Why Do Babies Lose Their Hair? Understanding Newborn Hair Loss

It’s a common observation among new parents: one day your baby seems to have a decent head of hair, and seemingly overnight, it starts to disappear. You might find clumps of hair on their crib sheet or notice thinning patches. If you’re wondering, “Why Do Babies Lose Their Hair?”, you’re definitely not alone. Many parents experience this and are often concerned. Rest assured, infant hair loss is a perfectly normal phenomenon.

“My boy was born with a full head of hair and kept it up until a few weeks ago,” shares mum102023, a user in the What to Expect Community. “Now it’s all falling out!”

This article will delve into the reasons behind baby hair loss, explain the hair growth cycle in infants, and provide guidance on how to care for your baby’s hair during this transitional phase. We’ll cover why some babies are born with hair, why they lose it, when you can expect it to grow back, and how to best manage your little one’s changing coif.

The Surprise of Newborn Hair: Why Some Babies Are Born with Hair

It might be surprising to learn that hair growth actually begins in the womb. Even if your baby arrives with a completely bald head, the foundation for their future hair has already been laid. Hair follicles, the tiny sacs in the skin from which hair grows, start developing as early as week 14 or 15 of pregnancy, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These follicles are primed to produce hair, though the timing and amount can vary greatly from baby to baby.

However, don’t be surprised if your newborn isn’t born with a lush mane. In fact, many babies, even those born with some hair, experience hair loss in the first few months of life. Seattle Children’s Hospital notes that most infants have minimal hair at birth, and the delicate strands that appear in the initial weeks and months are likely to shed between 2 and 3 months of age.

Decoding Baby Hair Loss: Why the Shedding Happens

If your baby was born with a striking head of hair or just a few wisps that are now thinning, take comfort in knowing that infant hair loss is a common and normal occurrence. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) confirms that this shedding is a physiological response to birth and is generally not a cause for concern.

One primary reason for this hair loss is linked to the dramatic hormonal shifts that occur after birth. During pregnancy, your hormones are elevated, which can actually stimulate hair growth in both you and your baby. These pregnancy hormones can extend the hair growth phase. However, after birth, both your hormone levels and your baby’s hormone levels plummet. This hormonal decrease can trigger the telogen effluvium, or shedding phase, in the hair growth cycle, particularly on the scalp. This causes a significant amount of hair to fall out.

Dr. Kyle Monk, a board-certified pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, explains, “It is very common and even normal for babies to lose their hair in the first few months of life.”

Baby hair growth operates in cycles, and shedding is most prominent during this telogen phase. Fortunately, this shedding phase is typically followed quickly, or even overlaps with, the anagen phase – the phase of new hair growth, according to the National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine.

“I tell parents not to worry, as this is just temporary,” Dr. Monk reassures. “The hair will generally grow back within the first year.”

It is very common and even normal for babies to lose their hair in the first few months of life.

Dr. Kyle Monk, pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board

The Waiting Game: When Will Baby Hair Grow Back? And What Will It Look Like?

Patience is key when it comes to your baby’s permanent hairstyle. Predicting exactly when their locks will fully return is challenging, as it varies significantly from child to child. Some babies might sport a brand new head of hair by 6 months old, while others might take up to two or three years to achieve a fuller head of hair. Even if their hair appears sparse initially, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that they will have thin hair later in life.

Adding to the surprise, the hair that grows back might be quite different from their newborn hair. Changes in hair color and texture are common. Your baby’s initial thick, dark hair could reappear finer and lighter. Red hair might transition to blonde, and curly hair can become straight, as noted by the National Institute of Health, MedLine Plus. It’s all part of the fascinating journey of baby development!

cinquieme, a user in the What to Expect Community, shares her experience: “Three of mine were born with one color hair and it came in a different color. One was a redhead-turned-blonde; one had dark brown hair that came in blond; and my current baby was born with dark brown hair that is now coming in red/auburn. My three other kids kept their newborn hair color.”

Key Takeaways on Baby Hair Loss:

Hair development begins in the womb, but newborn hair varies widely. Shedding in the early months is common.
Infant hair loss is normal and temporary, often triggered by a drop in pregnancy hormones, initiating the shedding phase.
Hair regrowth timing is individual, ranging from 6 months to 2-3 years. Hair color and texture can also change.
Baldness in newborns is normal. Gentle hair care practices and a healthy diet (once solids are introduced) support healthy hair growth.

Nurturing Newborn Hair: Caring for Your Baby’s Hair to Encourage Healthy Growth

While you can’t directly force hair to grow faster, you can certainly provide the best possible care for your baby’s existing hair and create a healthy environment for future growth. Remember, a bald newborn is completely within the realm of normal. Here are some gentle hair care tips:

Maximize Tummy Time When Baby is Awake: Babies often develop bald patches on the back of their heads due to prolonged time spent lying on their backs. While back-sleeping is crucial for safe sleep and SIDS prevention, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ensure your baby has ample opportunity for tummy time when awake. Engage in tummy time and hold them upright while playing or reading if they aren’t yet sitting independently.
Avoid Over-Brushing: The old adage of brushing hair 100 times a day to stimulate growth is a myth and can actually cause damage. The American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) cautions that excessive brushing can lead to breakage. Brush your baby’s hair gently only as needed for styling.
Comb Wet Hair, Don’t Brush: Wet hair is more fragile. If your baby’s hair needs detangling after a bath, use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush to minimize damage.
Steer Clear of Tight Hairstyles: Resist the urge to put baby’s hair in tight ponytails or use restrictive hair accessories. Opt for soft hairbands or clips that won’t pull or break delicate strands.
Prioritize a Healthy Diet (When Starting Solids): Good nutrition is fundamental for overall growth and development, including healthy hair. Breast milk or formula provides all the necessary nutrients for babies under 6 months, as recommended by the AAP. Once your baby starts solids, introduce a diverse range of healthy foods rich in essential nutrients for babies, such as protein, calcium, whole grains, healthy fats, iron, omega-3s, and vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Consider Coconut Oil: Some limited research suggests that coconut oil may help reduce hair damage and promote scalp health due to certain compounds it contains. After bath time, try massaging a tiny amount of coconut oil onto your baby’s scalp. However, always consult your pediatrician before using any home remedies.
Address Cradle Cap: Cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in babies that presents as flaky, red patches on the scalp. Treating cradle cap with mineral oil and regular gentle shampooing can help remove scales and potentially encourage hair growth in affected areas.

For babies blessed with a full head of hair at birth, special care is also needed to maintain those fine strands:

Limit Hair Washing: Newborns don’t require daily hair washing. Shampooing a couple of times a week during bath time is sufficient, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Shampoo Gently: Vigorous scalp massage during shampooing can stress hair follicles and potentially accelerate hair loss or breakage. Be gentle when washing your baby’s scalp.
Use Soft Tools: Choose a soft-bristled baby brush or a wide-toothed comb to prevent snagging and pulling.
Trim When Needed: If your baby’s hair gets in their eyes or becomes difficult to manage, a trim can be helpful. Choose a time when your baby is well-rested and fed, and use toys or distractions to keep them content during the process.

Whether your baby is born with a lot of hair or very little, remember that their hair journey is just beginning, and changes are to be expected. Enjoy this precious newborn stage, take plenty of photos, and shower your baby with love and affection. In the years to come, you’ll both cherish the memories of their ever-changing baby hair – or lack thereof!

Originally written by the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect adheres to strict reporting guidelines and relies on credible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, academic institutions, and respected health organizations. For more information, please refer to our medical review and editorial policy.

References

Cleveland Clinic. Fetal Development. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/fetal-development/fetal-hair-skin-nails/
Seattle Children’s. Hair Loss. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/hair-loss/
American Academy of Pediatrics. Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Children. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Hair-Loss-Alopecia.aspx
National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6887895/
National Institute of Health, MedLine Plus. Is hair color determined by genetics? https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/haircolor/
American Academy of Pediatrics. Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx
American Academy of Dermatologists. 10 Hair Care Habits That Can Damage Your Hair. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/habits-that-damage-hair
Mayo Clinic. Baby bath basics: A parent’s guide. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/baby-bath/art-20045741