Why Does My Baby Have So Much Hair on His Head?
A baby's hair growth is primarily determined by genetics. The hair follicles your baby has are developed while still in the womb, forming a pattern that will generally persist throughout life. The amount of hair present at birth can vary greatly, with some babies born with a full head of hair and others with very little.
Several factors influence the amount of hair a baby is born with:
- Genetics: Family history plays a significant role. If parents or other family members had a lot of hair as infants, the baby is more likely to have a similar amount.
- Hormones: Hormonal levels during pregnancy can also affect hair growth.
- Follicle Development: Babies are born with all the hair follicles they will ever have. The number of active follicles and their growth rate determine hair density. 23andme.com
While some babies might shed some of their initial hair, the underlying pattern of hair follicles remains consistent. The hair present at birth is often a temporary "baby hair" which may fall out and be replaced later. Seattlechildrens.org
Lanugo and Newborn Hair
It's important to differentiate between lanugo and a baby's hair. Lanugo is a fine, downy hair covering a fetus in the womb for warmth and protection. Most babies shed their lanugo before birth, but some traces may remain. My.ClevelandClinic.org
The hair you see on your baby's head is different from lanugo; it is formed from the hair follicles developed during pregnancy and will contribute to the baby's hair pattern.
The Timeline of Hair Growth
The hair a baby is born with is generally the hair pattern they will have. The amount of hair at birth is not an indicator of future hair growth or hair loss. WebMD
