Bath & Body Products The 10 Best Shampoos for Kids of 2023 By Ashley Ziegler Ashley Ziegler LinkedIn Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle writer specializing in motherhood, family health, and consumer products. She has written for Romper, Moms.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 15, 2023 Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD LinkedIn Lyndsey Garbi, MD, is a pediatrician who is double board-certified in pediatrics and neonatology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Whether your kid’s hair is short, long, curly, straight, thick, or thin, every kid needs a shampoo that meets their unique needs based on their hair texture, scalp health, and even what activities they’re involved in. Shampoos for kids come in various designs, like 2-in-1 or 3-in-1, meaning they double or triple as a shampoo, conditioner, and sometimes body wash. Read over the ingredients label to avoid harmful ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate, and look for safe ingredients, like coconut oil. Moreover, most shampoos aim to clean hair and keep it healthy, but some shampoos are designed for a different purpose, like preventing lice. We researched more than 20 options to select the best shampoos for kids that are free of harsh chemicals and work for various hair types. We reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology Association on how often parents and caregivers should wash their child’s hair. When reviewing products, we carefully considered purpose, ingredients, hair textures, design, and value. A board-certified pediatrician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity around shampoos for kids and the importance of safe ingredients. Our Top Picks Best Overall: The Mane Choice Fruit Medley Kids Hydrating Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organic: Hello Bello Kid’s Shampoo & Body Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best Subscription: Mini Bloom Fresh N' Clean 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kinky Curls: SheaMoisture Kids Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lice Treatment: Fairy Tales Lice Shampoo & Conditioner at Amazon Jump to Review Best for After Swimming: SoCozy Swim 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner at Amazon Jump to Review Best 2-in-1: Fresh Monster Kids Shampoo & Conditioner at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Babies: Mustela Gentle Baby Shampoo & Detangler at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Big Kids: Fairy Tales TBH Kids Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tear-Free: Johnson's Baby Kids’ Shampoo at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected the Best Shampoos for Kids What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall The Mane Choice Fruit Medley Kids Hydrating Shampoo 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Themanechoice.com Pros Works on all hair textures Smells good Free of harsh chemicals Cons Smell is strong The Mane Choice Fruit Medley Kids Hydrating Shampoo is our top pick because it's safe to use on all hair textures and does more than clean hair. We love how this shampoo strengthens and detangles kids' hair, leaving it smelling wonderful thanks to the orange-infused formula. We appreciate the safe ingredients that are free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. Instead, you'll find multiple vitamins in the shampoo's formula to minimize and protect breakage and split ends, promote growth, hydrate the hair, and keep the scalp clean and clear. Fun fact? The Mane Choice was founded by a registered nurse who used her scientific knowledge to create a shampoo safe for all ages. Price at time of publication: $17 Key Specs: Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: All Best Organic Hello Bello Kid’s Shampoo & Body Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Hellobello.com Pros 2-in-1 design Free of common food allergens Three scents Cons Difficult to pump with wet hands Hello Bello, founded by husband-wife celebrity duo Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, is well-known for its plant-based baby products, including its 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash. Its ingredients include marshmallow root, coconut, and aloe extract, and it’s free of common food allergens, including peanuts, dairy, soy, and gluten. We appreciate that the organic kids' shampoo works with all hair types and is safe for sensitive skin, making it a great option for anyone in the family. After using Hello Bello shampoo, expect nothing less than shiny, smooth, and healthy hair that smells like one of three scent options—coconut, watermelon, or berry lemonade. An extra bonus is that this delightfully sweet-smelling shampoo can double as a body wash. Price at time of publication: $7 Key Specs:Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: All Best Subscription Mini Bloom Fresh N' Clean 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Anthropologie View On Minibloom.com Pros No synthetic or added fragrances 12-month freshness seal when opened Pump locks Cons Pump accidentally locks when pushed down sometimes Save yourself a trip to the grocery store (and avoid scanning the shelves for way too long) and subscribe to the Mini Bloom Fresh N’ Clean 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash. The sulfate-free kids' shampoo cleanses bodies from head to toe with safe ingredients like chamomile extract, aloe leaf, and lavender, which can arrive at your door every 30, 60, or 90 days and save you 15% on your overall total. After one of our writers received a sample of the hair and body wash from the company, we can proudly confirm it leaves hair and skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. The formula has no added or synthetic fragrances, so it’s great for kids with sensitive skin. The company says all products are good to use for up to two years when unopened and have a 12-month freshness seal once you do open the bottle. One of our favorite features? Turning the pump in one direction locks it, keeping it fresh longer and preventing tiny hands from exploring. Bonus: The Mini Bloom Knots Be Gone Hair Detangling Treatment pairs nicely with the shampoo to rule out any knots left behind. Whether you purchase it separately or with the shampoo, both options allow you the chance to subscribe and save. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs:Product Form: Liquid | Hair Types: All Best for Kinky Curls SheaMoisture Mango & Carrots Kids Extra Nourishing Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon Pros Detangles hair Enhances curls Organic ingredients Cons Small size Kids with natural kinky curls need a shampoo that works with their luscious locks. The SheaMoisture Mango & Carrots Kids Extra Nourishing Shampoo is free of harsh chemicals for safe use, enhances curls, and leaves hair hydrated and strong with help from vitamins B5 and E. We love the mango butter, carrot and coconut oil, and organic shea butter ingredients to moisturize, smooth, and soften brittle, dry, or damaged hair. Plus, it helps detangle hair in the process—a huge bonus to help prevent knots in curly hair. Although be aware that despite organic ingredients, the company doesn’t say their formula is tear-free. Price at time of publication: $10 Key Specs:Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: Fine and delicate Best Lice Treatment Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Lice Shampoo & Conditioner Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Buybuy BABY Pros Helps prevent lice Safe for everyday use No toxic ingredients Cons Doesn't treat lice No one wants to think about it, but at some point, your child may be exposed to lice. The Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Lice Shampoo and Conditioner work to prevent lice outbreaks with their special formulas—a priceless feature we think parents and caregivers will appreciate. Ingredients like organic rosemary, citronella, tea tree oil, and geranium oil help repel lice and make your child's head an unappealing landing pad. This lice shampoo is great for everyday use thanks to zero parabens, sulfates, and other toxins. It’s even gluten, soy, dairy, and nut-free, allowing anyone in the fam to use it without worrying about an allergic reaction. Price at time of publication: $24 Key Specs:Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: Not listed The 7 Best Lice Treatments for Kids of 2023 Best for After Swimming SoCozy Swim 3-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros 3-in-1 design No harsh chemicals Shines and smooths hair Cons Doesn't remove all green for some kids Chlorine, salt water, and sunlight can do a number on the hair, so if your kiddo loves to be in the water, check out the SoCozy Swim 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner, and Wash. We love that it combats the green tones from pool chemicals, calcium salt, and chlorine build-up (and general dryness that comes with swimming) with activated charcoal. Even better, it’s a three-in-one product that serves as a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Ingredients like jojoba oil work to smooth, protect, and shine hair, while coffee seed extract smooths and softens strands. While there are harsh chemicals found in pools, we feel at ease knowing you won’t find any in this kids' swim shampoo—it’s free from synthetic colors or dyes, parabens, sulfates, and more. Price at time of publication: $11 Key Specs:Product Form: Cream | Hair Type: Not listed Best 2-in-1 Fresh Monster Toxin-free 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo & Conditioner Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Non-toxic formula Smells great Gentle on the eyes Cons Conditioner could be better To make bath time easier, wash your kiddo's hair in one step with the Fresh Monster 2-in-1 Kids Shampoo and Conditioner. We’re thankful for the product's safe formula that’s free of toxic and harmful chemicals and dyes. The watermelon scent smells delicious while putting it on and once the hair is dry. While we love that it leaves hair shiny, soft, and clean, we really love that it’s gentle on the eyes and serves as a detangler. Price at time of publication: $16 Key Specs: Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: All Best for Babies Mustela Gentle Baby Shampoo & Detangler Amazon View On Amazon View On Mustelausa.com Pros Chemical-free formula Tear-free Doesn't strip away natural oils Cons Strong scent Babies have sensitive skin, so finding a shampoo that meets their delicate skin needs is essential. We applaud the Mustela Gentle Baby Shampoo and Detangler chemical-free formula, which is safe for all ages. The stand-out ingredient Avocado Perseose is unique to Mustela products and helps to strengthen the skin's barrier functions by beefing up its natural proteins and lipids. This tear-free baby shampoo is hypoallergenic and detangles tiny strands while hydrating and protecting dry scalps without stripping away natural oils. Price at time of publication: $24 Key Specs:Product Form: Liquid | Hair Types: All The Best Baby Washes to Get Your Little One Squeaky Clean Best for Big Kids Fairy Tales TBH Kids Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon Pros Trendy design Leaves hair soft/smooth Shampoo and conditioner in one Cons Doesn't control oily hair Bigger kids are more active, so they need a shampoo that will work a little harder to cleanse their hair and scalps of dirt and sweat. The TBH Shampoo does just that thanks to ingredients like nettle, meadowsweet, and plant proteins that combat buildup. We praise how hair is left feeling smooth and soft, and the shampoo even helps prevent acne breakouts along the hairline. It’s also free of toxic and harmful ingredients, works as a shampoo and conditioner in one, and smells delightful. Price at time of publication: $11 Key Specs:Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: All Best Tear-Free Johnson's Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids’ Shampoo Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Gopuff.com Pros Smells good Tear-free Kid-safe ingredients Cons Scent too strong for some The Johnson's Baby Ultra-Hydrating Tear-Free Kids' Shampoo is hypoallergenic, free of toxic and harmful chemicals, and is as gentle as water on the eyes. Its kid-safe formula hydrates, nourishes, strengthens, and cleans all hair types, particularly delicate and fine hair. While it is a moisturizing shampoo, the manufacturer recommends also using the hydrating conditioner for optimal results. Price at time of publication: $5 Key Specs: Product Form: Liquid | Hair Type: All The Best Bath Toys That Kids Will Love How We Selected the Best Shampoos for Kids In order to select the best shampoos for kids, we studied the design and features of more than 20 kids’ shampoos available on the market. We also monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings. Additionally, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology Association on how often parents and caregivers should wash their child’s hair. We carefully considered ingredients, hair types, product form, age recommendations, skin types, purpose, and value when reviewing products. We chose shampoos for kids that are free of harsh chemicals, available at a variety of budgets, and work with all hair types. What to Look for in a Shampoo for Kids Ingredients Make sure you read the ingredients label to ensure you’re not exposing your child to any harmful chemicals. Opt for brands that use natural ingredients and be mindful of allergies or sensitivities to fragrances. You also want to ensure the ingredients in your child’s shampoo will clean their hair efficiently of any odor or buildup. Some shampoos contain more than a dozen ingredients, and while you may not have time to look them all up, you do want to ensure what you’re putting onto your child’s body is safe and effective. Purpose Before purchasing shampoo for your child, consider what the shampoo is needed for. While most shampoos are aimed at cleaning hair and keeping it healthy, there are also other shampoos that treat lice removal or cradle cap. Check the label of the shampoo you’re picking out to determine what its purpose is. If you need a lice treatment shampoo, look for shampoos that specifically target lice prevention and treatment, like Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Lice Shampoo. Determining a purpose will help your child’s scalp stay healthy because you’re then able to pick out a shampoo for their exact needs. Hair Texture It’s no secret that all hair types and textures are not the same, so finding the right shampoo for your child’s hair is key. There are four main hair types: curly, straight, wavy, and coils, with those then breaking down into fine, medium, or thick hair. Some kids are in between types and textures, while others are simply one category. For example, if your child has curly hair, you will want a shampoo specifically designed for curly hair. These will contain ingredients that keep your child’s curls healthy and intact. Frequently Asked Questions Do kids need a designated shampoo? Kids don’t necessarily need a designated shampoo, but there are many benefits to them having their own. Some adult shampoos contain many ingredients that may not be safe for a child’s hair, so it’s important to check for ingredients first. You also want to think about how shampoo for kids is designed tear-free, meaning if it gets in their eyes, it won’t cause any pain or tears. Adult shampoos may burn if it enters their eyes, so your best bet is to purchase kids' shampoo if possible. When should I start washing my child's hair with child-specific shampoo? When you have a newborn, many parents and caregivers use baby wash as shampoo. This typically stays the same until they enter their toddler years and possibly pre-school since baby wash is usually great for all skin types. After about a year old, a child’s skin becomes less irritable, and you’re bathing them more often, so that’s a great time to transition. It really depends on your child and how much hair they have. If they have a lot of hair, consider transitioning to a kid’s shampoo to ensure their hair is getting the nutrients it needs. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer, mom to a 1 and a 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching kid’s shampoos and trying different brands out on her two daughters (both with very different hair textures). Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include personal experience, ingredients, and user reviews. 3 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How often do children need to wash their hair? Canyon DV, Speare R. A comparison of botanical and synthetic substances commonly used to prevent head lice (Pediculus humanus var. capitis) infestation. Int J Dermatol. 2007;46(4):422-426. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03132.x How often do children need to wash their hair? American Academy of Dermatology. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit