How to care for your baby’s hair

Among the list of things that come with caring for a new baby, the question of “what do I do with their hair?” comes up very often. And I get it, newborn hair can be…confusing. There could be bald patches, extremely thin hair, a compromised looking hair line. We’re going to discuss what you should and shouldn’t do for your newborn’s hair, and how the hair routine can change as they go into their toddler years.

Hair follicles develop at week 14/15 of pregnancy

So even if your baby is bald at birth, there no reason to fret. The follicles are developing and you’ll see those strands appear in no time. 

Why does newborn hair shed?

Regardless of if your baby was born with tufts of hair or barely-there hair, there is a high chance they will experience shedding. This is common and a normal physiological response to birth. Some link it to the plummeting pregnancy hormones leaving your baby.

“How do I take care of my newborn’s hair?”

Newborn hair is fragile, so the key is to be gentle, here is a good hair routine for newborns:

1. Gently clean the scalp: Use a soft cloth or baby brush to clean your baby's scalp. You can use plain water or a mild baby shampoo to avoid scalp irritation.
   
   
2. Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like adult shampoos, hair dyes, or relaxers that can be harmful to your baby's delicate skin.
   
   
3. Keep it dry: After washing, make sure to dry your baby's hair and scalp thoroughly. Wet hair can cause skin irritation and promote the growth of fungi.
   
   
4. Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles or hair accessories that can pull or tug on your baby's hair. This can cause scalp irritation and hair breakage.

 And what about a Toddler’s hair care routine?

Still fragile, but you can add some extra steps to take care of their developing hair

1. Wash hair regularly: Washing your toddler's hair once or twice a week with a mild shampoo can keep their hair clean and healthy.
   
   
2. Brushing: Use a soft brush to detangle your toddler's hair gently. Brushing their hair daily can help distribute the natural oils throughout their hair and promote healthy hair growth.
   
   
3. Conditioning: A conditioner can make your toddler's hair smooth and easy to manage. Choose a conditioner that is specifically formulated for children.
   
   
4. Avoid heat styling: Avoid using heat styling tools like hair dryers or straighteners on your toddler's hair. The heat can damage their hair, and their scalp is more sensitive to heat.
   
   
5. Trim the hair: Regular hair trims can keep your toddler's hair healthy and prevent split ends. It also helps to maintain the hair's length and shape.

And finally...

Taking care of your child’s hair means implementing a routine whereby you allow their hair to grow how it needs to grow. Don’t overcomplicate it by applying extra treatments because it’s not needed. Just know that their hair is extra fragile given their age, so keep the routine simple and gentle.

References

Subramanyan K. Role of mild cleansing in the management of patient skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2006 Sep 1;11(1):21-7. doi: 10.1038/sj.jidsymp.5650014. PMID: 16912687.

Kaliyadan F, Nambiar A, Vijayaraghavan S. Pediatric Hair Disorders: An Insight. International Journal of Trichology. 2013;5(1):3-12. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.114702.

McMichael AJ. Hair breakage in normal and weathered hair: focus on the black patient. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2009 Jul;2(7):46-51. PMID: 20729902.