You’ve
probably experienced it numerous times, the obligatory, “I think the baby looks
like…” statement by friends and family members after your baby was born. Your
baby’s facial features are certainly going to change quickly; their hair color
and even the style (straight, curly, wavy, etc) will also change over their
first few years of life.
Hair growth
is determined very early in pregnancy. During
the first trimester, around the 10th week of gestation, hair follicles
appear on the scalp. And, by 18-20 weeks gestation, your baby’s entire scalp is
covered in hair follicles that will set their hair pattern.
· Fun fact: No new hair follicles are formed after
birth.
Hair growth
occurs from the forehead to the back of the neck during gestation. Typically,
babies will often have more hair on the front and sides of their head when they
are born. This hair will often fall out
earlier while hair on the back of the head will typically fall out by 8-12
weeks of life.
· Newborn hair is replaced by more maturing,
thicker hair often by 3-7 months of age and then eventually hair will be matured
by around 2 years old.
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Don’t fret if your baby is still bald at their
first birthday. Every child is different and some take longer to start to grow
their mature head of hair.
What
determines my baby’s hair color?
Hair color
is determined by a substance called melanin. Melanin is produced by specific
cells in the body and is responsible for the color of our hair, skin, and eyes.
The color of your baby’s hair depends on the amount of melanin that is produced
which is a part of their genetic makeup. Hair color typically follows the
tendency of skin color, (i.e. darker skin, darker hair), however, like every
rule, there are exceptions. Additionally, hair color can continue to get darker
as your child goes through puberty because of an increase in melanin in
response to changes in their hormone levels.
Bald spots,
patches of different color hair, cowlicks, among others, can all be normal variations
in hair growth, even with children in the same family. Occasionally, some changes
in hair appearance aren’t able to be noticed until your child gets older and
begins to grow more mature hair.
Newborn hair
care tips:
· Babies do not need their hair washed every day.
If you use a shampoo, use only a shampoo intended for babies.
· Tight braids or headbands can damage growing
hair and should be avoided. Opt for a softer hair accessory that doesn’t pull
the hair.
Be sure to
read our article on newborn
bathing on All things pediatric.
Hair growth
or coloring products, whether “natural” or not, should never be used on a baby.
For more information on hair growth or
newborn care, please consult with your pediatrician.
Zenwise Labs began as a local business based out of Florida with one unwavering passion that drove us forward -- to provide safe, superior, and affordable supplements that could help men and women of all ages lead healthier and happier lives. Our extensive research and methodical fine-tuning resulted in a collection of wholesome products that offer balance and a better well-being to each of our cherished customers. Zenwise Hair Growth
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