It hurts your daughter to brush her hair primarily due to tactile sensitivity, a common issue for children with sensory processing sensitivities. Here's a breakdown of why and what you can do:
Understanding Tactile Sensitivity
- What is it? Tactile sensitivity refers to a heightened sensitivity to touch. For some children, the sensation of a hairbrush pulling through their hair can be overwhelming or even painful.
- Sensory Processing: This sensitivity often stems from difficulties in processing sensory information, making ordinary sensations feel more intense.
- It's Common: According to the provided reference, tactile sensitivity is the most common reason children with sensory processing concerns struggle with hair brushing.
Other Potential Factors
While tactile sensitivity is often the key issue, other factors might contribute to hair brushing pain:
External Factors
- Tight Hairstyles: Hair clips, headbands, hats, braids, or tight hair ties can pull on the scalp. As mentioned in the reference, these can cause the hair to feel tight, resulting in headaches and discomfort that can amplify hair brushing pain.
- Tangles: Existing tangles make brushing more difficult, causing pulling and pain.
Physical Factors
- Scalp Sensitivity: Some children have naturally sensitive scalps.
- Dry Hair: Dry hair is more prone to tangling and can be painful to brush.
- Hair Type: Thick or curly hair can be more difficult to brush.
What Can You Do?
To help your daughter with this issue, here's a combination of techniques and products:
Techniques and Solutions
- Gentle Brushing: Brush gently, starting at the ends and gradually working your way up to the roots.
- Use a Detangler: Apply a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to make brushing easier.
- Choose the Right Brush: Use a brush with soft, flexible bristles or a wide-toothed comb.
- Wet Hair Brushing: Brushing after a bath or shower, while hair is still wet and conditioned, can reduce resistance.
- Distraction: Try using a book or video to distract your daughter while brushing.
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise her for her cooperation and make the experience positive.
- Small Sections: Brush her hair in small sections to minimize pulling.
- Avoid Tight Styles: Loosen hairstyles to relieve scalp tension.
- Consult a Professional: If the sensitivity is severe, consider consulting an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory processing.
Products to Consider
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Detangling Sprays | Helps loosen tangles for easier brushing |
| Leave-in Conditioners | Adds slip to the hair to reduce friction during brushing |
| Soft Bristle Brushes | Gentler on the scalp, minimizing discomfort |
| Wide-Tooth Combs | Ideal for detangling and preventing breakage in thick or curly hair |
By understanding the root causes and implementing these strategies, you can help make hair brushing a more comfortable experience for your daughter.
