As a first-time mom, you might get concerned about the thinning of your baby’s hair as you see them grow. When a baby is born, it has a head full of hair but as the days pass by, the hair starts thinning. On the other hand, some babies are born with very little hair growth, but their head starts covering up with hair over time. This growth and loss of baby hair is completely normal and varies from one baby to another. In this blog, let’s discuss this natural process of growth and loss of a baby’s hair after birth.
Why are some babies born with hair?
Genetics, hormones and development in the womb are the factors responsible for the babies born with hair on their head. Some babies come with thick dark hair on their heads, and some are born with a faint fuss or nothing at all.
The baby’s hair starts growing in the womb at nearly 14 weeks of age. This soft hairline is called lanugo. It is actually a protective layer for the baby’s head and helps in regulating the body temperature inside the womb. Although most babies shed it before birth, babies are born with patches of it on their heads. Beyond lanugo, the hair that babies are born with may not resemble the hair they will have later in life—it’s often a temporary coat that can change in color and texture as they grow.
Why do babies lose their hair?
It can be alarming and sometimes surprising for new parents to see their newborns lose hair over time. They might wonder why babies lose their hair. You might be more surprised to know that the primary reason behind this hair loss after birth is due to a natural shedding process called telogen effluvium. Another factor contributing to baby hair loss is friction. Since newborns spend a lot of time lying on their backs, you may notice bald spots forming where their head rests against a mattress, car seat, or bouncer. This is harmless and will correct itself over time as they begin to sit up and move more.
When will your baby’s hair grow back?
Newborn hair growth cycles are different from adults. While in the womb, babies are exposed to high levels of hormones from their mothers. After birth, these hormone levels drop significantly, triggering the hair to enter a resting phase before shedding. This can happen anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after birth.
The timeline for baby hair regrowth varies from child to child. Some babies start growing new hair within a few months, while others may take up to a year or more before their permanent hair comes in.
Typically, by the time a baby turns one, you’ll start seeing a noticeable difference in their hair growth. The new hair may have a completely different texture or colour than the hair they were born with.
