PL T2.12Brushing Hair at the Mirror
The toddler brushes their hair with their own brush while looking in a low mirror, then the adult finishes if needed.
Safety
- Each child has their own labeled brush or comb; never share, to prevent the spread of lice.
- Use a safety mirror (acrylic or shatter-resistant) fixed to the wall.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child to the mirror with their brush. Say: 'Let's brush your hair.'
- 2
Look in the mirror together. Point to the hair that is messy.
- 3
Hold your own brush by the handle and brush your own hair slowly from top to bottom, while the child watches in the mirror.
- 4
Hand the child their brush, handle first. Wait while they brush. Seeing their own hair move in the mirror is the point of interest.
- 5
Ask: 'May I brush the back?' Wait for an answer, then brush the parts they cannot reach, gently.
- 6
Invite the child to put the brush back in its labeled place.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Brush all parts of the head they can reach
- Brush a doll's hair
- Put in a hair clip with the adult's help
Control of error
The mirror shows where the hair is still messy.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Holds the brush by the handle and brushes their own hair
- Looks in the mirror while brushing
- Returns the brush to its labeled place
Guide note
Hair textures differ; ask the family what tool and method they use at home, and use the same one.