Anonymous wrote:.
OP, would he think it's cool or different to use one of these scalp brushes, designed for use while washing hair? It would encourage him to scrub much better. I can't seem to put the image into this post but you can find scalp brushes for shampooing all over Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc. Search using the term "shampoo brush" or "shampoo brush scalp massager." They come in bright colors, have soft nubbly bristles that shouldn't hurt even if he scrubs hard, and are easy to grip with wet hands; you'll see. I'd get a couple of them and would oversee his using them for a while rather than just reminding him through the doorway.
If he still gets occasional smell, you might need to rinse his hair yourself once a week with a vinegar solution to cut the oil on his scalp. Oil is probably what's holding odors on his scalp and if he's not scrubbing his shampoo well enough, the shampoo can't dislodge the oil. You might have to do a bit more intervention and hands-on help once a week if he's stinky.
I'm PP above. I see now that you got him "a scalp scrubby thing" but maybe try another type. And yeah, he needs to be overseen more so he's actually using it. I get the idea of wanting him to be independent and feel like a big kid, but if you're noticing a smell, others will notice it too, and at some point someone is going to say something.