Have you ever noticed how some babies are born with thick hair, while others hardly have any? If you’re a new parent, you might be curious about your baby’s hair. It can change a lot in the first few years of their life! One of the things that might surprise you is that many newborns lose their hair. But why does this happen, and when can you expect it? Let’s explore!
Newborn Hair: What’s Normal?
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When babies are born, they often have a full head of hair. This hair is usually very soft and can be a variety of colors. Some babies have lots of hair, while others might have just a few strands. Either way is perfectly normal!
But did you know that many babies will lose some or even all of this hair? It’s true! This is a normal part of a baby’s development, so there’s no need to worry. It might be surprising, but it happens to a lot of babies.
Why Do Newborns Lose Their Hair?
The hair we have when we’re born is different than the hair we grow as we get older. It’s called “neonatal hair,” and it’s often softer and thinner than the hair that grows in later.
Neonatal hair is meant to protect the baby while it’s inside the mother’s womb. But once the baby is born, they don’t need this hair anymore. So, it starts to fall out. This usually happens when the baby is around two to three months old.
As the neonatal hair falls out, new hair starts to grow in. This new hair is often darker and thicker than the neonatal hair. Sometimes, babies who were born with a lot of hair will appear to go bald before their new hair grows in!
What Determines the Hair Loss?
A baby’s hair growth and loss are tied to their growth cycle. Just like adults, babies have hair growth cycles, too. But their cycles are a little different than ours. Babies’ hair goes through a resting phase, where it stops growing, sooner than adult hair.
When the hair goes into this resting phase, it can start to fall out. This usually happens around two to three months after the baby is born. But remember, every baby is different! Some might lose their hair earlier, while others might lose it later.
What About Hair Color and Texture?
Something else that might surprise you is that a baby’s hair color and texture can change as they grow. For example, a baby who is born with straight, blond hair might end up with curly, brown hair as they get older!
This change is caused by the genes that the baby gets from their parents. Just like how we get our eye color from our parents, we also get our hair color and texture from them. But sometimes, these genes don’t show up right away. They might take a few years to appear, which is why a baby’s hair can change so much!
Wrapping Up
So, when do newborns lose their hair? The answer can vary, but most babies start losing their hair around two to three months old. It’s a normal part of a baby’s development, so there’s no need to worry if you notice your baby’s hair falling out.
Remember, every baby is unique and may not follow the exact timeline. Whether your baby has a lot of hair or just a little, whether it’s curly or straight, dark or light – it’s all perfectly normal! Each baby’s hair growth journey is unique and special, just like them.
