The 10 Best Hair Gels For Kids
Editor's Notes
February 25, 2021:
Hair gels come in many different kinds. Some, like Curly Kids Moisturizer, provide a firm hold that lasts all day, while others, such as Little Roseberry, offer a lighter hold that won't leave hair feeling too crisp. And, of course, not every child's hair is the same, so for some, Fairy Tales Curly-Q may be best as it can help prevent tangles, while others may need Africa's Best Organic to combat frizz. Since we already have a great range of gels on this list that are well suited to different needs, and there aren't any especially impressive new options available this year that weren't around last time we visited this list, we have decided no changes should be made at this time.
April 30, 2019:
While you, as an adult, may have started subjecting your hair to harsh chemicals to get that desired look, you'd probably like to postpone the use of such ingredients on your little ones for as long as possible. That's why we were diligent about finding gentle products for our list. Little Roseberry lacks all the harsh things you don't want on a kid's scalp, like parabens and sulfates, while even adding aloe vera which can soothe an irritated head. Fresh Monster Natural has zero synthetic dyes or fragrances, and is gentle enough for kids who are bothered by many other gels. Even Little Green Lice Guard, which repels lice, fights off the nasty insects with natural essential oils so while it's tough on bugs, it's gentle on your kid. We know there are all sorts of hair textures out there, so we considered that in our selection, too. Curly Kids Moisturizer is great for dry hair, as it hydrates while offering a nice hold. Africa's Best Organic is specifically formulated for African American hair, and can even help you get a handle on misbehaving edges. If frizz is your kiddo's biggest enemy, SoCozy Boing Curl will come in handy. No matter what type of hair your cuties have, if they don't like to sit still for long, you'll appreciate the spray-on Fairy Tales Curly-Q, which is very easy to apply in a hurry.
Why You Should Give Your Kid Hair Gel
Giving your mini-me her own hair gel will also mean she reaches for yours less.
Hair gel might seem like such an adult thing that you're not even certain kids would be interested in it. You'd be surprised, though, at how much your young one will enjoy having her own beauty and styling products. In fact, it can be good for her. Considering that most kiddos already develop a sense of self-esteem as early as age five, they should have some say over what they present to the world. While your son or daughter might like you doing their hair occasionally, they probably want a chance to express their personality through their look, on their own.
Giving your mini-me her own hair gel will also mean she reaches for yours less. You probably often find her rummaging through your vanity table, playing with your belongings because she loves to copy you. No matter what your views on parenting are, you'd probably be happy to find some way to make that stop. When your kid has her own things that look like mom and dad's she won't need to use yours.
Using hair gel might even instill a bit more responsibility in your child when it comes to being clean. Every parent has had the experience of spending half an hour putting a French braid in their child's hair, or tediously styling it in some way, only to have that same kid come home with leaves, glue, mud, and all sorts of other debris in their locks. Kids will be kids, and when they aren't the ones who took the precious time to put their look together, they don't feel bad about messing it up. If your youngster has her own hair gel and creates her own look, she'll take more pride in it and may avoid wrestling in the dirt or letting her friend put silly putty on her head.
What To Look For In Kids' Hair Gel
When picking out hair gel specifically for the munchkins of your household, you should look for some special features that make it more appealing — and easier to use — for little ones. A mess-free applicator is key for tiny, fussy hands that may not have the patience to scoop up the perfect amount of gel. Parents will also appreciate these since they mean less sticky countertops. You and your child might like a variety that has a refreshing scent. It will instill confidence in your pre-pubescent child and even make him smell better to you (since, let's face it, older kids don't smell as scrumptious as babies do).
Parents will also appreciate these since they mean less sticky countertops.
Now, let's talk about the dreaded lice issue. You know how quickly these can spread, especially amongst young kids who like to swap hats and hair ties. Luckily, some kids' hair gels repel the nasty things, so if there is fear of an infestation in the air, get one of those. If your household sees some very busy mornings (as most with small children do), then sometimes you only have time to bathe your kid and send him out the door with his hair still damp. When that's the case, you'll appreciate a gel that can go on dry or wet locks. Make sure the one you choose boasts a hold that will last all day. You know your young pupil will come home grumpy if the spikes that he painstakingly put through his hair have flopped flat.
If you're a green family, look for a gel that's free of toxins like phthalates and pesticides. An alcohol-free formula is also a smart choice for sensitive scalps. Some even boast soothing aloe vera and other ingredients that can calm an itchy head. Since you likely enjoy running your fingers through your cutie's locks when you hug him, you may want a product that doesn't leave hair feeling crunchy or dry. In fact, you can find ones that moisturize strands. Consider your child's hair type, too. If he has adorable but unruly curls, know that there are gels specifically made to tame those. If he has ultra-fine hair that is actually quite difficult to style, there's a product for that, too.
Quick Tips For Children's Hair Care
Your little one's hair is, obviously, very cute, but it requires special care that's quite different from that of adult hair. There are a few tips and tricks you can use to make caring for their tresses much easier (though we can't promise there will be zero tantrums). Let's start with washing. It's important to get a good kids' shampoo. You might be tempted to save the money and just use your shampoo on your munchkin, but yours contains chemicals called anionics — they create the lather you love, but can be harsh on a youngster's head. Toddlers should only have their hair washed three times a week, while preschoolers and up can handle every other day.
Toddlers should only have their hair washed three times a week, while preschoolers and up can handle every other day.
When it comes to combing, stick to wide-tooth or boar bristle brushes. Remember that your child has two things working against her in this department: a very sensitive scalp and some of the worst knots you've ever seen (because kids wrestle in mud, as mentioned before). So, she can't tolerate some of the fine-toothed, more aggressive combs that you use. Start by combing the hair at the nape of the neck, then move to the bottoms of the top layers, and up towards the scalp.
Now, onto the professional's chair. Eventually, you'll stop cutting your kid's hair and ask a stylist to do so. It's a good idea to bring your kiddo along to one of your appointments first, so he can see it's not all that intimidating. When it's your kid's turn, request a hairdresser who enjoys working with children, and pack favorite toys and books to keep her happy. Eventually, she'll learn to love getting her hair done as much as you do.