Are Kids Born With Hair?
Yes, but the amount varies greatly. Some babies are born with a full head of hair, while others are born completely bald. Many babies fall somewhere in between. The amount of hair a baby is born with is influenced by genetics.
Babies exhibit a wide range of hair growth at birth. This is perfectly normal.
- Full Head of Hair: Some infants arrive with a surprisingly abundant head of hair. This doesn't predict future hair thickness or patterns.
- Bald: It's equally common for babies to be born with little to no hair. Hair growth will usually start later.
- Somewhere in Between: The majority of babies have a moderate amount of hair at birth, varying in thickness and darkness.
Lanugo: The Fetus's Hairy Coat
During fetal development, babies are covered in a fine, downy hair called lanugo. This hair serves to protect and insulate the developing fetus. Much of the lanugo is shed before birth, but some newborns may retain traces, especially premature babies. Learn more about lanugo.
Hair Loss After Birth
It's common for newborns to experience some hair loss in the first few months of life. This is often most noticeable on the back of the head. The hair that a baby is born with is often replaced by new hair later. Read about newborn hair loss here. Some babies born with lots of hair will retain this hair, while others may experience a significant amount of shedding. See a discussion about this on Reddit.
Factors Influencing Hair Growth
While the exact reasons are not fully understood, genetics are a major factor determining the amount of hair a baby is born with and the subsequent hair growth patterns.
Timeline for Hair Growth
Most babies will have a full head of hair by their first birthday. There is a natural range of variability to consider. Learn more about when your bald baby will grow hair.
