Every baby is adorable and unique. They can have straight, wavy or curly hair. Every baby’s hair growth pattern is different. Some newborns are born with a full head of hair, while others have just a few. It’s normal for babies to have less hair until they are 6 months old, so there’s no need to worry.
Your baby’s hair and skin color will be determined largely by genes, which will determine to some extent his hair growth pattern, but you can encourage hair growth by eating a nutritious diet and following basic hair care habits.
In this post, we’ll share some tips to encourage growth whilst keeping your baby’s hair silky smooth and healthy. However, please note that hair length and thickness depend on a variety of factors, so the advice in this post may only help give your baby’s hair the stimulation it needs to grow to its full potential.
Why do babies lose hair?
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It’s common for babies to lose hair during the first six months of life as their hair falls out to make way for mature hair follicles. Hair can also fall out if the scalp rubs against the mattress or if the baby hits their head, but hair loss caused by these factors usually goes away on its own.
Most babies start losing hair at the back of their scalp between the age of 4 months. The hair will grow back as your baby grows. However, if your baby is over 6 months old and is losing a lot of hair or has signs of scalp infection, consult your pediatrician (1).
Contact your doctor if you notice scaly, circular bald patches, roughness, redness, itching, or breakouts on your baby’s scalp (10).
If you want to know more about why babies lose their hair, read this article.
How to Support Your Baby’s Hair Growth
1. Provide nutritious food
Hair growth is largely based on genetics, but nutrition and hygiene also play a role.
Feed your dog nutritious foods rich in zinc, protein, and vitamins A, B, and D to promote hair growth.
Once your baby turns 6 months old and starts eating solid foods, introduce the following foods into their diet.
Foods rich in vitamin A, such as ripe mangoes, oranges, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and carrots Dark green leafy vegetables, which are rich in iron and vitamin A Small amounts of egg yolks and cheese Beans, meat, and whole grains (2)
2. Give your hair an oil massage
Mineral oils play an important role in protecting your hair, as these oils can penetrate your hair and reduce the amount of water your hair absorbs (which can cause damage to your hair). Regular oiling helps to naturally distribute the oil along the hair shaft, preventing breakage.
Research suggests that coconut oil massage may reduce protein loss from hair and promote hair growth ( 3 ).
To reduce hair loss and promote thicker, fuller hair, massage your baby’s or toddler’s scalp with coconut oil several times a week. Not only will it help prevent a dry scalp, it can also help relieve infantile seborrhea.
Apply a few drops of organic or extra virgin coconut oil to your baby’s scalp and massage it in. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Did you know? Coconut oil is a triglyceride of lauric acid, which means it has a strong attraction for hair proteins and its low molecular weight allows it to penetrate into the hair shaft ( 11 ).
3. Apply olive oil
Olive oil is also one of the preferred oils for hair massage as it has several benefits such as strengthening hair, increasing hair elasticity, and nourishing the scalp due to its moisturizing properties (4). Hence, olive oil can also be used for hair growth in babies. Olive oil can also be used to treat milk cradle in newborns. Take a small amount of pure organic olive oil and gently rub it on your baby’s scalp. After 15 minutes, comb out the dandruff and wash the scalp with a mild shampoo. However, make sure that the olive oil does not remain on your baby’s scalp for long as it may clog the pores (5).
4. Shampoo your hair regularly
It is important to shampoo your baby’s hair twice a week to remove excess oil. If your baby has a nipple cradle, it is advisable to apply an emollient such as white petrolatum, mineral oil or baby oil before shampooing the hair (6).
Gently massage the baby shampoo into your scalp. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will remove dirt and excess oils that are blocking your hair follicles and promote hair growth.
5. Brush your scalp
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Whether they have hair or not, you should incorporate grooming into your baby’s daily routine and regularly brush your baby’s scalp with a soft bristled brush. Empirical evidence shows that gently combing, brushing and massaging your baby’s scalp can promote hair growth.
It also helps to remove dead cells and improve blood circulation in the scalp. Brushing is also a way to relax your baby – you might even find that he falls asleep in the middle of your brushing.
Brush your baby’s hair for 5 to 10 minutes every day. You can also use your fingers to gently massage the scalp.
6. Use hair conditioner
Conditioners are typically applied to hair after shampooing. They help moisturize hair and replenish the oils that shampoo strips from it. They also protect, strengthen and reduce breakage.
If your baby’s hair is curly or wavy and prone to dryness, it’s important to use a conditioner. Choose a child-friendly, natural, tear-free conditioner. Apply it all over the scalp after shampooing and rinse with warm water. You can also apply mineral oil to the hair after shampooing.
7. Treat it with care
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It is important to prevent unnecessary hair breakage. Your baby’s hair is soft and fluffy, so be extra careful when shampooing and brushing it. After shampooing, pat your baby’s wet hair dry with a soft towel.
You can use your fingers or a soft brush to detangle, as breaking off tangles can lead to hair loss. Avoid scrubbing your baby’s hair with a hard towel or roughly detangling it, as this can damage delicate hair follicles and slow hair growth.
8. Apply aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is known for its positive effects on skin and hair. It contains enzymes that promote hair growth (7). You can use either fresh aloe vera gel or products that contain aloe vera gel on your baby’s scalp.
Apply aloe vera juice directly to your baby’s scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Be careful not to get aloe vera gel in your baby’s eyes or mouth. You can also do a patch test to see if your baby is allergic to aloe vera before applying it to the scalp for the first time.
Doting mother and vlogger Amaka Okonkwo shares the natural remedy she used to stimulate hair growth in her baby. She says, “In a pot or pan, boil aloe vera peel or rind, coconut oil and shea butter for about five minutes. Once it is done and cooled completely, pour it into a bottle and store it in a cool place… After shampooing and drying your baby’s hair, apply aloe vera oil and massage the scalp(i).”
9. Don’t tie your hair up too tightly
If your baby’s hair falls in his face or is curly, it can be hard to keep it in place. You might be tempted to tie your baby’s hair tightly in a ponytail or bun. However, tying your baby’s hair tightly can damage it and cause hair loss.
The key here is to be gentle with the hair and keep it away from the face at the same time. Applying oil or conditioner may help tame the curls and keep the hair in place. You can also use a silk headband or loose hair elastic to hold your baby’s hair in place.
10. Choose the right hair care products
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Using the right hair care products plays a vital role in promoting hair growth in your baby. Adult shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils and damage your child’s delicate hair.
Be sure to choose products designed for babies, read the label and understand the ingredients to determine if the product is safe for your baby.
11. Provide weather protection
Just like adult hair, your baby’s hair can be damaged by exposure to pollution and sunlight, so keep your baby’s scalp covered when going out and minimise exposure to harsh weather conditions.
12. Trim or shave regularly
“Should I cut my baby’s hair or shave his head?”
This is a question that most parents have. In some cultures, a baby’s first haircut is observed as a ritual. It is a commonly held belief that shaving a newborn’s head will encourage thicker, fuller hair.
If you choose to shave your baby’s head, it’s best to have it professionally done so without damaging your baby’s tender scalp. Alternatively, if your baby has uneven or balding hair, you can have it trimmed to help it grow evenly.
1. Why does my baby have so little hair?
It’s normal for babies to have very little hair for the first few months of life. Hair growth begins a few months after your baby is born. If you have a family history of hair growth problems, such as alopecia or baldness, discuss your concerns with your baby’s pediatrician (8).
2. Can you predict if your baby will have a lot of hair?
It’s impossible to know whether your baby will have a lot of hair or a little.
3. Will cutting my baby’s hair make it grow faster?
Contrary to popular belief, cutting your baby’s hair or shaving your head will not improve the quality or quantity of your hair. Hair growth, color, and texture depend on many factors, including genetics, nutrition, and overall health.
4. At what month does a baby start growing hair in the womb?
By the time your baby is five months old (22 weeks), his or her body will be covered in soft, fine hair called vellus hair. At this time, hair will also begin to grow on your baby’s scalp (9).
5. Why doesn’t my baby’s hair grow?
It usually takes 2-3 years for your baby’s hair to fully grow, but sometimes your baby may have nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, or other syndromes that prevent hair growth. In such cases, seek medical advice (8).
Most hair loss occurs within the first 6 months of life, and hair regrows almost immediately due to the development of mature hair follicles. So, consult a doctor if hair loss continues beyond 6 months. You can support your baby’s hair growth by following the basics, such as feeding nutritious foods rich in zinc, protein and vitamins, massaging the scalp with coconut oil, shampooing regularly, trimming and protecting it from the weather. As baby hair is delicate and soft, it is important to handle it with great care and choose products that are suitable for your baby’s hair growth. However, it is natural for your baby to lose hair within the first 6 months of life, so if you find bald areas, don’t panic as the hair will regrow.
Infographic: Factors that affect your baby’s hair growth
Some babies are born with very little hair, while others are born with a dense scalp. If you want to know what factors influence the quantity and quality of your baby’s hair, take a look at this infographic to learn more about the subject.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Takeaways
Babies typically lose hair during the first 6 months of life as their hair follicles mature. If your baby is losing a lot of hair after 6 months of age, consult a doctor as it could be a sign of infection. Feed your baby nutritious foods rich in zinc, protein and vitamins and massage his scalp with coconut oil to encourage hair growth in your baby. Scroll down for more tips on regular shampooing, hair brushing and other things that will help your baby’s hair grow.
Illustration: Effective and healthy tips for baby hair growth
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
In this video, you’ll learn what causes your baby’s hair to thin, how to encourage hair growth, and other tips from experts on the subject.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand accounts to offer deeper insights through real-life stories. The sources of personal accounts referenced in this article are:
i. How to regrow bald baby hair fast using natural remedies.
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