Infant Hair Care: Key Points Every Parent Should Know

One of the most challenging tasks for a new parent is taking care of their baby’s soft and delicate hair. The hair care given during your child's early years ensures they have lustrous hair and a healthy scalp as they grow. To get healthy hair for your baby, you must strictly avoid chemical-infused products and give the nourishment of natural goodness.

In India, since we deal with varied climates and cultural habits, learning how to take care of your baby's hair can avoid issues like dryness or irritation. In this blog post, we will see some simple tips to help you keep your little one’s hair healthy and beautiful. Plus, we will share tips on how to do newborn baby hair care naturally. So, let’s start:

Baby Hair Growth Stages First-Time Parents Must Know

Being a parent for the first time, one may be unaware of the various baby hair growth stages. In the section below, let’s explore these stages and how you can adequately cope with them. You can follow the steps mentioned here, but remember that hair growth for each baby can be different. So don’t worry if there is a delay or even some stunted growth for your baby’s hair. 

Inside the mother’s womb

At 14 weeks, hair roots begin developing inside the mother’s womb. By 20 weeks, tiny hair starts showing on the eyebrows and upper lip. By 22 weeks, soft hair starts to appear on the body, like on the head, which is mainly the beginning of your baby’s hair growth.

Early stages of development

Some newborns are born with tiny tufts of hair. However, most of them tend to lose the birth hair as they reach six months due to hormonal changes. This is why you can see some babies with hair patches and bald spots.

The hair regrowth phase

While in the stage of infant hair growth, babies shed some hair and then regrow it again. It may take some time, and the new hair can look different. By their first birthday, most babies have more hair, but the amount and appearance vary from child to child, depending on their hair growth patterns.

Some final changes in hair texture and growth

As your child ages, their hair changes in colour and texture. But when your baby is about two years old, they usually have their final hair type, decided mainly by their genes.

Establishing a Gentle Infant Hair Care Routine

Choosing the right products is the most important thing before establishing a newborn hair care routine. Since babies have delicate hair and scalp, using products designed specifically for them can cater to their requirements without harming their hair or overall health. Baby-focused hair care products have natural ingredients and no harmful chemicals to give tender care to little ones. 

It's time to look for the main steps involved in establishing a good hair care routine for babies:

Shampooing

Shampooing your baby’s hair is tough, as they will likely cry and throw tantrums. However, washing a baby’s hair 2-3 times a week is important to ensure good scalp cleansing. 

Always use a good Baby hair shampoo as it will cleanse the hair without stripping moisture, which is ideal for your baby's sensitive scalp. Ensure the baby shampoo is free from harmful chemicals and a strong fragrance. 

Wash your baby’s hair gently with light strokes and rubs. Plus, try to avoid the shampoo from entering their eyes or nose. 

Hair Oiling

Our elders have trusted regular hair oiling for strong and healthy hair for ages. A good herbal hair oil massage improves blood circulation, moisturizes the scalp, and promotes healthy hair growth. Take an adequate quantity of baby hair oil in your hands. Then, gently massage the scalp in a circular motion using your fingertips.

Combing

Combing is an important part of a baby’s hair care routine. It helps to keep the hair tangle-free, ensuring less breakage. Moreover, there is no specific age at which to start combing your kid’s hair. You can do as and when you want. 

For babies, always use a wide-toothed comb or a soft-bristled brush. They help to minimise hair pulling and hair breakage. Gently run the comb through the hair without adding pressure. This will detangle their hair without hurting them.

Drying 

One of the best ways to dry your baby’s hair is to leave it open for natural drying. Besides, you can use a towel to wrap their hair and gently rub the cloth. Do not put pressure or make quick rubs on the scalp; it can tangle the hair or break some strands. Plus, it can hurt your baby’s sensitive skin. 

Styling

You can choose headbands made using soft fabric or hair clips that do not strain your baby’s scalp and hair. Avoid putting their hair in tight hairstyles like ponies or braids. These hairstyles can place much pressure on their delicate hair. Be extra gentle if your baby has curly hair, as wrong styling can easily tangle them. 

Importance of a Balanced Diet for Newborn Baby Hair Health

It is essential to give your child a healthy, nutritious diet that aids natural hair growth and health. Newborn babies, however, feed primarily on breast milk or formula milk, which gives the requisite vitamins and minerals needed for hair development. 

The newborn baby hair can be improved and nourished with the right amount of nutrients, like proteins, iron, vitamins A, C, and D, etc. 

When your baby gets six months old, they can eat solid foods. During this stage, you can add lentils, green vegetables, fruits, and milk products to their platter for the required nutrients and hair care. These foods would support hair growth, give shine, and guard them against pollution, common hair problems, and more.

Conclusion 

Managing your little one’s hair care may appear overwhelming initially; however, it becomes a rather exciting affair if equipped with the right tools and knowledge. Remember that every child is an individual and will, therefore, have a difference in the hair growth pattern. 

With the right products and hair care routine mentioned here, you can give your little one healthy hair and scalp for the future. So, get ready to pamper your baby with gentle hair care that works magic for them. 

FAQ on Infant Hair Care

How frequently can I clean the hair of my newborn baby?

A newborn baby's hair may be washed 2-3 times a week using baby shampoo to keep the hair clean without causing excessive dryness of the hair or the scalp.

What are the components of the Nourishing Hair Oil?

The natural coconut oil, almond oil, and other vitamins that promote hair growth and scalp health are contained in the Nourishing Hair Oil.

Do most babies undergo hair loss?

Yes, it’s pretty okay for infants, especially within the first few months, to experience some hair loss. This is part of their natural development.

What are the best products for baby hair care?

You can choose to use mild, tear-free shampoos and natural oils, as these products are gentle and safe for your baby's sensitive skin and will not dry it out or damage it.

When should I start using a baby brush or comb?

You can start using a baby brush or comb from birth, as this helps keep their hair neat, avoids knots in hair, and promotes healthy scalp circulation.