While Vaseline (petroleum jelly) has some uses for babies, applying it to their hair is generally not recommended.
Uses and Misuses of Vaseline on Baby's Scalp and Hair
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests Vaseline for managing cradle cap, a common scalp condition in infants. However, this is a specific application to soften the scales, and it's crucial to follow up with gentle shampooing to remove the loosened scales. Several sources strongly caution against using Vaseline or similar products like mineral oil for general hair care or dry scalp in babies. These products can clog pores, worsen dry scalp conditions by trapping flakes, and make the problem worse.
- Safe Use: Limited use of Vaseline for cradle cap, followed by shampooing.
- Unsafe Use: Applying Vaseline to baby's hair for styling or moisturizing. Avoid using it to treat dry scalp.
Some people may use a small amount of Vaseline as a styling aid on older children's hair to reduce frizz, but this is not recommended for babies due to the potential for irritation or clogging pores. For babies, prioritize gentle, baby-specific products designed for their delicate scalps and hair.
Using Vaseline on a baby's hair can lead to a greasy, clogged look and possibly irritate the scalp. For overall hair and scalp health, gentle baby shampoo and regular cleaning are preferable.
