When it comes to the child’s hair care, parents are becoming highly considerate of the products they use and the ingredients they come with. Well, why not? Kids’ hair and scalp are more sensitive and delicate than adults, therefore, choosing the right products is essential for their happy hair.
Parents often find so many (new) products in the market that promise shiny, and healthy hair, but the most important thing is to read the labels carefully. Some ingredients commonly found in kids’ hair products may cause irritation, dryness, and long-term damage, parents need to identify them and look out for them in their kids’ hair care products.
In this article, we will discuss some commonly found harsh chemicals and ingredients that every parent should know and avoid when choosing hair care products for their child. We will also see some safer, more effective alternatives from Bonsai Kids (One of the growing hair care brands that make 100% kid-friendly hair care products) to protect your child’s hair. So, let’s dive in.
Sulfates: A Harsh Chemical That Strips Natural Oils
Sulfates are one of the most common ingredients included in shampoos and hair gels because they create foam and are effective at cleaning. The side effects of sulfates are very serious, they can strip your child’s hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential damage to the hair follicles. For children with sensitive skin or curly hair, sulfates can be particularly problematic, causing frizz, breakage and even hair fall in future. So, Sulfates are a big NO.
Safer Alternatives
Always look for sulfate-free products like Bonsai Kids Hair Care Curl Spray (8oz), it helps enhance natural curls without stripping the hair’s natural oil. This is a tear-free formula from Bonsai Kids, and it’s one of the best products for curly-haired kids and toddlers, providing frizz control, long-lasting natural curls, and a gentle hold throughout the day with a refreshing fragrance.
Additionally, BK Kidz – 7oz Hair Gel is also a sulfate-free option that provides a strong hold for all major hairstyles, from spiking to slicking back hair, while keeping the hair nourished and smooth all day long.
Parabens: Preservatives with Potential Risks
Parabens are another commonly used preservative in most hair care products to extend their shelf life. Parabens are often linked with hormone disruption and they are considered harsh chemicals for kids, because they may cause allergic reactions, particularly in children. Parabens are common in adult hair products, but they are not harmful to adults. Parents should also prefer parabens-free products for their kids and save their little ones from unnecessary risks.
Safer Alternatives
Always go with kid-approved and parent-tested products like Bonsai Kids Fruit Power Conditioner (8oz), which is 100% parabens-free and helps moisturize and soften hair without any harmful additives. Bonsai Kids Fruit Power Conditioner is a perfect product for biracial hair, it ensures your little one’s hair remains healthy, strong, stylish, and refreshing all day long without any harsh chemical or allergic risks.
BK Kidz Hair Pomade (3.5oz) is another great kid-friendly option that provides styling control and a firm hold, while 100% free from harsh ingredients like parabens, alcohol, and other risky chemicals. It’s perfect for keeping your child’s hair sleek and styled – risk-free.
Phthalates: A Hidden Danger in Fragrances
Phthalates are another common chemical often used in hair products to make fragrances last longer. Unfortunately, many hair products contain phthalates in large quantities, they are fine in adult hair products, but very risky for kids hair care products. Phthalates may lead to hair damage, and skin irritation, disrupt hormone function, and even lead to developmental issues in kids under 5.
Children are particularly vulnerable to phthalates, therefore, parents need to avoid products that contain phthalates even in smaller quantities.
Safer Alternatives
Consider using a highly kid-friendly product such as Kids & Toddlers Gel Wax (3.5oz), which is alcohol-free, contains no phthalates, and comes with a refreshing strawberry scent loved by kids. For a strong hold without any harsh chemicals, this gel wax is a great choice.
Also, consider using Bonsai Kids Hair Care Curl Cream (10oz), it’s a kid-friendly nourishing solution for curly hair, with no added phthalates or other harsh ingredients. It moisturizes, enhances natural curls, and controls frizzy hair, comes with a delightful natural, fresh scent.
Formaldehyde – A Preservative may lead to Respiratory Issues and Allergies
Formaldehyde is a commonly used preservative in a wide range of cosmetics and hair care products, it’s common and unharmed in adults’ products, but it’s often seen in children-specific hair care products, which is alarming. This chemical can help straighten a child’s hair, but it is a risk-prone preservative that must be avoided in child hair products.
Formaldehyde is an irritant and can cause allergic reactions, rashes, redness, and even respiratory issues at its worst. The risk for children with sensitive scalps, and skin, and those who are under 5 years of age is particularly high.
Safer Alternatives
Bonsai Kids Hair Care Sculpting Wax (2oz) is a great risk-free choice, this hair wax is free of harsh chemicals, including formaldehyde. It helps adds texture, natural separation, and frizz control without compromising your child’s hair health. Bonsai Kids hair wax is ideal for taming unruly hair or styling bed-head into place for a neat look for long time.
BK Kidz – 7oz Hair Gel also offers a natural hold without formaldehyde, making it an excellent alternative for taming messy hair.
Why Is It Essential to Choose Safe, Chemical-Free Products for Your Child Hair?
Just like human body health, we need to take care of our hair health too, specifically for children, having sensitive scalp and hair, choosing safe, chemical-free products is crucial in maintaining overall health and well-being for your little ones.
It’s not difficult, as parent, you just need to avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and formaldehyde, and with that little consideration, you can easily reduce the risk of allergic reactions, irritation, and long-term damage.
Also, switching to kid-tested, and parent-approved products for your child is a great transition from risky to healthy products. Don’t hesitate to opt for products with natural, nourishing ingredients to keep your kid’s hair soft, stylish, and healthy. Bonsai Kids is one of the most trusted and reputable kids hair care brands coming with a wide collection of products that are 100% free of any harsh chemicals and ingredients, they are tear-free and verified for kids.
FAQ on Ingredients Parents Should Avoid in Kids’ Hair Products
Q1: What should I look for when buying kids’ hair products?
When choosing hair products for your kid, look for hair products that are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and formaldehyde. Always go with gentle, kid-friendly formulas designed specifically for sensitive kid’s scalps.
Q2: Can I use regular adult hair products on my child’s hair?
Well, it’s not recommended. It’s always best to avoid using adult hair products on kids. Kids and adults’ hair and scalps are different and need different treatments, adults may easily consume some chemicals or ingredients that are considered as “harsh” for kids. So, it’s always a safe option to use kid-friendly products for your child’s hair and stay safe from side effects or long-term damage. Bonsai Kids Hair Care products are specifically designed for kids, they are gentle and effective for kids without any harsh chemicals and potential damage risks.
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