This is Why Your Toddler Hates Hair Washing
We know your pain. We’ve been there too! The crying, pleading and negotiation surrounding your toddler’s hair wash is enough to make you want to pull your OWN hair out.
“Look up and close your eyes.” The concept seems simple enough, and if only they could follow these instructions, they could avoid getting soap and water in their eyes, and you could avoid a whole lot of drama.
The problem with “look up and close your eyes” is that the position of tilting your head back with your eyes closed is a very vulnerable one. As soon as a perceived threat appears, such as feeling water being poured on their head, their natural instinct is to tuck and cover, which of course directs the water and soap into their eyes. Now their fears have been validated, and the next shampoo experience will be met with even more resistance.
There are a couple strategies to concur the next hair wash. If your little one has short hair, you can simply use a washcloth instead of pouring water on their head. Some kids might find that leaning their head forward so that they are already in a protective position is a bit easier than tilting their head back. In this situation, they would need to protect their eyes by holding a washcloth or sponge over their eyes while the rinsing is taking place. This approach works best for quick shampoo sessions.
Whatever strategy you use, we hope that you find a solution that works for you!