It is normal for mothers to worry about their baby, especially when they notice something changing—particularly when their little one is losing hair. But baby hair loss is a natural biological process that happens within the first six months. Many doubts and questions arise at this time: Why does this happen? Can washing and brushing the hair cause hair loss? When is hair loss not normal? When should I be worried and consult a doctor? The most important thing in this case is to stay calm and understand why baby hair loss occurs.
Baby Hair Shedding
This process happens because of the maternal hormone passed to the baby before birth; right after birth, hormone levels tend to drop, which is why baby hair loss occurs. This hair shedding happens between the baby’s third to fourth month of life, and can last up to six months. Some babies may lose almost all of their hair, but there is no reason to worry at this stage, as the hair will grow back. Therefore, all babies lose hair in their first months of life. The process of hair loss can last up to six months, and the whole process can happen up to the age of two years, which is when the hair strands are replaced. This replacement happens in different areas of the baby’s head—some may lose hair at the nape, others on the sides of the head, or wherever there are bald patches on the scalp. At this stage, the hair that grows back may have different textures—the strand may come in thicker, thinner, straight, or curly, all depending on family genetics.
Causes of Baby Hair Loss
Hair loss can happen for several reasons, one of them being the phase when the child stops breastfeeding and starts eating other nutrients. This transition in diet can cause the baby to lack some important vitamins for their health. Another very serious problem is the use of products that are not appropriate for the child’s age group. In the first months of life, some shampoos should not be used. The best option is to use baby-specific soap, and it is always good to follow the pediatrician’s advice to choose the right product. Up to three years of age, the most recommended products are those from the baby line, after three years old, the children’s line (kids). It is important that all products have a neutral pH and are hypoallergenic, that is, products that do not cause allergies. Another cause is trichotillomania, a serious hair loss disorder that needs treatment—children have a habit of pulling their hair, which can lead to baldness. Treatment is based on medication along with psychological consultations1.
Baby Hair Cycle
Hair forms as the fetus develops, consisting of five million hair follicles present throughout the child’s body, but only one hundred thousand make up the scalp, and that is where the hair appears. The number of follicles remains the same throughout life, but new hairs appear every day according to the growth cycle phases2. The hair cycle has three phases: growth, rest, and shedding. It is normal in newborns for the hair follicles to all enter the rest phase at the same time, causing a gradual baldness. Another issue that causes hair loss—creating bald patches at the back or side of the baby’s head—occurs when the baby is left in the same position for sleeping. That is why it is recommended that mothers regularly change their baby’s sleeping position.
Taking Care of Baby’s Hair
The newborn has a downy fuzz on their head, and at this time it is advised not to wash it with shampoo. It’s important to be careful, and shampoo should only be used when the hair becomes thicker. As for washing and brushing your baby’s hair—depending on how it is done, it can indeed speed up hair loss, especially in the resting phase when hair loss is more pronounced. Be gentle during washing and drying, as baby hair is very fine. Another very important tip to prevent baby hair loss is to avoid putting your baby to bed with wet hair, as this can cause hair breakage and loss.
When Is Baby Hair Loss Not Normal?
Hair loss is very intense until about six months, but any hair loss that continues excessively after this period should make parents alert and seek a pediatrician, as the child may have a nutritional deficiency or some endocrine disorder. The lack of certain nutrients ends up causing hair loss, such as deficiencies in iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin B123. Thyroid problems and alopecia areata (hair loss) can occur—its cause is still unknown, and the immune system ends up attacking and destroying the structure where the hair would grow. Both conditions have genetic factors and can happen to anyone; in the case of alopecia areata it is a skin disorder related to psychological factors, where stress or trauma may trigger the disease and subsequent hair loss. The recommended treatment for thyroid disorder is hormone replacement, while for nutritional deficiencies, vitamin supplements are suggested. For alopecia treatment, in addition to medication, psychological support is advisable. See also: How to Tell if Your Baby’s Hair Will Be Straight, Curly, or Coily? Photo: pxhere
