Why Your and Your Kid's Hair Care Routine Should Be Different? : Dr.Shivani Pandey

Hair contribute an important role in our appearances and give a significant sign about many systemic disorders. Hair and scalp disorders are really very common in adults as well as kids. One important thing is that, we should never consider infants or children as miniature adults. Thus, they need to be taken care of from very beginning by looking the products we are using on the hair and scalp.

Scalp consist of mainly five layers;

1. Skin where hair grows which is a place for sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
2. Connective tissues: it has nerves and vessels
3. Aponeurosis
4. Loose areolar connective tissue
5. Pericranium

The baby’s full body skin or even the skin of their scalp is not much well developed until they are 6 months old. They have lesser, thinner and finer texture hair on the body as well as scalp. Along with that, they have thinner skin on the body as well as scalp without water repellent Stratum corneum. The baby hair has finer texture than adult hair as maximum of it are in a growing phase. They are delicate, soft, lighter in texture and are more prone to breakage due to formation of knots.

One more important thing I want to highlight here, As we know the brain of a baby grows up to the age of 5 years. During this brain growth period especially up to 1 to 1.5 years of the age. The spaces between the skull bones remains open which are called as fontanelles (soft spots). So, whatever you are massaging in these years might be able to penetrate through it that’s why our dadi or nani were always keeping some amount of oil in those area of head.

 So, choosing wrong kind of products for your kid can lead to hair loss, hair greying, hair thinning from very beginning. Here are some guidelines and tips to be taken care of while doing your kids hair routine.

Well, let it be kids or adult’s no one should use mineral oils for their hair. Here, I’ll let you know, Why?

Which type of oil you should prefer?

Nowadays, many oils are coming in the market containing mineral oil as an ingredient. These are colorless and odorless oils derived from by-products of Petroleum. Mineral oil is non- greasy to the scalp, light weight, good in detangling and locks moisture of hair strands but, can cause allergic reactions to your scalp giving itching, swelling, bumps, etc. These oils do not penetrate well in your hair strands and scalp due to its bigger molecular size and functional group. The main problem it causes is the product buildup which makes it difficult for other products to penetrate in your hair strands and scalp. They are cancer causing especially non-melanoma skin cancer. They are very dangerous for babies and can trigger allergic reactions.

While, vegetable oils are really good in conditioning and nourishing your hair strands. They have got pretty well penetration power than the mineral oil ones due to their smaller molecular size. Thus, can nourish the hair effectively and even smoothen the raised cuticles leaving it softer, shinier and smoother.

ADHYAY kids & mother hair nourishment oil is made up of all the ingredients which are herbal in origin.  Like, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, has good anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which has nourishing properties. This makes it easier to soak coconut oil into your hair; which tames frizz and breakage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to gets rid of various scalp infection and also promotes hair growth. Hibiscus helps to strengthen your hair follicles, stimulates growth of hair strands stops hair fall and is also a natural coloring agent. Almonds contains vitamin E; are well known for promoting hair growth and its oil does wonders. Neem oil also promotes hair growth, treats any head lice which is common in school going kids and it prevents any scalp infections as well as dandruff. Brahmi can treat any kind of temporary baldness or hair thinning. It also calms your mind as well as promotes good sleep. Flaxseed contains vitamin E which reduces free radical damage, improves scalp blood flow leading to less hair breakage. Fenugreek seeds benefits for hair has been proven in a study which tells about its hair thickening effects. Curry leave can remove dead hair follicle; are rich in beta carotene and protein. Tea tree helps to stimulate the scalp which may promote hair growth and has anti-microbial properties too.

Thus, it’s always good if you switch to products that are natural and safe to use on your hair and scalp; that too for your kids.

What else you can do to take care of your kid’s hair?

1. Never do tight ponytails/braids/any similar hairstyle: According to some studies, constant pull and tension can lead damage to the hair follicles called as Traction alopecia (common in Indian male child).
2. Wash and comb your kid’s hair regularly: Due to ignorance children hair can turn into dreadlocks or may have lice attack.
3. Some kids pull their hair in anger: Visit a counsellor or psychiatrist as your child may be suffering from anxiety, depression, anger issues, etc.
4. Sometimes Dermatological disorders can also be the cause.