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Social stories · Health and body · ages 5–9 · 2-minute read

Bath time and hair washing: a social story

For children who hate hair washing or water on their face. The same steps every time, with a warning before rinsing.

Read the story

By the Cala Luna team · Reviewed 24 October 2026 · The research behind it

The story

Read it aloud together, one card at a time. Point to the pictures and let your child read the last card.

  1. Bath time is usually at the same time, before bed.

  2. My grown-up checks the water is warm, not too hot.

  3. I sit in the bath and wash my body. I can play with my bath toys.

  4. Hair washing has four steps: wet, shampoo, rinse, dry.

  5. I can help rub in the shampoo, and choose a smell I like.

  6. My grown-up says "rinsing now" before the water comes. I can hold a dry flannel over my eyes.

  7. It might feel tickly or strange. It is quick, and I can ask for a break.

  8. Then I wrap up in a cosy towel and pat my hair dry.

  9. I am clean and warm. Bath time is done!

My calm plan

Pick one or two before the day, and practise them at home.

  • 🧽 Dry flannel on eyes
  • 📢 "Rinsing now"
  • 🔢 Count to ten
  • 🦆 Bath toy

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/bath-and-hair-washing/

Personalised social cartoon

Want this story with your child as the hero?

Cala Luna created personalised social cartoons: the social-story method, as a cartoon starring your child. Two minutes, their name, a hero who looks like them, and this exact moment, one small step at a time.

$12.99 · ready in 24 hours · checked by a person

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Teo, a small lynx in a big yellow sun hat

How to use this story (for grown-ups)

  • Use the same steps every time and show them with pictures or a timer, so your child knows exactly when hair washing will end.
  • Use a small amount of tear-free shampoo (or a 2-in-1 to cut a step), and let your child choose the smell and do some of the rubbing. Touch they control is easier to cope with.
  • Always warn before rinsing. A jug of water can feel better than a spray; a visor, swimming goggles or a dry flannel can keep water off the face.
  • Firm pressure on the head or shoulders before washing helps some children. Always check the water temperature yourself.

Why these steps: what 30 years of research says about social stories.

Words that help

  • Try saying: "Rinsing now: one, two, three."Instead of: Pouring water without a warning
  • Try saying: "You can hold the flannel."Instead of: "Keep still, it's only water!"

Questions parents ask

My child screams during hair washing. Should I just get it done quickly?

Quick helps, but surprises make it harder next time. Short, predictable steps with a warning, a break option and some control usually help more over a few weeks.

How often does my child's hair need washing?

For many children, once or twice a week is plenty. Washing less often can take the pressure off while you practise.

Is this linked to being sensitive to clothes?

Often. Children who are sensitive to touch may find both hard. See our new clothes story and the free episode Octopus Skin.

More social stories

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A wobbly tooth

Baby teeth wiggle, come out when ready, and a new tooth grows.

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Haircut

The big chair, the cape, snip-snip and the buzzing clippers.

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Health and body

Going to the dentist

The waiting room, the tipping chair, the bright light and counting teeth.

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All 28 social stories

We read the best free examples and guidance we could find, then wrote a shorter, simpler version in our own words: Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS: sensory clinic hair washing advice (PDF); Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS: sensory support, hair care (PDF). Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.