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How Long Does Shampoo Last?

by Aalap Shah in Summer Haircare Facts vs. Myths

Bad shampoo. More than just a great name for a sub-par 80s cover band, it’s something that can happen right in your bathroom. Depending on the ingredients, shampoos have a shelf life of roughly 12-18 months after being opened. The fewer the unpronounceable words, the shorter the life. Yes, that’s a good thing! Some shampoos come stamped with an expiration date, but that’s more of a suggestion than a hard rule. The easiest way to tell if your shampoo has gone bad is with a few quick tests:

  • Smell it. If it used to smell like lavender fields but now smells like old mushrooms or wet dog, it’s past its prime. Toss it.
  • Pour it. A runny, watery texture is another sign of expiration. The proteins that give it a rich texture are breaking down and while it isn’t dangerous to use, it isn’t effective. Toss it.
  • Lather it. If the smell and pour tests are borderline or inconclusive, add a little water and try to get a lather going in your hands. If it doesn’t bubble and foam as usual, it’s on the decline and should be replaced.

If your shampoo is past its expiration date, but still passes these three tests, there’s no need to dump it. Just keep an eye on it. (Or a nose and hand on it, as the case may be.)

To give your shampoo the longest shelf life possible, keep it away from direct sunlight or direct heat, and don’t open a new bottle until the old one is used up.

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How Often Do Kids Need To Shampoo?

Let’s face it — kids get messy. As a parent, it can be impossible to even imagine your little one being too clean. When it comes to hair care, however, it is possible your child’s regular hair washing could be stripping away natural oils that ensure a healthy scalp.  So, how often do kids need to shampoo? Every kid’s hair is different, and different types of hair require different washing schedules. Understanding your kid’s hair type and using natural and hydrating products are the best way to give your little one a healthy hair care routine. What’s The Best Shampoo for Kids?  It goes without saying that shampoo should be cleansing, but the cleaning agents in many kid’s shampoos and conditioners are too harsh for tender locks. Chemicals strip away the hair’s natural oils, and can lead to a dry scalp, dull hair, and loose strands. It’s important to make sure that your shampoo is also hydrating, so look for shampoos that feature a high-moisture formula. Similarly, you should look for a clean and natural conditioner that will moisturize without adding grease or build-up. Many kid’s shampoos and conditioners feature the same harmful chemicals as adult hair products, like parabens, sulfates, and even formaldehyde. These products may also feature harmful dyes and synthetic colors. Be sure to take a close look at the ingredients, and try to buy paraben-free, natural products whenever possible. Washing Straight Hair If you little one has straight hair, you’ll want to aim to put two to three days between washes. Washing hair too frequently can weaken strands, and intermittent washing will allow for a healthy distribution of natural oils. Washing with safe and natural products assures that hair strands stay healthy and strong, and minimizes the hair loss that can result from damage. Step 1: Shampoo/Condition Begin your hair care with a safe and natural shampoo. SoCozy’s Wash and Shampoo is a great, gentle option that scrubs away grime and dirt while giving hair a silky shine and volume. The salon formula features vitamin B5 and kiwi extract for softness and hydration. The two-in-one formula helps to quickly wash all over with less steps. Gently massage into hair and create a lather, then rinse.  Step 2: Comb To de-tangle, use a wide-toothed comb or brush and gently comb through damp or wet hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. For tricky tangles, use a vitamin-rich detangler and leave-in conditioner to avoid knots and tangles. Washing Curly Hair To keep your curly-haired kiddo’s head healthy, it’s extra important to maintain a balance between washing and waiting. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, partly because natural oils that build up between washes have a hard time traveling down the root to the shaft of the hair. Luckily, an oil scalp is better disguised by curly hair, too! Washing less frequently, and with the right moisturizing products, could keep both the hair and scalp conditioned naturally for longer. For curly hair, allow three to four days in between washes. A good leave-in conditioner, such as SoCozy's Detangler & Leave In Conditioner, can help to maintain moisture in between washes. Mist over dry hair to calm frizz and boost shine. Step 1: Shampoo Begin your hair care with a hydrating curly hair shampoo. SoCozy Curl Shampoo Ultra Hydrating Cleanser is a great, gentle option that cleans while maintaining moisture. Gently massage into hair and create a lather, then rinse.  Step 2: Condition Apply conditioner to freshly shampooed hair. Distribute evenly and gently finger-comb the conditioner into hair. Use a hydrating product made with natural ingredients that is specifically designed for curly hair.  Step 3: Comb To de-tangle, use a wide-toothed comb and gently comb through the conditioned hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. Remember to never brush your curly kid’s hair — a wide-toothed comb is the way to go! Step 4: Rinse  Gently rinse out the conditioner. For extra hydration, do a quick rinse and leave in a small amount of the conditioner to lock in lasting moisture.  Specialty Shampoos No two heads of hair are the same, and no two kids are the same! Some children may require specialty shampoos to meet very specific needs. For example, lice prevention can become a regular part of your kid’s hygiene routine! If your kiddo is especially prone to lice, a lice-repellent shampoo can help to scare the pesky critters away! Be sure to pick up a product that uses natural ingredients to deter lice, especially if you’re using the product regularly. Tea tree and peppermint essential oils repel lice, and make for a great-smelling shampoo.  If you have a little swimmer, they’ll need to shampoo more frequently to wash their hair clean of chlorine and other harmful pool chemicals that take a toll on the hair, leaving it extra dry. Those chemicals, combined with excessive post-pool washing, strip away hair’s natural oils, making it even more brittle and prone to breakage. Consider using a shampoo designed to combat the effects of chlorine that also hydrates hair follicles, especially one with ingredients like activated charcoal. This compound naturally removes chlorine and green tones from the hair. Other ingredients to look for include jojoba oil for added strength and protection, and coffee seed extract for softness. Help your kid get the hair of their dreams with a consistent hair-care routine! Whether your kid washes their hair every other day or a few times a week, using safe and natural hair products will only strengthen their hair.

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How Can I Help My Kid Avoid Head Lice?

Any parent that’s had the displeasure of delousing their little one will tell you that the process is an itchy inconvenience to be avoided at all costs. Treating head lice can be a tedious and time-consuming process. To add to the stress, lice and their eggs, called nits, are so imperceptibly tiny, they are almost unavoidable! Almost. Fortunately, proactive prevention of head lice is possible. While there is no way to guarantee a lice-free environment for your child, there are many methods you and your child can use to help keep the bugs at bay. Here are a few lice prevention tips to keep your kid’s hair free of unwanted visitors. Lice Prevention Tips Avoid head-to-head contact The most common way lice are spread is head-to-head, so your best bet for lice prevention is to ensure that your child does not come into close contact with other kids’ heads. This may feel impossible, kids will be kids after all, but the safest way to avoid lice is to maintain space. Whether they are at school, camp, or the playground, it’s best for children to keep their distance as they play. Do not share clothing, combs, or towels Most of us know that refraining from sharing hats is an important part of preventing lice. But lice are able to crawl into any item of clothing, accessories and toiletries. Make sure that your child knows not to share their clothes or hair care products. Additionally, you can remind your child to avoid shared spaces where clothing belonging to more than one child is stored like classroom hooks or lockers.  Treat the threat If your child has already come into contact with somebody who has lice, there are a few additional steps you can take to help mitigate the spread. If there is an immediate threat of lice, wash your child’s clothing in hot water and dry on high heat. Vacuum your carpeting and furniture, but know that the risk of lice spreading on these surfaces is low. Use a lice prevention shampoo Head lice prevention products, such as SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo, are designed to incorporate lice prevention into kid’s everyday hair care. These products use natural lice repellents such as tea tree and peppermint oil to help ‘scare’ away lice.  SoCozy Boo! Lice Scaring Spray is another great product for lice protection. The spray features rosemary extract and keratin to smooth and nourish hair. To help keep lice away, generously spritz onto wet or dry hair daily. For best results, use the lice scaring spray in tandem with SoCozy’s Boo! Lice Scaring Shampoo.  Avoid the Spread. Know the Symptoms. Knowledge is power! It’s possible to treat one of your children for lice without opening your family up to a full-blown infestation. Manage the spread of lice by understanding the bodily signs and symptoms they present. Below is a list of the five most common symptoms of head lice:  Itchiness Itching is caused by an allergic reaction to lice bites. It can take up to six weeks before itchiness on the scalp is present, so it’s important to be vigilant and aware of accompanying symptoms. Sensation of movement on head Head lice are not always accompanied by an itching sensation. However, if lice are crawling on your child’s head, it is likely they may feel them ‘moving about the cabin’, so to speak. If they feel any kind of crawling or tickling sensation in their hair, check for lice.  The appearance of nits Lice eggs will appear on the scalp before they hatch into full-grown lice. These nits are extremely small, white, and circular. Because of their tiny size, nits can be hard to see and are often mistaken for dandruff. Nits are easiest to spot near the ears and nape of the neck, and unlike dandruff, they can be difficult to remove from the hair shaft. The appearance of adult lice and nymphs Perhaps the most visible symptom of head lice are the lice, themselves. Adult lice are around the size of a sesame seed, and tan or grey-white in color. Nymphs (baby lice) are about half the size of an adult louse, and grow to full size within one to two weeks. Red bumps or sores Red bumps and scalp irritation may appear as a result of scratching. Excess scratching may lead to a larger rash or even a bacterial infection. If itchiness is present it is important to mitigate scratching to avoid a bigger health scare. Even the thought of lice can sometimes give us the ‘creepy crawlies.” Still, it’s important to treat them head-on—quite literally! Through these preventative and cautionary measures, you can keep your children’s hair lice-free, and your head worry-free, through your child’s youngest years and beyond!

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Hairstyles For Curly Hair Kids

If you’re looking for new-dos your curly-haired cutie, the hairstyle possibilities are endless! From braids to buns and everything in-between, there are so many adorable curly styles for your little one to try. A consistent hair care routine couple with safe and natural curly hair products can help your child take their hair to the next level. Whether your kid wants a fancy updo or simple braids, they can feel confident rocking these adorable curly looks. Here are a few of our favorite hairstyles for curly haired kids.  Styling Curly Hair A great hairstyle starts with great hair care! Before you sit down to style your kid’s hair, it’s important to make sure that curls are properly washed and moisturized. Curly hair is incredibly delicate, so extra care should be taken to avoid damage and dryness. It’s important for natural oils to build between washes to maintain healthy hair and a healthy scalp. Allow three to four days in between washes. A good conditioning spray can help to protect the hair and maintain moisture in between washes. Another tip for awesome curls? Trade in your brush for a wide-toothed comb! Brushing curly hair can lead to breakage and major frizz. Instead use a wide-toothed comb to gently move through and untangle damp or wet hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the top of the head. A leave-in conditioner can also help to smoothen frizz and add moisture. Spray generously and work in with the wide-toothed comb to avoid tugs and tangles.  Curly Hairstyles For Long Hair If your kid has long curly hair, they will love these fun and fabulous styles! Don’t be afraid to get creative — you can make an incredible array of styles by simply using ponytail, braid, and bun variations. Here are a few fun ideas to keep the curls flowing!  Ponytail variations Half up, half down For this classic look, gather two small sections of hair on either side of the head and join them in the center of your head, just underneath the crown. Create a partial ponytail just above the ears. Secure with an elastic, scrunchy, or bow! Low pigtails with bow This fast and easy style will make busy mornings a breeze! Simply part hair in two sections and secure each section with an elastic or bow at the base of the head. Hair can be worn above the ears, closer to the crown, or at the nape of the neck—each option makes for a cool, new look on for different occasions! A 3-section high pony with bow Begin this look by parting hair into three distinct sections with a comb. Then, with small elastics, secure three high ponies at the top of each section of hair. Clip in a bow at the top of the head for a finishing touch! Braid variations French braided pigtails It’s a pigtail party! For this classic look, part hair into two sections and french-braid by continuing to gather strands of hair as you braid your way down the head. Secure with elastics. To help make the braiding process tear and tug-free, generously spray a detangler on hair before braiding. This will unlock any knots in the hair and soften curls, making braiding a breeze! Low braided ponytail This look is simple and sweet! French braid hair and secure at the base of the head with an elastic, then let the remaining hair flow into a low ponytail. Clip in a bow or a barrette at the base of the ponytail for a lovely little detail. Low crown braid Got an upcoming special event on the books? This look will help your little one feel elegant, especially if you’re dressing up! First, create two thin braids on either side of the head. Loop each braid around the back of the head and towards the other side, so they meet in the middle. Use ample bobby pins to secure the braids in place, and you’ll have a braided crown fit for a princess. Bun variations Pinned chignon To get this elegant look, begin by twisting hair into a low ponytail. Flip the twisted ponytail upwards, and use a large pin or several bobby pins to secure. Your chignon, the French word for hair bun, can sit just under the crown of the head or at the nape of the neck. Mix and match your styles to suit your mood! Mid-level pigtail buns Double up on the bun love! Start by creating two low pigtails in the middle of the head. Wind the small ponytails up into two separate buns, and secure with an elastic. Add a clip or barrette to the center of each bun for some shiny style! High bun Embrace a ballerina style with an up-swept classic high bun! Gather hair high onto the top of the head, and secure a ponytail with an elastic. Wind the hair around the elastic to make your high bun. Secure with bobby pins. Accessorize with a bow to the front of the bun for added pizzazz! Curly Hairstyles For Short Hair No matter the length, styling is always key! Even if your kiddo’s hair is short, you can still ensure their curls are perfectly coiffed. When styling short hair, finding the right hair care products is an essential step. Styling creams and volumizing foams can help to provide a gentle hold, which will keep your kiddo’s curls defined and frizz-free. SoCozy’s line of all-natural styling products help to make short curls shiny, bouncy, and hydrated.  SoCozy’s Curl Volumizing Foam provides natural looking control for curls. The luxurious, lightweight foam includes hydrolyzed proteins to help soften hair and add structure. Use the pump foamer to apply 2-3 pumps evenly through damp curls. Your short-haired kiddo will love the volume and curl definition! Another excellent tip for styling short hair is to use a bit of styling cream. SoCozy’s Behave Styling Cream provides a soft hold and can smooth and define curls. Gently work through damp or dry hair to create your perfect short-haired style. Rocking an awesome new ‘do is the perfect way for your kiddo to express their personal style! Curly hair provides an incredible opportunity for bouncy and beautiful self-expression. Whether your kid’s locks are long and flowing or short and sweet, there are ample hairstyles to play with to make getting read for the day fun and exciting—every day of the week.

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