Playful Style

Children’s hair is a hot topic these days, with a focus on individual expression mixed with simple daily care. From throwback styles to classic cuts, hair can be an avenue for kids to show their personalities—and who doesn’t love a fresh hairdo to make those family photos pop?

When children are young, their hairstyles tend to reflect their parents’ or caregivers’ preferences, and understandably, are centered around what’s easy to maintain. According to local hairstylist, Ilonka Van Duzer, owner of Blue Star Salon in downtown Bend, a style staple for girls’ hair these days is the bob, with or without bangs or fringe layers. Also, for girls with thicker hair she recommends a cute, layered cut, which can be ready to wear with little fuss.

Current boys’ styles rely heavily on the fade or taper with lots of length on top, combed over or spiked up, or if curly, with the waves taking center stage. This kind of cut goes by many fun names, such as “the broccoli,” “the flow” or “the alpaca!” Another spicy style right now is a version of the mullet, with a tight fade around the ears blending into some serious length on top and around the back.

All these styles are fun to explore with your hairdresser, and Van Duzer warns against the home job pitfalls. Instead, she advises families to take a trip to the salon or barber, which can be a fun, new experience for the kids.

“I think most kids’ first haircut at some point is in the bathtub or in the highchair, where parents can keep their kiddos focused on something else and get a few snips in,” she says. “When it comes to hairdressing at home, less is always more. You can’t put a big chunk of hair back, but you can always take a little nibble off, if needed.”

Of course, every child’s hair type is different, so understanding the unique needs of each when choosing a particular style is key. Straight hair, for example, tends to be more oily and easier to manage, whereas curly hair is likely to be dry and require added moisture. It also gets tangled more easily, while fine hair can be weighed down by heavy products.

“I love that right now people of all genders are really starting to embrace natural texture in hair,” says Van Duzer. “Letting the waves be wavy and curls be curly, not fighting it. Also, on the other end of the spectrum, when hair is coarse and straight, trying to force it to be something it isn’t is a battle hard to win. Finding a style that meets the hair type, matches with lifestyle and grooming routine is the best choice. It is also a great lesson in self-appreciation and teaching kids to love themselves just how they are.”

Regarding upkeep at home, Van Duzer has numerous tips for stress-free hair care. If your daughter wants curls or braids and you only have twenty minutes to get out the door in the morning, braiding her hair the night before makes things a breeze. Heatless curls before bed are a really popular way to add body too.

Tangles, of course, are no fun for child and parent. One hot tip is to brush the hair before washing, as it keeps tangles from setting in when the hair gets wet. With its soft, short bristles, a tangle teaser brush is a must. When using this invaluable tool. teach kids to start with the ends and work their way back up towards the scalp.

In the evening, before bed, brushing hair can help distribute natural oils and prevent tangles, as well as establish a calming nighttime routine. A leave-in conditioner, oil or serum can also be a game changer, especially for coarse, curly hair.

Regardless of hair type, proper hygiene is essential. Van Duzer recommends shampooing kids’ hair two to three times a week and rinsing in a little conditioner on the off days. She also warns that if not rinsed well with clean water, even quality shampoos can coat hair with a sticky film taking away the shine, leaving it dull.

With the conditioner left in, always use a wide tooth comb—or the tangle teaser—to remove knots. This smooths the cuticle of the hair, adds shine and loosens any rats’ nests. Rinse again well with tap water once everything is untangled.

As part of the morning routine, let kids get creative by choosing their hair style and accessories for the day. There are so many ways to style hair, from easy top knots or side ponytails to French braids or simple flowy layers. In terms of accessories, some kids may prefer oversized bows, loose fitting headbands, tiny barrette clips or maybe even, no extras at all. Experiment and let the kids have fun choosing their colors and styles.

An important consideration, however, is to teach children not to damage their hair. Since hair is nonliving, it does not heal once injured. Remind them to make braids, buns and ponytails loose and to use covered rubber bands specifically designed for hair. When hair is held too tightly it can put pressure on the roots and cause damage.

Be aware of the danger to hair when it’s wet due to the follicles being more elastic in this state. Never use heat styling tools on wet hair; instead, air dry naturally or use a soft towel to gently pat the hair and remove excess water.

Never use chemical treatments on tender scalps and stick with natural products whenever possible. Products containing phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, should be avoided as they can harm children’s delicate hormones.

Van Duzer recommends Kevin Murphy, an organic line of products for every hair type, that has been her staple since the 90s. She also recommends reading labels, looking at ingredients and if you don’t understand what they are, do your research.

Finally, let’s talk about an unpopular topic–lice! Check your kids’ heads for lice at least once a week in winter, especially after play dates, sleepovers or field trips where there has been an increased risk of exposure. Pay attention if your child complains of an itchy scalp and review pictures of head lice.

Teaching kids healthy hair hygiene and establishing a good routine can take a bit of time, but it’s an important developmental stage that helps support self-confidence and personal expression for a lifetime.

Lice Happen, You Got This!

In the dreaded event of a lice outbreak, follow these steps for a fool proof end to the situation.

Hot Tip! Have a louse comb on hand BEFORE an outbreak!

The House

Put infested bedding, clothing and soft toys inside garbage bags, tie securely and store in the garage or outside.
The life cycle of a louse, from egg to adult, is about 17-22 days. You can leave items in the garbage bag for that time, and all the lice will die.
Wash everything else in the warmest water recommended and dry at the hottest temperature allowed.
Vacuum all soft surfaces in the house, including mattresses, carpeting, etc. Wash and dry bed pillows and continue the routine of drying them on high heat every night for a week or so.

The Hair and Scalp

Lice have become resistant to the active chemical in lice shampoos, but this nontoxic alternative works every time.

Use equal parts Orange Listerine and white vinegar.
Wet the hair, then drench the hair and scalp with the mixture. Let sit for about five to 10 minutes as tolerated—it can be a little spicy for the scalp. Then rinse well.
Next, shampoo, rinse, apply conditioner and rinse again. Apply one lighter round of conditioner and leave in. This will make combing out the nits a lot easier!
Wrap the hair in a towel to dry. Then, pull all the hair up and start combing from the base of the neck in very small sections with the lice comb and work your way up until the entire head has been combed. Wipe away any nits or adults with paper towels.
Next, rinse the hair and blow dry on the warmest setting possible. Remember— heat kills the lice.
Finally, if the hair is long enough, flat iron once a day until it’s time for another shampoo.
Look for any eggs or adults that may have survived and remove them immediately. After seven to eight days, you can repeat the Listerine and vinegar treatment, if needed, but chances are, your child will be lice-free!

This article appears in BendNest Winter 2025.