11 of the best baby shampoos for fine hair

A baby in the bath with baby shampoo in their hair.

by Rosie Floyd |
Updated on

Even though your baby might not have much hair to begin with, it is a good idea when your baby is in their bath seat, to include hair washing in your bathtime routine. The best baby shampoo will help to clean their fine locks while being gentle to their sensitive skin.

If you're unsure what shampoo to use on your little one, we've rounded up 11 of our favourites which will keep their hair squeaky clean, soft and shiny.

What is the difference between regular shampoo and baby shampoo?

The main difference between baby shampoos and regular shampoos is that they have a much milder formulation. The pH and surfactant levels are diluted when you compare them to regular shampoos. Meaning they are much kinder to the skin and less harsh on your baby's soft and delicate scalp. The best baby shampoos also have a 'no tears' formulation. They won't make your baby's eyes sore or cause them to sting if shampoo accidentally gets in there when you're washing it out of their hair.

When should you start using shampoo on babies?

The best time to start using baby shampoo is when your little one reaches around six weeks old. You should aim to use a few drops of unperfumed shampoo when you first introduce it to your baby's bathtime.

How often should you use shampoo on your baby?

Just like your own hair, you should aim to wash your baby's hair around two to three times a week. Too much washing can cause the skin on their scalp to dry out. If you don't wash their hair enough though, dry skin and oils will build up, which can result in your baby having cradle cap. Washing their hair a couple of times a week is a good balance between too much and not enough.

Related: The best baby hair brushes for growing locks

Best baby shampoo
Childs Farm Baby Shampoo
Price: £20.93

Childs Farm shampoo is suitable for even the most delicate of skin. It is made with 97 per cent natural ingredients and is free from parabens, phthalates, artificial colours and dyes, petroleum and formaldehyde, so it's ideal for baby's sensitive scalp and for those who suffer from dry and eczema-prone skin too.

Pros: Dermatologist and paediatrician approved
Cons: Some customers have commented that this shampoo isn't tear-free

Review: "I've been raving about this on my social media platforms and I had to review it on Amazon. I love this stuff. It's great! It lathers up really quickly giving you time to hold baby and wash hair. It's quick to pop on and leaves hair feeling so so nice. No dried-out scalps here! Baby loved it because it's not stinking of product. It's simple and bubbly and fun. We love it. And you can buy it everywhere!! Which is super handy"

Classic baby shampoo
Johnson's Baby Shampoo
Price: £7.26

Is it just us who gets a huge sense of nostalgia from just looking at this bottle of Johnson's Baby Shampoo? This shampoo has been a firm family favourite from years gone by. It has Johnson's classic No More Tears formula and a fresh, clean scent that will take you back to your own childhood.

Review: "I LOVE this baby shampoo, works really well, lathers up fab and leaves my baby smelling beautiful with its classic Johnson’s smell. A firm favourite of mine!"

Recommended baby shampoo

The orange and lemon oils used in the formulation of Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash will leave your baby's hair looking silky and leave behind a subtly sweet smell on their soft skin.

Pros: Has a natural, plant-based cleansing complex
Cons: On the pricey side

Review: "We have been using this product every day for pretty much 9 months & couldn’t love it more. I’d use it for myself if it wasn’t on the higher price point. It’s always been good on our little boy's skin. He’s never broken out, reacted, hurt his eyes or anything you could associate as negative which is why I continue to buy it. I must admit - with daily body and hair wash, it lasts 2+ months for us so I don’t mind spending the extra bit of money for something I know he doesn’t react to. I wouldn’t say I use it sparingly, I’m just mindful that I’m bathing a baby. I always add a bottle to a baby shower gift now too."

Best baby shampoo with conditioner

Made with natural oat extract, this 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner will gently cleanse and condition your baby's hair and scalp. The bottle is made with 50 per cent recycled plastic and is 100 per cent recyclable, so it's good for the planet as well as your baby.

Pros: Free from sulphates, soap and dyes
Cons: Some customers have commented that they didn't like the smell

Review: "We’ve used this shampoo and conditioner for my little one's hair and it is so soft and gentle on their sensitive scalp. It’s left her hair so soft and shiny!"

Vegan-friendly shampoo

Refresh your little one from the top of their head to the tip of their toes with this convenient shampoo and body wash combo. It utilises mild, plant-based ingredients, so skin and hair feel soft with a hint of a zesty lime fragrance.

Pros: Two in one shampoo and body wash
Cons: Some customers have stated the product doesn't foam as much as they would like it to

Review: "I’ve used this as a shampoo for my daughter since she was a baby and she’s now three. It feels pure and washes her hair really well without any harsh chemicals. It leaves her hair in lovely condition and I only need to wash her hair twice a week because it lasts."

Best coconut-scented baby shampoo

The gorgeous coconut smell of this shampoo will have dreaming of a tropical paradise every baby bath time. As the formula is enriched with organic coconut oil, it will leave your little one's hair beautifully nourished.

Pros: Big bottle so it will last for ages
Cons: Some customers were disappointed they couldn't smell the coconut scent when baby was dry

Review: "We have been using this product on our little boy, 3 months. His hair smells amazing and stays lovely and clean, we had found with other brands his hair had started it look greasy the day after using. My partner has also been using this product as he has psoriasis, he finds with a lot of shampoos that they burn when he uses them, this is lovely and gentle and he doesn’t get any discomfort and his hair looks and smells brilliant! Would recommend."

Best fragrance-free baby shampoo

You only need a few drops of Nala's Baby Body Wash & Shampoo to create a lovely lather. It's dermatologist and paediatrician approved, so you know it's going to be kind to your bubba's skin.

Pros: Comes out of the bottle easily
Cons: Bottle on the smaller side compared to other shampoos

Review: "I brought this product on the weekend for my little girl, and everything is amazing. The smell, the feel, the way it left her hair refreshed and moisturised was incredible."

Read our full guide on Everything you need to know about Nala’s Baby: the new baby skincare range by co-parents Krept and Sasha here.

Best hypoallergenic baby shampoo

By using pure oils, gentle herbs and the cleanest ingredients in their shampoo, Kit & Kin ensures your little one's hair and skin stay clear of any harmful toxins. It is infused with nourishing plant extracts, including mango and strawberry, for a delightfully natural scent.

Review: "Used this since my little one was born, smells lovely, doesn't irritate eyes and cleans hair and skin really well. I love Kit & kin and have the entire range."

Recommended shampoo and body wash

Is there anything more soothing than the scent of chamomile? The Earth Friendly Baby Shampoo & Bodywash is ideal to use on your baby just before bedtime to get them in the mood for sleep.

Pros: Free from artificial colouring, synthetic fragrances, parabens and SLS, a little bit goes a long way
Cons: Some reviews have mentioned that the shampoo didn't bubble up as they expected

Review: "I really like this shampoo, it left my babies hair very soft and I like the smell too (is really mild) ... this is the second time I bought it and I will continue buying it"

Best organic baby shampoo

Cruelty-free? Check. Vegan? Check. Certified organic? Check. The Organic Babies Baby Wash & Shampoo is full of goodness. It's kind to sensitive skin, with natural ingredients that are kind to skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Pros: A little bit goes a long way
Cons: At a higher price point compared with other shampoos

Review: "Very nice shampoo for my baby delicate hair. Smells lovely and lather easily, so you only need tiny bit. As all products from Green People ingredients are safe and natural. Will purchase again."

Recommended baby shampoo
Paul Mitchell Baby Don't Cry Shampoo
Price: £30.50
Alternative retailers
JCPenney$30.50View offer
Walmart$30.50View offer
Newegg$42.78View offer

Fragranced with soft floral notes and comforting vanilla, your little one will smell deliciously sweet when they come out of the tub, thanks to this baby shampoo. It's gentle to their eyes and their skin.

Pros: Effective to use on cradle cap
Cons: More of a premium product

Review: "We use this for my daughter who has very sensitive eczema and gets a dry scalp. The dermatologist recommended this product and the results have been amazing."

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How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.