Forget using Mom’s suds, choosing the best shampoo for kids is extremely important for a tear-free bath experience. We spoke to the experts and considered formulas for a variety of hair textures and types, and did our best to find budget-friendly picks that suit real-world parenting budgets.
We tried, tested and reviewed all the bestsellers ourselves. Read on for our favorite tear-free and tangle-free finds. And if you love this, check out our guide to the best shampoo for oily scalp and dry ends for parents.
What to look for in the best shampoo for kids
No two shampoos are the same. To help you find the perfect match for your child’s hair, Jasmine Centerra, master stylist and owner of Cuties Kids’ Salon in Florida suggests the following tips in mind.
Want more ideas? Check out this super-long list of our fave gifts under $10.
- Choose shampoos made for children. It’s important to use shampoos designed with children’s needs and gentle skin needs in mind, says Centerra. “Always choose shampoos specifically made for children,” she tells The Luxury Spot. “These are milder and less irritating to their sensitive scalps and delicate skin—they’re also more likely to be tear-free.”
- Go for tear-free formulas. Some shampoos contain ingredients that cause burning and redness in the eyes—which is exactly why choosing one of the best tear-free kids’ shampoos is so important. :ook for shampoos labeled as tear-free or tested by an ophthalmologist.
- Choose a kids shampoo based on hair type. Select products based on their hair concerns, like hair type, texture, lifestyle or scalp health.
- Look at the active ingredients. Between clarifying, lice-defeating tea tree oil or hydrating shea butter for curls—shampoos are packed with loads of buzzy ingredients. Centerra suggests avoiding shampoo that contains sulfates, parabens and artificial fragrances. These ingredients can damage hair and leave sensitive skin feeling inflamed.
Best shampoo for kids now
- Best overall: Aveeno Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
- Best for curls: Johnson’s Curl-Defining Kids Shampoo
- Best for chlorine and frequent swimming: Fairytales Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo
- Best for dry hair: SheaMoisture Kids Shampoo and Conditioner
Best overall: Aveeno Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
This top-rated, affordable pick is gentle on children’s hair and scalp. Aveeno’s two-in-one shampoo is hypoallergenic, hydrating and safe for all hair types—and we love how accessible it is. Kids love the bubbly lather that’s great for babies, toddlers and big kids.
We think it’s even one of the best toddler stocking stuffers for hair-obsessed little ones.
The formula is free of phthalates, sulfates and dyes of all sorts. Experts love the added gentle oat extract (we loved it on our own adult hair, too).
Pros
- Hydrating hampoo and conditioner in one
- Hypoallergenic
- Good for all hair types and textures
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- If hair is super oily or dirty, the surfactants in this formula may be too mild
Best for curly hair: Johnson’s Curl-Defining Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo
This shampoo from Johnson’s is what you need to make bathtime a lot easier for curly-haired kids. It’s a gentle shampoo formulated to hydrate and detangle curls coils, though it worked very nicely on our waves. We found that it enhanced natural curl shapes and made post-bath brushing easier than ever.
This shampoo for kids is also free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates and is totally dye-free. Did we mention it’s ophthalmologist-tested and tear-free? It’s true!
Use this one from six months and older, and make sure you use one of the best brushes for curly hair after.
Pros:
- Moisturizes and defines curls
- Great for all types of curly, coily and wavy hair
- Added shea butter
- Gentle on the eyes
- No parabens, phthalates, sulfates and dyes
Cons:
- Not a two-in-one formula, so you’ll likely need an added conditioner and spray detangler after bathtime
Best for chlorine and frequent swimming: Fairy Tales Swim Shampoo
We loved testing this fast fix for dry, brittle summer strands. It’s a kid-friendly clarifying formula that gets the chlorine out and promises gluten-soy, dairy and toxin-free sudsing. Added aloe and grapefruit oil keep hair hydrated and lock in moisture while getting that funky green hair hue out.
It easily removes weird tints hair tends to pick up from chlorine (in just one wash!) without the hassle or added expense of serious scrubbing. We love that it’s tear-free and smells like a dream.
Pros:
- Removes green hues from hair caused by chlorine (a major summer problem for light hair)
- Major allergen-free
- Moisturizes hair and detangles with aloe vera and grapefruit oils
- Bright, uplifting scent kids and parents love
Cons:
- Requires a hydrating conditioner after
Best luxury: SheaMoisture Kids Shampoo and Conditioner
This all-natural bundle from SheaMoisture pampers stressed tresses and locks in hydration. The shampoo gently cleanses and nourishes dry, delicate hair. We love the added mango and orange blossom extracts that offer shine, moisture and a swoon-worthy scent we can’t stop raving about.
Each product is free of silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils and petrolatum.
Pros:
- Rich, moisturizing ingredients without any fillers
- Soothes dry hair and overworked waves, tangles and coils
- No silicones, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil or pesky petrolatum
- Cruelty-free formula
- Ideal for teens and adults too
Cons:
- A bit pricey, but worth every penny
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