Wash day doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s the simple routine I recommend for soft, hydrated baby curls.

Step 1: Start with warm water

Get the hair fully wet before shampooing. This helps the shampoo spread more easily so you don’t have to use too much.

Step 2: Cleanse the scalp

Use Ooume Hydrating Baby Shampoo and gently massage the scalp. Focus more on the scalp than scrubbing the ends.

Step 3: Don’t skip conditioner

This is the big one. Textured baby curls need hydration, and conditioner helps soften curls, reduce dryness, and make detangling easier.

Step 4: Detangle while conditioner is in

Use your fingers or a gentle brush while the hair is slippery. This helps make wash day smoother.

Step 5: Rinse and refresh

After rinsing, gently blot with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. During the week, you can refresh curls with water and a small amount of conditioner if needed.

How often should I wash?

For most little curls, once a week is a good starting point. If your baby needs more or less, adjust based on their scalp and routine.

Common mistakes

• Using too much product
• Skipping conditioner
• Detangling dry curls
• Drenching curls in heavy oils
• Washing too often and drying the hair out

Bonus Tips for Real-Life Baby + Toddler Curls

1. If curls are extra dry before wash day, try a little oil first.

If your little one’s curls feel super dry before wash day, you can use a small amount of your favorite lightweight oil before shampooing.

Think of it like a little pre-wash prep — not drenching the hair or coating the scalp, just softening the curls before you cleanse.

Then follow with Ooume shampoo + conditioner like normal.

2. If food gets in their hair during the week… because toddlers lol. 

If you already washed their hair for the week and they get baby food, yogurt, applesauce, or something sticky in their curls, you don’t always have to do a full shampoo wash again.

Try rinsing the area with water, then massage a small amount of Ooume conditioner through that section to help loosen the mess. Rinse well and refresh as needed.

Because sometimes wash day turns into “snack day got in their hair” day. 😂

3. Use Ooume conditioner as a curl refresher.

Between wash days, mix a small amount of Ooume conditioner with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist curls when they need a little moisture boost.

This is one of my favorite ways to bring curls back to life without starting the whole routine over.

4. Keep the scalp in mind.

It’s easy to focus on curls, but the scalp matters too. Try not to overload your little one’s scalp with heavy oils or too much product. A clean, cared-for scalp helps the whole routine work better.

5. Don’t chase “perfect” curls.

Some days the curls are defined. Some days they’re frizzy. Some days they have banana in them by 10 a.m. 😂

The goal isn’t perfect hair every day — it’s soft, hydrated, cared-for curls and a routine that feels good for both of you.

Final note

You’re not trying to make curls perfect. You’re building a routine that keeps them soft, hydrated, and cared for.