WHY YOUR BABYS HAIR FALL AND HOW TO PREVENT IT.

WHY IS MY BABYS HAIR FALLING? (PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HAIR LOSS IN BABIES)

Hair has a growth stage and a resting stage. During the resting stage, the hair remains in the follicle until new hair starts to grow.

As we get older, about 5-15% of hair on the scalp is typically in the resting phase at any one time, but stress, fever, or a hormonal change can cause a large number of hairs to stop growing all at once.

Because a newborn's hormone levels fluctuate significantly right after birth, it may cause them to lose the hair they were born with. Their body is processing out their mother’s hormones and replacing them with something more suitable 87OSTLY?

Most infants will lose some or all of their hair in the first six months after they’re born.

There’s no set schedule, so it could happen right away after they come home from the hospital, or it could hold off until they’re rolling from their back to their tummy and sitting up on their own.

Fortunately, most babies will regrow their hair completely by the time they turn one. Even if they start losing their hair at six months old, everything will likely be back to normal in another six months

 SIGNS OF HAIR LOSS

Some signs that will show that natural baby hair loss is occurring:

Baldness on the areas of the head where hairs are falling off from.

Hair in your little one’s crib, stroller, or any place where they rest their head

Loose strands of hair in your hand after you caress your baby’s head 

Hair in the bath or on the towel you use to dry them off

Hair leftover in a hat after you take it off (especially noticeable during the winter)

If these are the only signs you see, there’s no need to worry — your newborn is just going through a new stage in their development.

If your little one starts to act differently around the same time you notice the hair loss, visit your pediatrician to be on a safe side.

HOW YOUR BABYS HAIR REGROW

Yes, your little one’s hair will regrow, so, again, there’s no need to panic.

In some newborns, the process happens slowly so that losing hair and growing new hair happen at the same time. While you may notice hair in your hand or in their crib, you may not see a significant difference in the look of your little one’s hair.

In other babies, the process happens quickly, and your newborn may go completely bald in a matter of days.

Both situations are normal, and the hair will come back in the weeks and months to follow. Don’t be surprised, though, if the new hair looks different than the hair they were born with. It’s not uncommon for your baby’s locks to change completely after this initial hair loss.

When your little one’s hormone levels stabilize, their hair may be blonde even though it started out as brown. It may go from curly to straight or from thick to thin. The end result depends on your baby’s genes and the new hormones they produce as they grow.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BABYS HAIR STARTS FALLING OFF.

Keep in mind that your baby is losing hair as a result of a natural process that’s occurring inside their body, which means that there’s very little you can do to prevent the situation.

You can, however, help to minimize it by following these simple suggestions.

There’s really nothing you can do to stimulate regrowth, but if you suspect a medical condition like ringworm or alopecia areata, see your doctor for help with a diagnosis and treatment options and to prevent further hair loss. 

You may be able to help reduce hair loss from friction by giving your baby more tummy time— but always put them to sleep on their backs until they turn 1 and they can reliably roll over (from back to stomach and stomach to back) by themselves.

Baby hair care tips

Whether there’s a lot or a little, here’s the best way to care for your baby’s hair:

• Use a mild shampoo made for babies. It’s less irritating to a newborn scalp.
• Don’t overdo it. According to the AAP, you only need to suds up your baby’s scalp 2 to 3 times a week. Anything more and you risk drying out the scalp.
• Don’t scrub. Take a washcloth wet with shampoo and gently massage it over your baby’s head.
• Use a soft-bristled brush on your baby’s sudsy hair if you see cradle cap and want to try to gently remove some scales. But don’t go to battle. Cradle cap is harmless and will eventually resolve on its own.     

In Summary;

Baby hair loss is normal and — maybe most important of all — temporary. (We should all be so lucky!)

But if your baby’s hair hasn’t started to regrow by their first birthday, or if you notice anything odd — such as bare patches, rashes, or excessive scaliness on the scalp, take your child to their pediatrician for evaluation.