How to Brush a Toddler's Hair

Although your toddler̵7;s hair is probably growing, her patience level likely is not. The combination of growing hair and short patience means that hair brushing needs to be short and sweet to keep everyone happy. Minimize hair maintenance, but do keep your little one̵7;s hair neat to avoid developing unpleasant tangles. It̵7;s likely that she will eventually learn that a few harmless swipes with the hairbrush usually result in a pretty hairdo.

Things You'll Need

  • Doll with hair
  • Doll̵7;s hairbrush
  • Hairbrush with round bristles
  • Detangling spray

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit your toddler in a chair and hand her a doll and a doll hairbrush. Encourage her to brush her doll̵7;s hair while you quickly brush her hair. Encouraging your little one to brush her doll̵7;s hair achieves two objectives: It gives her something to do while you brush and it also helps her feel more positive about having her own hair brushed, advises Penny Tassoni, author of ̶0;Caring for Children: A Foundation Course in Child Care and Education.̶1;

    • 2

      Finger comb your little one̵7;s hair lightly to detangle before using the brush.

    • 3

      Brush your toddler̵7;s hair lightly and gently, taking care not to pull or tug on it while you brush, suggest the authors of ̶0;What to Expect the Toddler Years.̶1; Work as quickly as possible to finish brushing before your toddler becomes impatient.

    • 4

      Work gently at any tangles that you find. Hold one hand at your toddler̵7;s scalp to minimize pulling, and then work at the tangle with the brush to remove it. A spritz of detangling spray might help you remove stubborn tangles.

    • 5

      Abandon brushing if your toddler loses patience. Try brushing later to see if your toddler feels more cooperative at a different time.

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