Babies are born with delicate and soft hair. Unlike adult hair, baby hair is usually straight and fine. As babies grow older, their hair texture may change. Some babies may develop curly or wavy hair, while others may keep the straight and fine texture. When Does Baby Hair Texture Change? And when does it typically happen? Keep reading to find out!
Hair texture is determined by the shape of the hair shaft. The straighter the shaft, the finer the hair. Curly hair, on the other hand, has a more spiral-shaped shaft. This type of hair is usually thicker and coarser than straight hair.
When Does Baby Hair Texture Change?
Hormonal changes are one of the most common causes of hair texture changes in babies. When a baby is born, they have a surge of hormones in their system that can cause their hair to change the texture. This is usually temporary and will eventually even out as the hormones settle down.
Another common cause of changing hair texture in babies is illness or disease. If a baby is sick, their hair can often change as a result. This is usually temporary as well, and the hair will return to its normal texture once the baby has recovered.
Finally, changes in diet can also cause changes in hair texture. If a baby starts eating solid foods or drinking cow’s milk, their hair texture may change as a result. This is usually not permanent, however, and the hair will eventually go back to its original texture.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s hair texture changing, talk to their doctor. They can help you determine if there is a underlying cause that needs to be addressed. In most cases, however, changes in hair texture are nothing to worry about and will eventually even out on their own.
3 Stages Of Baby Hair Change:
It’s no secret that babies go through a lot of changes in their first few years of life. One change that many parents don’t expect is the transformation of their baby’s hair. Baby hair goes through three distinct stages, each with its own unique characteristics.
Phase 1 (lanugo stage)
The first stage of baby hair is known as the lanugo stage. This is when babies are born with fine, downy hair that covers their entire body. Lanugo is thought to help protect babies’ skin and regulate their body temperature. Most babies lose their lanugo before they’re born, but some may still have it at birth or shortly thereafter.
Phase 2 (vellus hair)
After birth, some babies will have a wispy, fine type of hair called vellus. This type can cover the entire body or be limited to certain areas, such as the scalp. The texture of vellus hair can vary widely from baby to baby, but it’s usually finer and more delicate than adult hair. This stage usually lasts until around 6 months old.
Phase 3 (terminal hair)
The third and final stage of baby hair is known as the mature stage or terminal hair. This is when babies’ hair starts to resemble adult hair in both texture and thickness. The transition from vellus to mature hair usually occurs around the 1-year mark, though it can vary from baby to baby.
The timing of these texture changes can vary from baby to baby. Some may lose their lanugo before birth, while others may not get their terminal hairs until they are toddlers or even older. Ultimately, all babies will go through these changes in hair texture as they grow and develop.
Tips to Care Baby Hair
No matter what stage your baby’s hair is in, it’s important to take care of it. Here are a few tips for caring for your baby’s hair:
- Start with a gentle shampoo for babies’ hair. Look for shampoos that are specifically designed for babies and use them sparingly. Avoid using adult shampoos, as they can be too harsh for your baby’s delicate hair.
- Condition regularly. Conditioning baby’s hair will help to prevent tangles and make it easier to comb through.
- Be careful with brushing. When brushing baby’s hair, be sure to use a soft brush and go slowly. Avoid using combs, as they can snag on baby’s hair and cause breaks.
- Don’t overdo the styling. If you do decide to style your baby’s hair, avoid using any harsh chemicals or tight hairstyles that could damage their delicate hair.
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your baby’s hair healthy and looking its best.
There are a number of factors that can influence the curl pattern of a baby’s hair. One of the most significant factors is the shape of the hair follicle. Those with oval-shaped follicles tend to have straighter hair, while those with round-shaped follicles have curlier hair.
Research has also shown that the diameter of the hair shaft can affect curl pattern. Those with thicker shafts are more likely to have straight hair, while those with thinner shafts are more likely to have curly hair.
Finally, the levels of certain hormones can also influence curl pattern. For example, higher levels of testosterone are associated with straighter hair, while higher levels of estrogen are associated with curlier hair.
Ultimately, there is a wide range of factors that can influence a baby’s hair texture, making it impossible to predict what kind of hair they will have.
Effects of weather on hair:
While the shape of the follicle may be determined by genetics, there are a few things that can affect its health and appearance. For instance, weather conditions can cause temporary changes in the way our hair looks and feels.
Humidity can cause even straight hair to become frizzy and unmanageable, while dry conditions can make it look dull and lifeless. Heat styling and harsh chemicals can also damage the follicle, leading to breakage and split ends.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
- Start by using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that won’t strip away natural oils.
- Avoid heat styling whenever possible, and if you do use heat tools, be sure to use a heat protectant.
- And finally, get regular trims to keep split ends at bay. By following these simple tips, you can keep your hair looking its best no matter what the weather is like outside.
Reasons For Newborn Hair Growth and Loss:
It’s no secret that newborn babies are born with a head full of hair. In fact, it’s not uncommon for newborns to have more hair than they will have in their first year of life. But what causes this sudden growth spurt? And why does it eventually stop?
The answer lies in the hormone levels of the mother during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the mother’s body produces high levels of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones stimulate the growth of the fetus, including the hair follicles.
After birth, the hormone levels drop precipitously, causing the hair follicles to go into a resting phase. This is why many babies lose a significant amount of hair in their first few months of life.
eventually, the hair follicles “wake up” and start producing new hair. This process begins around 3-6 months after birth and continues until around 1-2 years of age. So if you’re wondering why your baby’s hair is growing so slowly, don’t worry – it’s completely normal! Just give it some time and those locks will be flowing in no time.
There are a few other factors that can contribute to newborn hair loss.
- For instance, some babies are born with a condition called congenital triangular alopecia, which causes patches of baldness on the scalp.
- Additionally, certain medical conditions (like anemia or thyroid disorders) can cause hair loss in babies.
- And finally, it’s not uncommon for newborns to lose hair if they were born prematurely or with low birth weight.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s hair loss, talk to your pediatrician. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and the hair will eventually grow back. However, if your baby has an underlying medical condition, treatment may be necessary.
Conclusion
Baby hair texture can change as early as the first few months after birth. Changes in baby hair texture may be due to hormones, genes, or environmental factors.
While most babies’ hair will eventually settle into a permanent texture, some babies will experience changes in their hair texture throughout childhood and even into adulthood.
Knowing when baby hair starts to change can help you prepare for the different stages of your child’s life. Have you experienced any changes in your baby’s hair texture? Let us know in the comments below!
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