Posted by Support Team
on September 03, 2026
Back to school season is officially here - and while you're busy sorting uniforms, PE kits, and packed lunches, kids' hair probably isn't at the top of the list. But if you've ever dealt with a dry, itchy scalp mid-term, post-swimming hair that feels like straw, or a child who point-blank refuses to sit still for brushing - you'll know that getting a simple hair care routine in place early makes the whole term a lot easier.
The good news? It really doesn't have to be complicated. Here's everything you need to know about keeping kids' hair healthy from September through to the summer holidays.
Why Kids' Hair Needs a Little Extra Care at School
School is actually pretty tough on hair - in ways that are easy to overlook.
Swimming lessons are one of the biggest culprits. Chlorine strips the natural oils from the hair and scalp, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. For children with already sensitive scalps - eczema-prone, dry, or prone to flaking - repeated chlorine exposure can make things noticeably worse. The good news is that a simple pre-swim routine (more on that below) makes a real difference.
Hats, hoods, and PE all create friction and sweat that can irritate the scalp and disrupt hair health over time. Tight hairstyles for school - pulled-back ponytails, tight plaits - can also put unnecessary tension on the hairline if worn day after day.
Central heating kicks in as autumn arrives, and just like adult skin and hair, kids' scalps feel it. Dryness increases, scalp sensitivity goes up, and it's right around this time of year that itchy, flaky scalps tend to flare up.
But a few simple hair care tips in the routine can make all the difference between hair that thrives through term and hair that limps to the holidays.
The Simple Hair Care Routine That Actually Works for Kids
The best kids’ hair care products are the ones that are gentle, natural, and quick to use - because let's be honest, nobody has time for a 10-step routine on a school morning.
Here's the routine we'd suggest:
Before Swim Days: The Pre-Swim Treatment
This is genuinely the most impactful thing you can do for kids' hair during term time. Applying a small amount of our Rich Roots Hair Oil to the scalp and lengths before swimming creates a barrier that limits how much chlorine the hair actually absorbs. It takes about two minutes, and the difference it makes to how hair feels after a swim is immediately noticeable.
Massage a few drops into the scalp with your fingertips - if your child is up for it, this is a lovely little bonding ritual - then work the remaining oil through the lengths. After swimming, rinse thoroughly and wash with our Rich Roots Shampoo to gently remove the chlorine without stripping the scalp further.
Weekly: The Scalp Oil Treatment
Once a week, apply our Rich Roots Hair Oil to the scalp as a proper treatment. This is the hair care routine step that does the most for long-term scalp health and healthy hair growth. Massage it in, leave it for 30 minutes while they're watching TV or reading, then shampoo out.
Our Rich Roots Hair Oil is a blend of many natural Ayurvedic oils including Amla, Bhringraj, Rosemary, Argan, Sesame, and Sweet Almond - all chosen for scalp nourishment and hair strengthening. It's one of the healthiest hair products you can use on children's hair, completely free from synthetic fragrance, sulphates, parabens, and mineral oil.
On Wash Days: Gentle Cleanse and Condition
Our Rich Roots Shampoo is built around Indian Soapnut, Amla, and Shikakai - meaning it cleanses effectively without over-stripping, which is especially important for children's hair that gets washed frequently due to sport and swimming.
A good tip: dilute a small amount in your palms with water before applying. It distributes more evenly, you need less product, and it's much gentler on the scalp. Follow with our Rich Roots Conditioner on the lengths and ends, and hair should be noticeably softer and easier to detangle.
For Dry, Sensitive, or Irritated Scalps: The Scalp-Eaze Balm
If your child has a scalp that's prone to dryness, itching, or eczema, our Scalp-Eaze Balm is worth keeping in your kit. It's a soothing scalp balm packed with Shea Butter, Amla Oil, Mango Seed Butter, and Lavender - all chosen to calm inflammation, relieve itching, and restore balance to a reactive scalp.
Apply it directly to any dry or irritated patches, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse out. It's gentle enough to use on children and works particularly well during the colder months when scalp dryness and sensitivity tend to increase. It's also brilliant for post-swim recovery if the chlorine has left the scalp feeling tight and itchy.
Protective Styles That Are Kind to Kids' Hair
Hairstyles for school are often chosen for practicality - but the wrong style, worn every day, can put real strain on young hair. Here are a few hair care tips for keeping styles school-appropriate and kind to the hair at the same time:
Avoid the same tight style every day. Consistently pulling hair back from the same points creates tension that can weaken the hairline over time. Mix up where the parting falls and how tightly styles are secured.
Go loose when possible. Loose braids, soft buns, and low ponytails are far kinder than tight, scraped-back styles. If school allows, a loose braid is a great protective style that keeps hair tidy without putting stress on the follicles.
Use soft hair ties. Elastic bands with metal clasps are one of the most common causes of hair breakage in children. Soft fabric ties or spiral hair coils are much kinder and keep styles secure without the damage.
Let hair breathe at weekends. If hair is tied up all week for school, keeping it loose at the weekend gives the scalp and hairline a rest.
The Term-Time Kit We'd Recommend
Rich Roots Hair Oil - the weekly scalp oil treatment and pre-swim protective barrier all in one. The best oil for dry scalp and the foundation of a healthy hair care routine for kids.
Rich Roots Shampoo - gentle and effective enough to tackle post-swim hair without stripping.
Rich Roots Conditioner - soft, manageable, tangle-free hair after every wash. Parents of children with long or thick hair will particularly appreciate this one.
Scalp-Eaze Balm - for dry, sensitive, or reactive scalps. The soothing scalp balm to reach for when things are flaring up or the central heating has kicked in.
One Last Thing
Getting kids into a hair care routine early - even a simple one - builds habits that stick. And when the routine involves a scalp massage and products that actually work, it tends to be a lot less of a battle than you'd expect.
Here's to a good term - for their hair and for yours!
