Newborn hair's softness is primarily due to the unique characteristics of the hair itself and its lack of exposure to external factors that can damage it over time. Before birth, a fetus is covered in a fine, downy hair called lanugo. This lanugo is incredibly soft and unpigmented. Once born, the lanugo often falls off, replaced by the baby's "true" hair which also tends to be soft due to its lack of exposure to harsh chemicals, heat styling, and environmental damage. Children's hair also tends to lack a fully developed medulla, the hair's inner core, contributing to its softness.
Factors Contributing to Newborn Hair Softness:
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Lanugo: The fine, downy hair covering the fetus in the womb is incredibly soft and contributes to the initial softness of a newborn's hair. (Source: While in utero, your baby's hair follicles produce a soft, thick hair called lanugo. This unpigmented hair begins to appear at five months of gestation and grows all over your child's body as well as her head. )
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Lack of Medulla: Children's hair often lacks a fully formed medulla, the central core of the hair shaft. This absence contributes to a finer, softer hair texture. (Source: I've read that childrens' hair doesn't yet have a medulla - the inner core of hair that makes hair thicker. That's why their hair is so soft and...)
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Untreated Hair: Newborn hair hasn't been exposed to harsh chemicals, heat styling, or prolonged sun exposure, all of which can damage and roughen hair over time. (Source: When hair is still in its virgin state (no chemicals), it does tend to be softer, especially if the texture is naturally fine without curls and...)
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Natural Hair Properties: The overall structure and composition of a baby's hair itself contributes to the softness. This includes the natural oils and hydration levels. (Source: My baby's hair is so soft and light it sticks up in full Mohawk even...)
Differences in Hair Texture:
It's important to note that the texture of a newborn's hair can vary greatly, influenced by genetics and other factors. Some newborns have abundant, soft hair, while others have little to none. This variation is completely normal. (Source: Newborn Hair: Everywhere or Barely There, It's All Normal)
