalp build-up, eases complex tangles, and leaves the hair with a soft and shiny appearance. So, if you are looking for a shampoo that doesn’t lather much, helps eradicate lice and nits, and treats early signs of trichotillomania, then this product is the perfect choice.

5

Best Tear-free

Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo

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For your precious one, it’s obvious you would want a shampoo that’s infused with calming ingredients and doesn’t hurt your baby’s scalp and hair. Mustela Baby Gentle Shampoo delivers the same — it is packed with Avocado Perseose, a natural ingredient that eliminates scalp build-up, reduces dandruff, soothes the scalp, and prevents irritation. Just a small amount of this shampoo lathers nicely and cleanses the baby’s scalp to make it squeaky clean. This dermatologist-tested formula gently cleanses the hair to make your baby’s hair soft and tangle-free. 

6

Best Overall

Suave Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo

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Suave Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo provides a delicate solution by infusing a head bath with jojoba oil and soothing scents. The shampoo features a mild cleanser that conditions hair and skin. It works quickly and is hassle-free, giving you the power of three products in one! The shampoo consists of a foamy and bubbly texture. With numerous positive reviews about product quality and convenience by users, it’s a must-have product for healthy hair for kids.

7

SheaMoisture Extra Nourishing Shampoo

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Nourish and strengthen your child’s hair with the goodness of coconut, olive oil, and organic shea butter found in SheaMoisture’s Extra Nourishing Shampoo. It contains African black soap, a traditional recipe made of shea butter, mango, citrus extract, and carrot, and has curl-defining and moisturizing properties to clarify and heal the scalp. The mango and carrot formula help in restoring weakened hair strands in a short period.

8

Best for Sensitive Scalp

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo

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Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash fights flaking, scaling, itching, redness, and irritation on the scalp and skin for children of all ages. The shampoo's multiple problem-solving abilities make it known as "A Pediatrician’s Solution". Happy Cappy is the first OTC (Over The Counter) shampoo made with active ingredients like pyrithione zinc for children of all ages. It is considered the best shampoo for kids because it gives relief from irritating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

9

SoCozy 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Body Wash

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Made with the goodness of keratin, vitamin B5, and kiwi extract, SoCozy 3-in-1 Shampoo provides nourishment in the best way possible. SoCozy 3-in-1 shampoo consists of the goodness of argan oil and jojoba esters.

Curly locks and ringlets are protected from frizz and entanglement through the kiwi extracts in the shampoo. This SoCozy set features a hydrating shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner, and a cleansing body wash to tick off all boxes for a complete product. This bundle is highly recommended for short-length hair and curly-haired kids.

10

Fairy Tales Curly-q Daily Hydrating Shampoo

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This clarifying shampoo by Fairy Tales Curly-q for kids is enriched with Murumuru butter to moisturize the hair. It gives hydration and provides frizz control by working as a texturing agent to help with no tangles in the brush. Curly- Q kids' shampoo product contains the goodness of quinoa and rice amino acids to help define curls and improve the manageability of curly hair. The product is soy, gluten, nut, and dairy-free, making it easy for kids with eczema to use. This bundle pack is a perfect solution for curly hair problems.

11

Best Scented

Suave Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash

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If bath time is a hassle at your home and your kids get irritated with shampoo in the eye, we have just the answer for you. Suave Kids 2-in-1 SpongeBob SquarePants shampoo and body wash help by packing two steps into one. The shampoo and body wash to bring your favorite cartoon to life with the Spongebob Jelly Blast! Get fresh and fruity with the scent of fresh peaches. It's formulated without parabens and sulfates adding no chemical fragrance to it. So, if you are looking for the best shampoo for kids with convenient use, this could be the one.

12

Best Curl-Defining

Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle

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If you have been struggling with tangled hair, you need not worry any further, Aussie Kids Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler Bundle are here for the rescue.

With the shampoo and conditioner providing the necessary care to your kid's hair, the detangler spray works as a miracle formula that detangles your hair in just 3 minutes. A non-toxic formula free from gluten, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, and sulfates, it transforms your dull and lifeless curls into bouncy and shiny ringlets. Now you can kiss tangles goodbye with Aussie Kids' incredible lineup bundle.

13

Honeydew’s Cleansing Kids Shampoo for Dry Scalp

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To tackle troublesome scalp build-ups, we have Honeydew's Scalp cleanser. It supports cleaning scalps thanks to its nutrient-rich cleansing ingredients like tea tree oil and rosemary essential oils. The shampoo targets hair and scalp concerns from the root by thoroughly cleansing and nourishing hair strands. Also, it fights against dry flakes, greasy sebum, and tame frizziness. Its plant-based ingredients nourish the hair, with the help of jojoba oil, keratin, lavender, and essential oils for kids' hair care that you can trust.

14

Shea Moisture Kids Shampoo, Detangler, and Cream

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SheaButter Hair Shampoo, Conditioner, and Curling Butter Cream are the trio for nourishing your hair the best way. The three products are a blend of slippery elm extract, coconut oil, and hibiscus flower extract which make your hair smooth as butter. They hydrate and define curls easily in time. You can apply the detangler after hair washes or even on dry hair for curly locks. The curling buttercream is a hairstyling miracle, it detangles your curls and keeps them moisturized and shiny for the day. Give the best ingredients and care to your kid with SheaMoisture!

15

Best Organic

Fresh Monster 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo & Conditioner

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Fresh Monster is an affordable, toxin-free, plant-based shampoo and conditioner made absolutely for kids. Scented with all-natural, fruity, and botanical extracts, your child will feel fresh as a daisy. The easy-to-hold bottle lets kids take charge and wash their hair independently.  With an irresistible and quirky monster as the mascot, it inspires kids to embrace their uniqueness. A great option for those looking for a chemical-free shampoo, this one is free from BPAs, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial dyes.

As soft as cotton is the skin of kids and it goes the same for their hair and scalp. To maintain and clean your child’s hair and scalp effectively, you require the right shampoo. Shampoos are essential to maintain the texture of your child’s hair, they can either make it or break it. Let's check out how to buy the best shampoo for kids.

• Know the kid’s hair - To provide the best shampoo you must know the hair type and length. 
• Always read the labels for ingredients -  Clinically-proven shampoos are a safe choice for your child. They usually do not pose major side effects. They contain naturally-derived ingredients that are safe for your child’s delicate scalp skin.
• Always go through the trial and error phase - However careful you are, you may see some reaction from your kid when using a particular shampoo. If your baby is allergic to the shampoo, stop applying it immediately and switch to another. Also, talk to your pediatrician to uncover any underlying conditions or allergies your baby might have or may have developed.
• Do not use adult shampoos - There are several shampoos available in the market for adults. It is incorrect to assume that these can be used for your children as well. Adult shampoos contain various chemicals and fragrances that are not suited for your younguns’ hair. Sensitive skin tends to dry out quickly and you have to avoid ingredients that may aid this process.
• Check expiry dates - As much as we check the dates of our groceries and canned items, we must also check the date, when purchasing shampoo too! Expired ingredients can cause rash, irritation, and allergic reaction and degrade the quality of your child’s hair.

We hope this has given you a walkthrough on 'How to choose the best shampoo for your child!

When choosing a shampoo for your child, the most expensive kind might not necessarily be the best. Get an idea by talking to your friends who have babies for shampoo recommendations. It helps get an insight into the products they have used; and if their children were happy with them. Your pediatrician will also be able to advise brands and products that are safe for use. They will also guide you to specific products in case your child requires specialized care. We hope this list gives your child and you the best results.