The Mystery Of Newborn Hair Loss Explained

is iit normal for newborn to lose top head hair

It is perfectly normal for newborns to lose their hair in the first few months of their lives. This hair loss is called alopecia and can be triggered by various factors, such as hormones, sleeping position, and friction from surfaces like crib mattresses. Newborns are born with hair follicles that will be present throughout their lifetime, and the hair that falls out is usually replaced by permanent hair within a year. While hair regrowth may vary, parents can minimise hair loss by reducing friction on the baby's scalp and treating their scalp and hair gently.

Characteristics Values
Normal? Yes
Timeframe First 6 months of life
Peak 3 months
Cause Fluctuating hormone levels, friction from sleeping position
Regrowth Within the first year
Treatment None required

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Newborn hair loss is normal and temporary

It is perfectly normal for a newborn baby to lose some or all of their hair in the first few months of their life. This type of hair loss is called alopecia and is triggered by a drop in hormone levels after birth. It is very rare for infant hair loss to be associated with any medical problem.

Signs of normal hair loss

Most hair loss happens in the first six months of life, peaking at about three months. Signs of normal hair loss include:

  • Finding loose strands of hair in your hand after stroking your baby's head
  • Finding hair in the bath or on a towel after washing your baby's hair
  • Finding hair in places where your baby rests their head, such as in their crib or stroller

Causes of baby hair loss

Most causes of baby hair loss are harmless and include:

  • Hormones: Hormone levels are high in the womb but drop significantly at birth, triggering hair loss.
  • Friction: Your baby may lose hair on the back of their scalp due to hair rubbing against hard surfaces like crib mattresses, strollers, and playpens.
  • Cradle cap: Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition that causes crusty, scaly patches on the scalp. It is not painful, itchy, or contagious, and it does not directly cause hair loss. However, in an attempt to remove the stubborn scales, you may accidentally pull out some hair strands.

Regrowth

Your baby's hair will regrow and should be back to normal by their first birthday. The new hair may be a different colour and texture from their original hair.

What to do if your baby is losing hair

There is very little you can do to prevent hair loss in newborns. However, you can minimise it by:

  • Encouraging tummy time: This gives the back of your baby's head a rest from friction and is essential for their overall health and physical development.
  • Treating your baby's scalp gently: Use a soft baby brush, only comb hair once every other day, and avoid styling your baby's hair or using hairdryers.
  • Not washing your baby's hair every day: Even gentle washing can accelerate hair loss. When you do wash your baby's hair, use a baby-formulated shampoo and be extra gentle.

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It happens in the first six months

Baby hair loss is a perfectly normal occurrence in the first few months of a newborn's life and is usually nothing to worry about. It is caused by various factors, including fluctuating hormone levels, sleeping positions, and friction from surfaces like crib mattresses and strollers. This type of hair loss, called alopecia, typically occurs during the first six months after birth, with hair regrowth beginning around six to twelve months.

  • Hair in the crib, stroller, or places where the baby rests their head.
  • Loose strands of hair in your hand after caressing the baby's head.
  • Hair in the bath or on the towel after drying them off.
  • Hair left in a hat, especially during winter.

It is important to note that normal baby hair loss will not cause any discomfort to the baby. They won't even feel it happening!

If you notice patchy bald spots with red, flaky scales, isolated smooth bald areas, or other skin rashes on the baby's scalp, it is best to consult a pediatrician. Additionally, observe the way your baby sits and sleeps. If they tend to stay in the same position for extended periods, try alternating their sleeping positions to reduce friction-related hair loss.

Encouraging tummy time can also help minimize hair loss and is beneficial for the baby's overall health and physical development. During tummy time, babies work on lifting their heads, turning their necks, and interacting with their surroundings.

To summarize, baby hair loss during the first six months is a typical part of a newborn's development. While it may be concerning for parents, it is often a natural result of fluctuating hormone levels and typically resolves within the first year, with hair regrowing in a potentially different texture and color.

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It's caused by hormones and sleeping position

It is perfectly normal for newborn babies to lose their hair in the first few months of life. This hair loss is called alopecia and is triggered by various factors, from hormones to sleeping position.

Hormones

Hormone levels are high in the womb, but they drop significantly after birth. This dramatic shift leads to hair loss and slows down hair growth.

Sleeping position

Babies often lose hair on the back of their scalps due to hair rubbing against hard surfaces such as crib mattresses, strollers, and playpens. This type of hair loss is called neonatal occipital alopecia or friction alopecia. It usually starts to fill in when babies can roll over, typically by the end of the seventh month.

To minimise hair loss caused by sleeping position, you can try alternating the way your baby sleeps during naps and at night. For example, if you usually put your baby to sleep with their head at one end of the crib, try putting them down with their head at the other end every other night.

Other causes

Other factors that may contribute to hair loss include:

  • Cradle cap: a common and harmless skin condition that causes crusty, scaly, and sometimes oily patches on the scalp. It is not painful, itchy, or contagious, and it does not directly cause hair loss. However, attempts to remove the scales may inadvertently remove some hair strands.
  • Ringworm (tinea capitis): a fungal infection that may cause hair loss and a red, scaly, ring-like rash on the scalp. It is highly contagious and usually does not affect children under the age of two.
  • Alopecia areata: a rare condition in infants, caused by the immune system attacking and destroying healthy hair cells.

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Hair regrowth can take up to 12 weeks

Newborns often lose some or all of their hair during the first six months of their lives. This type of hair loss is called alopecia, and it is caused by fluctuating hormone levels after birth. The hair usually grows back within a year, but the hair regrowth cycle can take up to 12 weeks for healthy babies.

There are a few things that can be done to support a newborn's hair growth during this time. Using a gentle shampoo designed for babies and only washing their hair two to three times a week can help prevent dryness and infant baldness. It is also important to use a soft-bristled brush and be gentle when brushing or combing the hair. In addition, avoiding tight hairstyles and hair accessories can help prevent hair breakage. Finally, practicing tummy time and giving the baby a scalp massage can also promote hair growth.

It is important to mention that newborn hair loss is normal and usually nothing to worry about. However, if you notice any bald patches or skin rashes on the scalp, it is best to consult a pediatrician.

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How to care for baby's hair

How to Care for Your Baby's Hair

Washing

It is recommended to wash your baby's hair once or twice a week, increasing to two or three times if you notice your baby's hair becoming oily. Daily washing can strip natural oils from your baby's hair and scalp, causing dryness and infant baldness. When washing your baby's hair, use a soft washcloth and a gentle tear-free shampoo. Avoid massaging your baby's scalp too briskly, as this can irritate their delicate hair follicles.

Products

When it comes to hair products, less is more. Baby hair is sensitive in the first year of life, so opt for products with natural ingredients and as few ingredients as possible. Check with your doctor, but generally, the safest products tend to be edible, such as olive, almond, or jojoba oil, which can moisturize the hair and scalp.

Brushing and Combing

Use gentle strokes with a soft baby brush or a wide-toothed comb on wet hair to avoid snagging or pulling. You can also use your fingers to detangle your baby's hair, which can help to keep their natural curl pattern.

Styling

Avoid styles that pull too tightly on the hair, such as cornrows and braids, as these may cause hair breakage. Accessories like soft headbands, hairbands, and clips can be used occasionally, but be mindful of over-styling, as this can lead to hair and scalp issues.

Sleep

Use a satin fitted sheet over the crib mattress to prevent dryness and breakage caused by friction from the cotton fabric. Do not use satin pillows, as these are not safe for babies.

Tummy Time

Practising tummy time can help to counter newborn hair loss by giving the back of the head a break from lying on a firm surface. Aim for at least 30 minutes of tummy time per day, always under adult supervision.

Cradle Cap

Proactively treat cradle cap by massaging mineral or olive oil into your baby's scalp for about 10 minutes, then gently scrubbing the scalp while shampooing with a soft toothbrush or a hairbrush designed for cradle cap.

Diet

If your baby is at least six months old and eating solid foods, feed them a healthy, balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, and protein to promote thicker, fuller hair.

Haircut

There is no right or wrong time for your baby's first haircut, but it may be beneficial to wait until they are at least one year old so that their hair has more time to grow, and they can sit up and support their head during the process.

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