Hair washing hell!!

[JeffActually]

2yo DD has always loved having baths and she loves getting her hair wet.
Up until now we have never used shampoo on her hair as we didn't feel she needed anything other than water to keep it clean.
So, I bought childrens shampoo/conditioner - I have tried three times to wash her hair, she loves the bubbles but when I try to wash it off all hell lets loose.
It took me 40 minutes to get the bubbles out of her hair today and it was a horrible horrible experience. She was screaming that her eyes hurt, saying ow mummy eyes ow! She looked so bloody distraught I never want to wash her hair again!
So what do I do? Do those shampoo hats work - the ones with a rim that keeps the bubbles away from her face?
We can't go through this every time she needs a hair wash - she was so so sad!

Help!

I suspect the shampoo wasn't as child friendly as they make out... I think some of them do still sting despite what it says on the bottle. I use Mop pear shampoo on my DD which is very, very gentle. She has never complained of it stinging and we have no battles at bath time. It is expensive but lasts forever! I only use a drop and it does the job! I also ask her to tip get head back and look for baba yellow or BoBo from cloud babies on the ceiling as I rinse her hair. She seems to enjoy the distraction, good luck!

Yes, just a very tiny amount of shampoo, and I roll up a flannel and press it against ds1's forehead while he tips his head back, and I just rinse it off using a cup and my hand. The flannel stops it getting into his eyes. He is now 4.9yo but we used to have epic battles over hairwashing! It's fairly painfree and quick now though.

You need to try one of these OP:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Soft-Baby-Kids-Children-Shampoo-Bath-Shower-Cap-Hat-Wash-Hair-Shield-Pink-/111053209437?pt=UK_Baby_Baby_Bathing_Grooming_LE&hash=item19db497f5d

I can recommend the burts bees shampoo for no stinging, it's def been in both DCs eyes. And maybe get a rinsing jug. And I agree, use a tiny bit of shampoo, think 5p sized. I don't think there's a need for conditioner but I don't have a girl with long hair, maybe just shampoo then use a tangle tamer? Or a spray on leave in conditioner?

It is horrible. We still have grumps from DS but he's fine having it done in the shower after swimming. Shower may be worth a try.

IME the shampoo caps don't work and tend to be too small for kids over about 18m. But my kids have huge heads

Have you tried swimming goggles?

Oh newblue that's bloody genius! Why oh why didn't I think of that. Will give it a try next time I have to DS's in the bath.

not many children like the soap part but if you rinse it as quickly as possible amidst the tears then praise her for being a big brave girl it should get easier, my now 3 year old was a nightmare since about 1 year old but now she's under the shower washing it herself with no help from me, you have to help build their confidence, it doesn't happen overnight, perseverance.

3yo DS has always hated having his hair washed. I've finally cracked it. I get in the bath with him (not easy as I'm pregnant!!) and let him wash my hair first. Making a big cheerful game out of it all. Then I asked to wash his hair and for the first time in 3 years he didn't scream or cry!!