There is no doubt that every baby is adorable and unique, as is their hair, whether wavy, straight, or curly. Each baby has a different hair growth pattern, and while some newborns are born with a head full of hair, others may be born with only a few wisps here and there. But this is nothing to worry about, as it’s completely normal for newborns to have less hair in the first six months of their life.
While genes may determine your baby’s skin and hair colour, and to a certain extent, their hair growth pattern, you can still try a few effective methods to give your baby’s hair the boost it needs to grow to its full potential.
Why Do Babies Shed Hair?
Your baby’s hair falls off during the first six months to make way for mature hair follicles. But don’t let their hair shedding concern you, as the hair grows back, as your baby grows older. However, if your baby shows signs of significant hair loss, even after the age of six months, then consult a paediatrician, as there could be chances of scalp infection that is blocking your baby’s hair growth.
7 Ways To Support Your Baby’s Healthy Hair Growth
Give Them Regular Coconut Oil Massage
Coconut oil plays an important role in protecting hair. It can penetrate the hair, and reduce the amount of water absorbed by the hair shaft (which is a major cause of hair damage). Applying coconut oil to your little one’s scalp on a regular basis can help in the natural distribution of the oils along the shaft and prevent hair breakage. Opt for an oil that contains cold-pressed and extra virgin coconut oil for best results. Organic coconut oil can help reduce protein loss from the hair and promote healthy hair growth.
To promote thicker and fuller hair, massage your baby’s scalp with coconut oil twice or thrice a week. This will also prevent the scalp from getting dry, and help soothe cradle cap.
Shampoo Their Hair Twice A Week
You should shampoo your baby’s hair at least twice a week to remove excess oil. Apply natural strengthening baby shampoo to your little one’s scalp and massage gently. Also, make sure that the shampoo contains organic ingredients like curry leaf oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, and aloe vera extracts to soothe your baby’s scalp, promote hair growth, and also prevent dandruff. Also, cleansing your munchkin’s scalp regularly can help get rid of dirt and oil that may be blocking the hair follicles, thus promoting faster hair growth.
Brush Your Baby’s Scalp Gently
Hair or no hair, you need to brush your baby’s scalp regularly with a soft-bristled comb. Gently brushing, combing, and massaging your baby’s scalp may help stimulate hair growth. It might also help remove dead skin cells and boost blood circulation in the scalp. Brushing also helps relax your baby, and you may even find them falling asleep midway. Brush your baby’s hair for about 5-10 minutes every day and use your fingers to gently massage their scalp.
Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is known for its wonderful benefits on skin and hair. It contains a mix of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help promote healthy hair growth. You can either use fresh aloe vera gel, or a product containing natural aloe vera gel on your little one’s scalp.
Apply the gel directly to your baby’s scalp, let it settle for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. However, make sure that the aloe vera gel does not get into your baby’s mouth or eyes. Also, conduct a patch test first to determine whether your baby is allergic to aloe vera, before applying it to your baby’s scalp.
Do Not Tie Their Hair Tightly
If your baby has curly hair, or if it falls onto their face, it could be quite a task to keep it in place. This might tempt you to tie their hair tightly into a bun or pony. However, tying your munchkin’s hair tightly might damage their hair and cause breakage.
The key is to treat their hair gently and at the same time keep it away from their face so that they remain unbothered. You may apply oil, or a baby-safe conditioner to help tame their curls and keep the hair in order. You can also use a loose hair tie or a silk headband to tie their hair lightly.
Include Nutritious Foods In Their Diet
Hair growth may be largely based on genetics, but nutrition is also an important factor that plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth in your little one. Give your child nutritious foods rich in proteins, zinc, and vitamins A, B, and D to help stimulate hair growth.
If your baby has started consuming solid foods, you may include the following foods in their diet.
- Dark, leafy green vegetables rich in vitamins and iron
- Vitamin A-rich foods such as oranges, mangoes, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots
- Beans, whole grains, and meat
- Small quantities of egg yolk and cheese
Offer Weather Protection
Like adult hair, your little one’s hair might also get damaged when exposed to sunlight and pollution. Hence, make sure to keep your baby’s scalp covered when you step out to minimise exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Don’t be too concerned if your baby loses their hair during the first six months of their life. Their hair regrowth will happen at about the same time as the development of mature hair follicles. To help your baby’s hair grow to its full potential at a speedy rate, you may follow a basic hair care routine as described above, and handle their hair with utmost care and love.
Also read:
Best baby hair oils: Learn all about the benefits of baby hair massage and the best hair oil to choose.
Tips to get rid of dandruff in babies: Does your little one suffer from dandruff often? Here are some effective tips to treat dandruff in babies and prevent their appearance in the future.
Toddler’s hair wash routine: Read this post to know effective ways to make your toddler’s hair wash routine more fun and comfortable.