Dry hair that is extremely unmanageable and prone to damage sounds like an exclusively adult problem in every aspect. However, as many parents will undoubtedly know, this is an issue faced by babies as well, more so than people think. Excessive shampooing, cradle caps, weather, or genetics can cause a baby to have chronically dry and brittle hair. If that is the case, then homemade natural conditioners are the best bet to make their hair smoother, more elastic, and ultimately more manageable. Babies do not usually require a conditioner filled with alcohols and silicones. Those store-bought conditioners have a high rate of product build-up which is no good if parents want to keep their little one’s scalp clean and ready for growth. All-natural conditioners are inexpensive, easy to create at home, and can be tailor-made to provide the exact nutrients that parents need to help their baby’s hair remain nourished and in good shape at all times. With that in mind, here are 11 homemade conditioners for infants’ healthy hair growth:

Baby Hair Growth: 11 Homemade Conditioners

Apple cider conditioner

Apple cider vinegar (acv) has long been praised for its ability to revitalize the hair and skin. It’s an all-in-one beauty staple that is easy on the pockets. The acidity of apple cider vinegar balances the hair’s natural ph levels which doesn’t strip hair of its natural oils like some shampoos can. When incorporated into your child’s hair care routine, apple cider vinegar can become an effective conditioner, cleanser, and detangler. A lot of parents have reported that their child’s hair is more manageable, softer and super shiny. It has also been known to effectively aid against dandruff and head lice.

Olive oil and rosemary conditioner

 Rosemary and olive oil have appeared in numerous herbal and home remedy books to treat damaged hair. Rosemary stimulates new hair growth and protects against further damage, while olive oil comes packed with nutrients

Olive oil and honey conditioner

Extra virgin olive oil is a great oil for deep conditioning because it penetrates the hair shaft. Honey is a humectant, which means it draws in moisture. Putting these two items together creates a great combo for your child’s “thirsty” hair.

Banana deep conditioner

Bananas are known in the natural hair community for helping with extra “thirsty” hair. They’re rich in both potassium and vitamin a which are two things that the hair needs. Olive oil is used in this recipe to help penetrate the hair strands and add moisture to dry strands. The greek yogurt will give the hair a healthy balance of moisture and protein which will help to soften the hair.

Tropical deep conditioner

 This recipe is fantastic for curly kids whose hair not only needs moisture but who has hair that tends to break easily. The ingredients are one cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp mango butter/oil and
plastic conditioning cap. Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Warm mixture in microwave slightly. (around 10 to 15 seconds should do.) Apply mixture to your child’s clean damp hair. Cover hair for 30+ minutes. Rinse.

Coconut milk conditioner

Coconut milk is rich in protein and fatty acids, which makes it great for conditioning, strengthening and minimizing hair breakage. The ingredients are 1 cup coconut milk, 1 peeled and mashed avocado and

1 tbsp of honey.  Make sure your child’s hair has been thoroughly shampooed. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Either apply mixture directly to hair, or preheat mixture in microwave for 30-45 seconds. Massage mixture into hair and scalp. Wrap hair in a hot towel or cover with shower cap for 15 min-60 min. Rinse out with shampoo/conditioner and style as usual.

Avocado conditioner

Avocados act as hair softeners, moisturizers and deep conditioners. They help nourish dry, brittle hair while also promoting hair health and strength.

Banana and egg conditioner

Bananas are rich in natural oils and vitamins that help to restore hair’s natural elasticity preventing it from breaking. They also soften hair, restore shine and help eliminate dandruff. The ingredients are 1 banana, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons milk and 5 tablespoons olive oil. Make sure your child’s hair has been thoroughly shampooed. Mix all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Apply the mixture to your hair- from root to end. Let soak into your hair for about 15- 30 minutes. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.

Papaya conditioner

Papaya helps soften hair, remove product buildup and maintain its natural shine. The ingredients are 1 raw papaya and ½ cup yogurt. Make sure your child’s hair has been thoroughly shampooed. Remove seeds and skin of papaya. Blend it in a blender and add half a cup of yogurt to mix. Apply this paste to your hair and scalp. Cover hair with a shower cap for 15-30 minutes. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.

Gentle conditioning balm

Melt coconut oil, sal butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and castor wax on the stove. Pour it into a jar and use when needed.

Gelatin conditioner

 This can prove to be useful for your child’s hair too.