Yes, babies can get less hairy, particularly on their heads, soon after birth.
Baby Hair Loss: What To Expect
Many parents notice that their newborn's hair, whether a full head or just a bit of fuzz, can change. This is completely normal and is often due to hormone fluctuations. According to Dr. Rambhatla, babies may lose some or all of the hair on their heads due to a natural drop in hormones. This is because the hormones that babies receive from their mothers during pregnancy begin to decrease around 3 months of age.
Key Points About Baby Hair Loss:
- Hormonal Changes: The main reason for hair loss in babies is the reduction of maternal hormones in their system.
- Timing: This hair loss typically starts around 3 months of age.
- Temporary: Importantly, this hair loss is temporary. The hair will typically grow back within a few weeks.
Why Does Baby Hair Change?
Here is a simple breakdown:
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Initial Hair Growth | Babies can be born with a full head of hair or just a few strands. |
| Hormone Influence | During pregnancy, babies receive hormones from their mothers that influence hair growth. |
| Hormone Drop | Around 3 months, these maternal hormones decrease, leading to potential hair loss. |
| Re-growth | The hair will grow back eventually, and may have a different texture or color. |
Hair Loss Beyond the Head
While head hair loss is common, babies might also lose some of the fine hair covering their bodies (lanugo). This usually happens shortly after birth and is replaced by vellus hair, the fine hair that adults also have.
What Should Parents Do?
It's normal to be concerned when your baby's hair falls out, but it's rarely a sign of a problem. Just remember:
- Be Patient: The hair will grow back.
- Avoid Over-Care: Avoid over-washing the scalp.
- Consult a Doctor: If you have specific concerns or if hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms, then you should consult your pediatrician.
In conclusion, babies do often experience hair changes and can get less hairy, specifically in their first few months of life, primarily due to hormonal shifts.
