Some babies are born with a thick head of hair, so much so that these hairs can be visible even on an ultrasound. Others have soft fluff, and still others are born bald. When hair starts to grow, why does a newborn's hair fall out, and what is lanugo? Let's look at all the facts that parents should know about their baby's hair.

When baby's hair starts to grow

The first hair follicles, from which hair grows, are formed in the baby in the womb - by the third month of pregnancy. They first appear on the eyebrows, lower lip and chin. Only then, by the end of the fifth month, follicles will appear all over the baby’s body - from head to legs. Around the end of the sixth month of pregnancy, they will be fully formed. By the way, throughout life the number of hair follicles will not change.

The first hairs appear on the baby’s body at about 5-6 months of pregnancy. They even have their own name - lanugo. Thin, long and almost unpigmented, they cover the entire body of the child. These primary hairs fall out a month before birth, and others grow to replace them: denser and coarser ones on the head and eyebrows, short vellus hairs throughout the body.

Sometimes babies are born with lanugo - noticeablehair on the back, face, tailbone or shoulders. In about a third of newborns, the first hair does not fall out before birth; in premature babies, this risk is slightly higher. But there is nothing wrong with lanugo - such hair will fall out on its own within a few weeks.

By the way, many have probably heard the sign: if a pregnant woman suffers from heartburn, it means the baby is growing hair. Surprisingly, it is partly true. Scientists have found that the cause of heartburn in the second trimester of pregnancy can be an increase in the level of the progestogen hormone. It also affects the baby’s hair, stimulating its growth.

A baby's hair loss is normal?

Even babies born without lanugo will begin to lose hair over time, and this is normal. Parents begin to notice uneven hair loss in the child in the second month of life, while it will reach its peak by 3-4 months after birth. By the way, around the same time, the baby’s mother may also experience noticeable hair loss.

It's all about reducing the amount of hormones, which after childbirth decreases in both mother and child. Even at this moment, a change in the phase of hair growth occurs: when a new growth cycle begins, the old hair falls out.

Most often, new hair will grow back in about 12 weeks, but sometimes it happens earlier or later. The range from 6 to 18 months is considered normal - at this time denser and more pigmented hair appears on the baby’s body.

If the hair does not begin to grow by the second year of life, is actively falling out, or uneven bald spots with red edges appear on the baby’s head, other rashes are a reason to consult a doctor.

What kind of crusts appear on a child’s head?

Many children develop milky crusts on their heads (seborrheic dermatitis) - flaky spots on the scalp. It is believed that the appearance of such crusts is caused by active division of epidermal cells and the secretion of sebaceous secretions. This condition does not cause pain or anxiety.

Most often, milk crusts appear on the crown and fontanel by three months of life. Many parents use baby oils to soften the crusts, and after washing, perform a gentle massage with a comb or towel to comb through them. However, it is better to discuss caring for your child's sensitive skin with your pediatrician.

Is it necessary to cut a child's head hair per year

A popular myth, to which many of us have probably fallen victim, says: in order for a child’s hair to be thick and dense, he needs to be cut bald every year. However, shaving will not affect the baby's hair, and here's why.

The thickness and density of hair is determined by the number of hair follicles that form in the womb and genetics. Shaving will not change in any way what is already given by nature. After some time after shaving, it may seem that there is an effect. However, it is associated precisely with the natural renewal of hair, when thin vellus hairs are replaced by denser and thicker hairs - this will happen without shaving.

How to care for your child's hair

Baby’s delicate hair needs appropriate care.

• • Choose special baby shampoos marked 0+ and with a neutral pH balance so as not to harm the baby’s skin.
  • Washing your hair, like your whole body, should not be done too often - a couple of times a week or even less often will be enough.
    
    
  • Wipe your baby's head with a towel using blotting movements - soft and gentle.
    
    
  • Give preference to natural brushes with soft bristles or combs with sparse teeth.
    
    
  • You should comb hair that is already dry, holding it so as not to pull the scalp.
    
    
  • Cute baby hairstyles bring a lot of pleasure to parents, but some hairpins and elastic bands can damage the hair. Try to avoid rubber bands that are too hard.

Even after your baby's hair has grown out, the color may soon change and the baby's cute curls will disappear. The thing is that hair actively changes in the first five years of life due to hormonal levels. For example, hormones affect the distribution of melanin, which is responsible for hair color. This means that in the first years of life, the baby may well surprise his parents with a changed hair shade.