Baby Hair Growth: Everything New Parents Need To Know

Is your baby experiencing hair loss or still lacking hair a while after birth? No matter how much or how little hair your infant has, you probably have questions about baby hair growth and when you can expect to see some changes in your baby’s locks.

At Mustela, we know a thing or two about babies, and we’re here to share all our knowledge on baby hair growth. From tips for reducing hair loss to the best ways to promote growth, we’ll cover it all below!

All About Baby Hair Growth

When Will Your Baby’s Hair Come In?

If your little one hasn’t been blessed with a full head of hair from birth, they’re not the only one! Many babies are born with little to no hair and may not experience much baby hair growth at all until a few months down the road.

In fact, hair growth tends to occur within the first six months of life, so you can expect to see your little one’s locks come in within that time frame.

However, if your baby is nearing their first birthday and they don’t have much hair growth, consult your doctor to ensure there are no underlying conditions you need to be aware of.

Is Baby Hair Loss Normal?

Baby taking a bath in the sink

Baby hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, might be alarming at first. Whether your little one is starting to lose a few strands or big chunks of hair are beginning to fall out, it can seem like a cause for concern.

Fortunately, most baby hair loss is completely normal! It’s usually due to a simple fluctuation in hormones or friction during sleep and is nothing more serious than that. It’s all part of your baby’s development.

However, if you notice any other symptoms accompanying your little one’s hair loss, such as scalp redness or flakiness, check with your pediatrician to rule out an infection.

When Will Your Baby’s Hair Grow Back?

After baby hair loss, you might be wondering when you should expect your little one’s hair to grow back.

Just like hair growth for babies who are born completely bald, your baby should begin to regrow their hair within just a few months as they begin to produce and stabilize their own hormones.

Why Is Your Baby’s Hair Changing Color?

Was your baby born with dark hair that’s fallen out and come back much lighter? This is actually a common occurrence, as crazy as it might seem!

It’s not unusual for babies’ hair to change color and even texture, transitioning from straight to curly or vice versa, as their little bodies adjust to new hormones.

Our advice? Don’t stress, and enjoy getting to watch the changes in your baby’s appearance!

How To Promote Baby Hair Growth

While there are no guaranteed, foolproof ways to promote baby hair growth, there are a few simple steps you can add to your little one’s hygiene routine to set them up for optimum scalp and hair health.

Brush Your Little One’s Hair Regularly

Brushing your baby’s hair regularly helps keep it smooth, soft, and knot-free. Aim to brush your little one’s hair every other day to help encourage new growth.

Be sure to use a baby brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging their scalp and whatever amount of hair they currently have. It’s also best to limit styling your baby’s hair because hair ties, bows, and clips can pull at their delicate strands.

Massage Your Baby’s Scalp

Parent using baby oil to promote baby hair growth

If you’ve ever had a scalp massage at the hair salon, you know just how calming and relaxing it can feel. But did you know a scalp massage can also help stimulate hair growth?

Scalp massage generates blood flow to your little one’s scalp, which, in turn, can stretch the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

To implement a scalp massage into your baby’s bathtime or bedtime routine, set your little one on a towel to catch any excess product, and use our natural Baby Oil to gently massage their head with your hands. Our oil also adds vital moisture to your little one’s scalp.

You can easily turn this bonding experience into a full-body massage to promote relaxation before bedtime, and this technique can even be used to increase your little one’s motor skills and range of motion.

Dry Your Baby’s Hair With A Soft Towel

After bathtime, it’s best to dry your baby’s hair with a towel that has been specially designed to be gentle on your little one’s scalp.

It’s important to avoid rubbing your baby’s hair as this can lead to hair loss. Simply stroke their hair toward their face or pat dry their scalp. When it comes to promoting baby hair growth, being gentle is always best!

How To Care For Your Baby’s Hair

Baby in a bath going to get his hair washed

Whether you’re trying to promote baby hair growth or simply wanting to keep your little one’s skin and scalp happy and healthy, our baby hair care tips are easy to include in your regular routine.

Use Gentle Products

Using natural, gentle skin and hair care products is important, particularly if your baby has dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. Products that contain harsh chemicals can irritate your baby’s delicate skin, which can lead to further issues such as hair loss.

Look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and contain naturally derived ingredients safe for little ones. (For products that check all the boxes, Mustela is your new best friend!)

If your baby has normal skin, our Foam Shampoo for Newborns is all you need to keep their scalp and hair healthy. Our shampoo gently exfoliates to cleanse your baby’s head while minimizing cradle cap flakes.

For those with more sensitive skin, our Stelatopia Foam Shampoo is the way to go. Formulated for dry, eczema-prone skin, our stelatopia shampoo works to protect and hydrate your baby’s scalp while keeping it fresh and clean.

We also recommend our Certified Organic Cleansing Gel with Olive Oil and Aloe. This sulfate-free, Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified wash can be used for your little one’s hair and body.

Sticking to gentle, baby-specific products will help ensure your little one’s hair is cared for in the most natural way possible, reducing the risk of skin and scalp irritation.

Don’t Wash Your Baby’s Hair Every Day

Parent washing baby's hair

Yes, you read that right — your little one doesn’t need their hair washed every day!

To reduce baby hair loss and keep your baby’s scalp hydrated, you only need to wash their hair every couple of days. Over-washing can result in valuable oils being stripped from your little one’s scalp and lead to irritation, so it’s best to keep your routine simple.

Keep Tangles At Bay

As your baby’s hair begins to grow, you may have a new set of challenges to deal with — namely, keeping their mane free from tangles.

There is, however, an art to detangling your little one’s hair and making the process as pain-free as possible. Start by cleansing your baby’s hair with a gentle shampoo followed by a detangling spray or conditioner to smooth things out.

When it comes time to brush or comb through their hair, be gentle and find ways to keep them busy while you brush. Focus on one section of hair at a time, and be sure to comb through the ends before working your way up to the roots.

While you’re at it, try our Skin Freshener, which can be used to both refresh your little one’s skin and style their hair.

Optimize Baby Hair Growth With Mustela

Child washing hair to promote baby hair growth

When it comes to baby hair growth, it’s all about looking after your little one’s skin and scalp by maintaining a regular hygiene routine. By following the tips in this guide, you’re setting your baby up for hair growth success!

For best results, try to avoid washing your little one’s hair more than two to three times per week, and keep their hair free from tangles.

Remember to always use gentle products, like a baby hairbrush, soft towel, and shampoo such as our Foam Shampoo for Newborns. You can also indulge in scalp massage using our Baby Oiai to help stimulate baby hair growth.

Healthy baby hair, here we come!