2-year-old won t let me do her hair
Every parent can relate to the daily struggle of getting their child ready in the morning, and one of the most challenging parts of this routine can be doing your child’s hair.
It’s a task that requires patience, skill, and plenty of practice, but what happens when your 2-year-old girl simply refuses to let you brush or style her long hair yourself?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for managing a hair-averse toddler and making the process as stress-free as possible.
Why is My 2-year-old resisting hair brushing
There are several reasons why toddler hates having their hair brushed.
One common issue is sensory sensitivity, where the feeling of the hairbrush on their scalp can be uncomfortable or even painful.
Another factor is the desire for control, as two-year-olds are starting to assert their independence and may not want to be told what to wear or do.
fear of the unknown and wanting to do things on their own can also contribute to resistance to hair brushing.
What to do if your child refuses to get her hair brushed
While it’s important to establish healthy hair habits early on, it’s also important to have age-appropriate expectations when it comes to hair brushing for two-year-olds.
It’s recommended to brush a two-year-old’s hair at least once a day, but no more than twice a day. Age-appropriate tools such as soft-bristled brushes and combs should be used, and making hair brushing fun can help encourage participation.
Finding the right hairstyle that is easy to maintain and doesn’t require excessive brushing can also help make the process easier.
If your toddler still resists hair brushing, it can be helpful to redirect their attention to something else, such as a favorite toy or book.
You can also try addressing any underlying issues, such as discomfort or anxiety. For example, if your toddler has a sensitive scalp, using a detangling spray or switching to a softer brush can help.
If your toddler is afraid of haircuts, visiting a child-friendly salon or allowing them to watch a favorite movie during the appointment can make the experience less stressful.
7 Ways to Making hair brushing Fun
Before attempting to brush your toddler’s hair, it’s important to choose the right tools for the job. A soft-bristled brush or comb, detangling spray, and hair ties or clips can all be helpful. It’s also important to set the stage for a positive experience.
This can include creating a comfortable and distraction-free environment, using a mirror so your toddler can see what’s happening, and offering plenty of praise and encouragement throughout the process.
here are 7 ways you can make hair-brushing fun for your toddler :
Use a detangling spray: this can be a lifesaver when it comes to brushing a toddler’s hair. Simply, spray water in a small amount onto your child’s hair before brushing to help loosen any knots or tangles.
Use a detangling brush: A detangling brush is designed specifically to help brush out tangles and knots without causing too much pain or discomfort. It’s a good idea to invest in one if your child’s hair is particularly prone to tangling.
Use hair accessories: Hair accessories like hair ties, hair clips, and hair bands can help keep your child’s hair in place while you brush it. You can also put her hair into a ponytail or pigtail to make it easier to brush.
Use a high chair: If your child hates having her hair brushed, try doing it while she’s sitting in a high chair. This can help you keep control of the situation and prevent your child from running away.
Be gentle: When brushing your child’s hair, make sure to do it gently. Use a comb or brush with soft bristles, and don’t pull or tug on the hair. This can cause pain and discomfort.
Shorter hairstyles: If your child’s hair is particularly fine or prone to tangling, consider cutting it shorter. Shorter hairstyles require less brushing and are easier to manage
Make it fun: Try to make hair brushing a fun experience for your child. Sing songs or your daughter play games while you’re brushing her hair to distract her from any discomfort. You can also let your daughter see her brush her own hair or the hair of a doll to make it a more fun
Does My Kid Have Sensory Processing Disorder?
When a person has a sensory processing disorder (SPD), their brain has trouble processing and reacting to information from their senses. Children may overreact or underreact in response to particular sensory inputs, such as touch, sound, or movement, as a result of this.
One of the most typical symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder is resistance to brushing one’s hair. Children who have SPD may be extremely sensitive to touch, which makes brushing their hair challenging and uncomfortable. They might also struggle with other touch-based activities like getting dressed, bathing or getting their hair cut.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you believe your child has a sensory processing disorder. They can explain your child’s symptoms to you and offer advice on how to treat their condition. It may be possible to lessen your child’s sensitivity to touch and enhance their sensory processing skills with occupational therapy and other interventions.
Will finger-brushing Hair help?
Finger brushing can be a good option for certain hair types and situations, but it may not be enough to achieve all hairstyles or address all hair issues. It’s important to consider your specific needs and hair type when deciding whether finger brushing is right for you.
Finger brushing long hair can be helpful in certain situations, particularly if you have shorter hair, fine hair, or if you are trying to create a messy, undone look.
It can also be a good option for children or toddlers who may not be comfortable with using a hairbrush. Finger brushing your own hair can help to distribute natural oils from your scalp, which can be beneficial for your hair health.
However, finger brushing may not be the best option for detangling very tangled hair, particularly if you are dealing with knots or mats. In these cases, using a detangling brush or spray can be a lifesaver.
It’s also important to note that finger brushing may not be enough to create certain hairstyles, particularly those that require a lot of control or precision, such as braids or intricate updos. In these cases, you may need to use hair accessories, such as hair clips, ties, bands, or other hair elastics too.
Choosing kids’ hair brushes and toddler hair products
Choosing the right hairbrush and toddler hair products can be a daunting task for parents. When it comes to brushing your child’s hair, it’s important to choose a brush that’s appropriate for their hair type. For shorter hair, a regular brush or comb may work well, while longer hair may require a detangling brush or spray to make brushing easier and less painful.
If your child has curly hair, a wide-toothed comb or brushes specifically designed for curly hair may be the best choice. For fine hair, it’s important to choose a gentle brush that won’t cause breakage. For thick hair, a brush with sturdy bristles may be necessary to effectively detangle and style.
When it comes to hair products, it’s important to choose ones that are gentle and safe for children. Look for products that are labeled as “sensitive” or “for kids” and avoid harsh chemicals or ingredients that kids say could irritate their scalp or skin. Detangling sprays can be a lifesaver for parents of children with particularly tangled or messy hair.
In addition to brushes and hair products, accessories like hair ties, clips, and headbands can also be helpful for keeping your child’s hair out of their face and under control. When putting your child’s hair up in a ponytail or braids or head up, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on their hair.
How to detangle your toddler’s hair
Detangling your toddler’s hair can be a bit of a challenge. the key to detangling your toddler’s hair is to be patient and gentle and with the right tools and techniques, it can be done without too much fuss.
Here are some steps you can follow
Use a detangling spray: Before you start brushing your toddler’s hair, it’s a good idea to spray it with a detangling spray to help loosen any knots and tangles, making it easier to gently brush it through.
Section the hair: Divide your toddler’s hair into sections using clips or hair ties. then work through one section at a time without getting overwhelmed.
Start at the bottom: Begin brushing the hair at the bottom of the head with the section and work your way up toward the scalp. This prevents you from pulling on any tangles and causing discomfort.
Use a wide-toothed brush: Use a wide-toothed brush to gently work through any knots or thick tangles. Start at the bottom and work your way up, using a gentle, back-and-forth combing motion.
Be patient: Detangling your toddler’s hair can take time, especially if it’s particularly knotted or tangled. Be patient and take breaks if your toddler becomes restless or upset.
Use hair accessories: Once you’ve detangled your toddler’s hair, you can use hair accessories like hair clips, ponytail bands, or headbands to help keep it in place and prevent future tangles.
You can also give her a brush she can hold onto or use to comb a doll’s hair or a stuffed animal’s fur.
Best Hair Brush and Detanglers for Sensory Issues & Needs
Here are some of the best hair brushes and detanglers for individuals with sensory issues and needs:
Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Brush: This brush comes with flexible teeth that gently detangle hair without pulling or causing pain.
Wet Brush Pro Detangler: This brush has ultra-soft bristles that are gentle on the scalp and hair, and it is designed to easily glide through tangles and knots.
Denman Classic Styling Brush: The nylon bristles on this brush are perfect for detangling hair, and it is also great for smoothing and styling.
Mason Pearson Pocket Bristle Brush: This brush is made with natural boar bristles and has a flexible cushion that conforms to the child’s scalp for a gentle massage.
Conair Velvet Touch Paddle Brush: This brush comes with a soft-touch handle and flexible bristles that glide through hair without pulling or causing pain.
Boar Bristle Hair Brush by Beauty by Earth: Made with natural boar bristles and gentle on the scalp and hair, makes this brush is perfect for individuals with sensory issues.
Ineffable Care Detangling Brush: This brush has a unique cone-shaped design that helps to detangle hair without pulling or causing pain.
Hair Therapy Wet/Dry Brush: This brush has flexible bristles that are perfect for detangling wet or dry hair, and it is gentle on the scalp and hair.
The Original Mane ‘n Tail Detangler: This detangler spray helps to soften and detangle hair, making it easier to brush without causing pain.
Best hair ties or clips for a 2-year-old resisting hair brushing
Some of the best hair ties or clips for a 2-year-old who resists hair brushing include soft fabric headbands, snap clips, claw clips, and scrunchies. It is also important to choose hair accessories that won’t cause pain or damage to the child’s hair. Additionally, using detangling spray or a detangling brush can make hair brushing easier and less painful for the child.
Keep hair cut shorter?
There is no definitive answer to whether keeping a toddler’s hair shorter will help with resistance to hair brushing
However, shorter hair may be easier to manage and less likely to become tangled, which can make hair brushing a smoother process. It may also depend on the individual child and their preference for their own hair.
Other factors such as using a detangling spray, a detangling brush, or a gentle touch while brushing can also help make the experience more pleasant for the child.
Best Hairstyles for 2 year old’s resisting hair brushing
If your 2-year-old is resisting hair brushing, there are several hairstyles that may make the process easier. Shorter hairstyles may be less of a hassle to manage, and detangling spray can be a lifesaver. Piggyback ponytails or one ponytail may also be a good option for fine or curly hair.
Using a detangling brush or comb can help control the hair while brushing, and parents may want to consider cutting their child’s hair shorter if it’s a big deal. It’s important to sit your child in a high chair or somewhere they can’t easily run away during the process.
For sensitive children, parents can try using a detangling spray or conditioner to make the hair easier to manage. Braids or putting the hair in a ponytail can also help avoid food issues during meal times.
Overall, it’s important to be gentle when brushing your child’s hair and not to pull or fight with them. Making hair brushing a part of their daily routine from a young age can also help them get used to it as they grow older.
Final Thoughts
Managing a toddler who dislikes having their hair brushed can be a difficult task, but with the right approach, it can be a manageable experience. By understanding your toddler’s behavior, preparing for success, engaging with them, managing resistance, and seeking outside help if needed, you can make hair brushing less stressful and more positive for both you and your child.
You may also find a detangling spray or a detangling brush to be a lifesaver, especially if your child has curly or fine hair. Additionally, putting hair accessories like hair clips, hair ties, or ponytails can help control longer hair and make it easier to manage.
If your child still hates having their hair brushed, consider shorter hairstyles or braids that require less brushing. Remember, every child is different, so be patient and find what works best for you and your toddler.
FAQs
How often should I wash my 2-year-old’s hair?
It’s not necessary to wash a 2-year-old’s hair every day. Washing hair 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. However, if your child has been playing in dirt or sweat excessively, you may need to wash their hair more frequently. Use a gentle shampoo and be careful not to get soap in their eyes.
What can I do if my 2-year-old won’t sit still for hair brushing?
if your 2-year-old won’t sit still for hair brushing, try engaging them with a toy or distraction such as a video, singing, or making silly faces. You can also try brushing their hair during bath time when they are more relaxed. Be gentle and patient, and offer positive reinforcement when they cooperate.
How do I choose the right hairbrush for my 2-year-old?
Look for a hairbrush with small, soft-bristled bristles or a detangling comb or brush. when buying one for a 2-year-old. Overall, the texture and type of hair your child has, as well as any sensitivities or preferences they might have will play an important role in selecting the right hair brush for your child. You can let them choose their own brush as well!
What are some age-appropriate hairstyles for 2-year-olds?
Some age-appropriate hairstyles for 2-year-olds include simple braids, pony tail, or pigtails, as well as leaving hair down with the use of hair accessories such as hair clips, ties, or bands. Shorter hairstyles that are easy to maintain, such as a bob or pixie cut, can also be a good option.
Should I use hair products on my 2-year-old’s hair?
t’s generally not necessary to use hair products on a 2-year-old’s hair. However, if your child has specific hair needs, such as very dry or curly hair, a small amount of a gentle, child-specific hair product, such as a leave-in conditioner, can be used sparingly. Always consult with a pediatrician or a hair care professional for advice.
