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Children & Family Hair Care

Choosing shampoo for children starts with age guidance and ingredients

To find a shampoo your child feels comfortable using, start with a few clear details: the recommended age, full ingredient list and how their skin usually reacts.

Step 1: Check the age guidance

Look for age guidance, amounts and directions on the bottle. Some products are intended for adult scalp care, so check separately whether children can use them.

Terms such as “gentle”, “amino acid” and “suitable for sensitive skin” describe a product's positioning. Whether it is suitable for children still depends on the finished product's age guidance and restrictions.

Step 2: Check fragrance details for sensitive skin or eczema

For children with eczema, look first for gentle, fragrance-free shampoos. “Unscented” products may still contain fragrance to mask other smells, so the label deserves a closer look.

Natural plant ingredients and essential oils can also cause irritation or contact allergy. If your child has a known allergy, check the full ingredient list. When unsure, take the label to a doctor or pharmacist.

References: American Academy of Dermatology: Choosing Eczema-Friendly Products · American Academy of Pediatrics: Teen Eczema, Skin and Hair Care

Step 3: Read the full ingredients and directions

Featured ingredients are only a starting point. Check the complete ingredient list, rinsing instructions and precautions, especially for scalp serums, anti-dandruff products and other targeted treatments.

  • What is the minimum recommended age?
  • Is there a full ingredient list and fragrance information?
  • Does it rinse out or stay on the scalp?
  • Are there restrictions for children, eye contact or broken skin?

How to read ESAKI product information

Start with the ESAKI catalogue to understand each product's purpose, then ask us about the label and age suitability of the product you choose.

For example, the manufacturer positions Purple Light cleanser for fragile skin, Blue Light cleanser for oil control, and ECS cleanser for moisturising and repair care. These descriptions help compare uses. For a child, also check the specific product's children's directions and complete formula.

The manufacturer's information lists Climbazole in the Purple Light and Blue Light cleansers. When considering targeted scalp-care products, take your child's age, skin condition and the label into account. If your child has eczema or is receiving treatment, ask a doctor or pharmacist first.

References: ESAKI Manufacturer: Purple Light Cleanser · ESAKI Manufacturer: Blue Light Cleanser · ESAKI Manufacturer: ECS Scalp Care Cleanser

A comfortable product still needs a gentle technique

Follow the label, use warm water, wash gently with finger pads and rinse thoroughly. When trying a product for the first time, watch for itching, stinging, redness or swelling. Stop if discomfort occurs and seek medical advice if it persists.

If there are already patches of hair loss, weeping skin or clear redness and swelling, have a doctor assess the cause before choosing everyday products.

References: American Academy of Dermatology: Choosing Eczema-Friendly Products

Bring your product questions to us

Parents can ask about Purple Light, Blue Light or ECS first. Our senior therapists will explain product purposes and washing techniques in light of your child's circumstances, helping you both feel more at ease. Always check the label, full ingredients and children's directions for the product you choose. Not every product is suitable for every child aged 6 or above.

References & Further Reading