Many first-time parents may be alarmed at their baby’s hair falling out, and the first thing you need to know is that this is a natural process. At what age does baby hair fall out? Shedding in infants usually occurs up to 6 months of age and involves three phases known as: growth, rest, and shedding1. In newborns, hair follicles tend to enter the resting phase at the same time, which causes gradual baldness, but there’s no need to worry; this sudden hair loss is linked to hormonal factors. Before birth, the child had a high concentration of sex hormones from the mother, and after birth, the levels of these hormones drop and the loss of hair strands is also a consequence of this process. The patches that appear on the baby’s scalp can also be related to the baby’s head rubbing against the mattress or pillow. Sleeping in the same position can also cause localized hair loss. Although much is said about hair loss in babies up to six months of age, many experts point out that a complete hair change can occur up to 2 years of age, when finer hair is replaced by longer and thicker strands.
IMPORTANT: Even though shedding is common up to six months of age, it’s vital for parents to pay attention if hair loss continues after this phase, and it’s always important to report anything unusual to your pediatrician.
And What If the Child Becomes Completely Bald?
Many children remain bald even after their first year, and even then, you may notice a very fine fuzz that’s almost invisible from a distance. If the balding area is due to the position the baby sleeps in, the best thing to do is vary your baby’s position to minimize localized patches. Most parents who don’t know about normal hair loss in the first few months of a baby’s life may be afraid, especially when they see the amount of hair left on the child’s pillow. Very fine hair naturally detaches from the scalp, and when the baby’s hair starts to fall out, the mother should not force the loss by running her hand or a brush over the baby’s scalp too often.
What Product Should Be Used to Wash a Baby’s Hair?
Shampoos should not be used in the first months of life, and ideally, parents should follow pediatric recommendations to use the same soap on the baby’s skin and head. Choose soaps specifically made for head-to-toe baby care. Experts warn that new hair growth may happen between six months and a year and a half of age, but some babies may take even longer, and if parents are concerned, it is essential to consult a pediatrician for all necessary observations. If the child’s hair falls after the age of two, it may be related to a health problem involving vitamin deficiencies and poor diet2.
Children’s Hair – Curiosities and Concerns
It’s most common that starting from the first year, what is known as permanent hair begins to grow, usually finer and lighter, and this is due to the lower amount of pigment in childhood compared to adulthood. Only after the age of three does the production of melanin increase and hair takes on its true color and form3 (straight, curly, wavy, or coily). Whenever hair loss seems abnormal, it’s important to consider all aspects of the child’s health, especially regarding nutrition. The recommendation is that a child’s diet should be as healthy as possible, with minimal salt and preferably without refined sugar. Fruits, vegetables, and greens should be included daily after six months of age during the introduction of solid foods. Hair loss in babies is natural and shouldn’t be a cause for alarm, and even if it happens after the normal periods, the issue can be resolved with the right treatment with the pediatrician, which in most cases involves correcting the child’s diet. Also see: How to Bathe a Newborn – 3 Videos with Different Techniques Photo: reneasmussen
