Many of us don’t think twice about using hair dryers in our hair care routine. But at what age can you begin to use a hairdryer for your child?
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Generally, it is appropriate to use a hairdryer using cold air only on a child from 2 years of age. Some suggest waiting until 4 years old however there really is no set age for when you should use a hairdryer on a child. It depends on the thickness and length of the hair and the parent or guardian’s preference.
Is It Safe To Use A Hair Dryer On My Child
Generally, it is safe to use a hairdryer on a child over the age of 2 years old if the necessary steps are taken and the child feels comfortable.
As children’s hair is often thinner and delicate you will need to make sure that you have the hairdryer on a cold low setting to avoid burning the skin or damaging the hair.
It shouldn’t take long for the hair to fully dry so don’t overdo it.
We also wouldn’t recommend using a hairdryer on very young children, and never on newborn babies.
Their hair and skin are extremely delicate and even on a low heat setting, it could run the risk of causing them harm.
If you are unsure or need further advice, seek some help from a professional.
Do I Need A Special Hairdryer For Children?
There is no ‘special hairdryer’ that is specifically recommended for use on children.
Generally, any hairdryer may be used when drying a child’s hair, but you do need to be mindful of a few things.
Firstly, always make sure that you use the hairdryer on the coolest setting and keep it at arm’s length so the nozzle isn’t too close on the scalp.
As children have short attention spans and they get fidgety, it’s a good idea to opt for a dryer with sufficient power so the hair gets dry very quickly.
Choosing a dryer that is good for detangling hair is also a good perk, as children’s hair can get knotted very easily.
Another thing to consider is buying a lightweight, travel-size hairdryer for your child to dry their hair themselves.
This is only suitable for older children who understand how to use the dryer and how to put it on the coolest setting.
What’s The Best Age For A Child To Begin Using A Hair Dryer?
There really isn’t a set age to begin using a hairdryer on a child. It depends on 3 factors:
- Does the parent feel comfortable blow-drying the child’s hair?
- Is the child comfortable with it?
- Does the child have extra-fine hair or thicker hair?
Many young children and babies do not need to have their hair blow-dried as the hair will naturally dry quickly in the air.
However, during the colder months, some parents and guardians will be apprehensive about letting their child sleep with wet hair.
In that case, blow-drying the hair for just a minute or two on low heat may be sufficient.
As a general rule of thumb, you may want to wait until the child is at least 2-3 years old to use a hairdryer as this is the age where most children start to grow more hair.
They can also communicate better and let you know if the air is too hot or too powerful.
How To Prep Your Child’s Hair For Blow Drying
If you feel that your child has the appropriate age to use a hairdryer, then you need to make sure you properly prep their hair.
While washing your child’s hair and getting it prepped for blow-drying may seem similar to an adult’s routine, there are some key differences:
Use Mild Shampoo
Firstly, you need to be using a mild shampoo such as Cantu’s Care for Kids Tear-Free Nourishing Shampoo which is formulated for children’s hair. A tear-free shampoo is often recommended because it limits the risk of irritating the eyes.
Use Towel Or Flannel Over Eyes
You should also ensure that the child places a flannel or towel on their eyes to minimize exposure.
Getting soap or even water in their eyes can be uncomfortable for them and make their eyes sting.
Use A Mild Silicone Free Conditioner
After rinsing out the shampoo, use a mild conditioner that is also recommended for use on children.
While some young children do not need to use conditioner because their hair is very fine and doesn’t tangle easily, other children with thicker or longer hair will need it.
You may want to avoid using any conditioner on the scalp, especially if the child has long hair.
A child’s hair can also get very dirty, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
For that reason, you’ll want to very gently massage the product into the scalp with your fingertips and remove some of the dirt, bacteria, and grease from the hair.
Generally, using it on the lengths or the ends of the hair is enough to keep it shiny and healthy.
Detangle
Lastly, you’ll want to detangle the hair and remove any knots by separating the hair into sections and using a wide-toothed comb to comb through.
This step is particularly important if your child has very curly hair and is prone to tangles.
Begin at the bottom of the hair and work your way up to the scalp to avoid pulling at the hair and causing discomfort. It can be hard to know if you are using too much pressure, so be sure to ask the child.
It shouldn’t take too long to separate the hair but if it’s very knotty then you could use a de-tangling cream or very light oil.
Just make sure that it’s suitable for a child’s delicate hair before using it.
How To Use A Hairdryer On Your Child
Using a hairdryer on your child when they have reached the appropriate age can be daunting because you don’t want to run the risk of harming their hair or skin.
You need to take the necessary steps to make sure that your child is comfortable and safe:
1. Section The Hair
Sectioning the hair, especially when it’s thick or long, is a necessary step that makes the blow drying process a lot smoother.
You can use smaller clips to keep the hair in place.
2. Prep Hair
Consider using hair oil or heat protectant spray that will protect your child’s hair from heat damage.
Light oil can be beneficial as it will prevent the hair from drying out. Even the coolest setting can leave hair a little bit dry and frizzy.
That’s why it’s important to use a protectant spray.
3. Start Blow Drying
Start drying the hair section by section. You can choose to hold the nozzle at a distance and use a round brush to detangle and de-frizz the hair.
You can also use a hairdryer and brush all in one to make the job a little bit easier. If the child’s hair is very thick and dry, use the oil as you separate and dry each section.
4. Dry Hair
It shouldn’t take too long to fully dry the hair, but it depends on the thickness and length.
If your child has fine hair, 2 or 3 minutes may be enough time. But children with thicker hair may take 10 minutes or more.
If the ends are dry afterwards, consider using a light oil to keep them moisturized and to prevent breakage.
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