Dry Scalp Problem

Updated on August 12, 2009
C.R. asks from Fort Lauderdale, FL
18 answers

My two year olds scalp is really dry and his hair is starting to get thin in the front. I tried putting baby oil, then grease in his hair but its still really dry. is their anything that i can use that would stop making his scalp so dry??

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Tampa on

I used baby oil and vaseline on my kids cradle cap. It worked then. Maybe I should use it again to keep the lice away LOL. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Tampa on

If it is scaley like cradle cap- my mom always used baking soda mixed with the shampoo & srubs the area.

Other than that without seeing it I am at a loss.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.H.

answers from Orlando on

You can try head and shoulders they have the shampoo and conditioner sets now...If you are not comfortable with that idea you can try olive oil it is a much better moisturizer simply because its richer.... but if the problem continues I would recommend going to a pediatrician

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Miami on

Hi C.,

This is not a quick fix but it is a sure fix start giving your toddler cod liver oil. If he will not take the liquid straight up, try mixing it with honey. If you have checked with your doctor and it is not a medical problem such as psoriasis or exema, then the cod liver oil will work. You should see improvement after a month or so. Olive oil or baby oil on the scalp after bath is better than the grease.

I have seen this work with my neighbour's child.

All the best.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.S.

answers from Fort Myers on

this is going to sound crazy, but i have done this personally. (on my own hair after my first was born.. my hair became really dry and started falling out.)
i took mayonaise (the "real mayonaise" not mirical whip) and eggs white and beat it together. once i got a good mixture i rubbed it on my scalp and left it there for like 30 mins. then washed my hair with COLD water. (i did this on the weekend, b/c the next day your hair is still really greasy) but after that next day of nasty hair, the hair will look totally different. my scalp was nice and moist, and my hair stopped falling out.
its one of those "wives tails" but hey.... it worked for me. give it a try!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Miami on

My friend has a 20 month old with the same problem. Her pediatrician told her it was cradle cap and recommended some kind of orange shampoo. I'll find out the name of it it. It's very gentle and meant for cradle cap. I wouldn't try anything rough or harsh... that will make the problem worse.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Sarasota on

C.,
We had a similar problem with my youngest son and we used tea tree oil on it. It is all natural and worked well.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from Orlando on

What type of hair does he have? I assume since you've been trying baby oil and grease he has a curly type of hair. Please check out www.naturallycurly.com they have a childrens section and sections by hair type and ask the ladies there about your issue. You need to take corrective action now before it's an even bigger issue for his poor scalp. HTH

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from Tampa on

Use an oatmeal and aloe based shampoo. Only wash his hair once a week unless it really needs it bad. There is also an night time conditioner for dry scalp that you could put on him it it gets to out of hand.
Usually dry scalp in a young child means lack of fluids. He may be dehydrating. Give him more fluids. If you can't get him to drink water give him homemade popsicles. That way you control what goes in them. My girls loved flavored ice cubes and it was a great way to get more liquids in them.
Put sun screen on his head or a hat when you take him outside. Could be the sun drying his scalp out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.W.

answers from Melbourne on

try head & shoulders. Adding oil or grease will only make it worse.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Miami on

C., a 2-year-old should not be losing his hair, period. This sounds like a skin problem to me. He might have come into contact with something that gave him a bad reaction such as a plant, a strange soap, a perfume, a cleaning fluid, or some other thing in the environment. I would get him checked out by a doctor. This is not anything typical for a 2-year-old.

Peace,
Syl

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Pensacola on

use vaseline which is free of fragrances. the alcohol in products that are very fragrant can cause dryness. Also, extra virgin olive oil works wonders in small amounts. You may also try the olive oil products. other than that, take your child to the peds and ask for a suggestion.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Hi C.,

A dry scalp is simply a type of eczema of the skin. Eczema is systemic and needs to be controlled with diet. Avoid fast foods and processed foods and begin him on an absorbable multivitamin and you'll see the scalp issues go away and his hair thickening as well.

God bless,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.G.

answers from Sarasota on

This definitely sounds like cradle cap. Two of my daughters suffered from this and their pediatrician said to use head & shoulders. I used Publix's generic brand and after a couple of times it went away. you have to be careful because it is NOT tear free. Just put some on a wash cloth and rub it on to the affected area. Let it sit for a bit (while washing your son's body, etc.) and then rub off with a well rinsed wash cloth. You can use the shampoo for his entire scalp if it seems to be spreading. This will prevent it from doing so. The hair fills in quickly once the cradle cap is gone.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Jacksonville on

It may sound crazy but if ou can stand it well as the baby try putting eite olive or veggie oil on thier scalp. You may want to make it a day that you have nothing planned, let it set for a couple hours and wash till clear. also may want to condtion he baby's hair at least every other day.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Lakeland on

Organic extra virgin coconut oil (I use Nutiva brand which I buy @ vitamin shoppe) is AWESOME..easier for the body/scalp to absorp than the baby oil and better for the hair too, and washes out more easily as well. AND believe it or not it would be beneficial for him to be taking the oil too(either a little spoonfu; every day, you can mix it into food(tastes like coconut!) or smoothies. It needs to be organic extra virgin(first pressing)though! Don't use the cooking grade found at a lot of grocery stores! This oil has been used for centuries by several cultures as a nutritive hair dressing to grow long healthy hair with healthy scalps!! You can check ou the Nutiva website for more info!! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.K.

answers from Tallahassee on

Switch from conventional shampoos, soaps and conditioners to natural ones. The most natural brand i know and use is Aubrey Organics. I get it at the health food store. All the ingredients are plant parts, not chemical names. Conventional products (even those marketed for kids) are full of harsh chemicals, like alcohol (drying), petroleum based chemicals (toxic), etc. The cosmetic industry is not regulated.
I'd bet that's the problem. He may be super sensitive to the products.
Other things could be food allergies.
Oh, I just noticed somebody mentioned shaklee. That brand is not natural enough, and still has chemical names in the ingredients, even for kids. Just so you know.
Or he may need more omega fats in his diet, or certain vitamins and minerals.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Tampa on

It is nutrition- it is what is going on inside that effects the hair- check out Weston Price Foundation and they will help you figure out what your child needs to start eating, or possibly quit eating to fix this.
Best of luck-k

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions