Contents:
- Medical Video: How a baby develops during pregnancy
- When does baby's hair grow?
- The process of baby hair growth
- Baby's hair will fall out, but when to see a doctor?
Medical Video: How a baby develops during pregnancy
When newborn baby, there are some babies who already have hair. Some are thick or thin. The speed of hair growth varies according to age and sex and is influenced by hormones, nutritional adequacy, and genetic factors. However, actually when baby hair starts to grow? Is it from the womb or after birth? See the explanation below.
When does baby's hair grow?
Baby's hair has grown since the mother's womb. Hair growth in the fetus begins around the age of 8-12 weeks of pregnancy. Hair grows in all parts of the body except on the lips, palms and soles of the feet. The growth is different in length and thickness.This baby's hair is called lanugo.
The process of baby hair growth
There are three phases of hair growth. Anagen is the phase when hair grows. Katagen is a transitional phase before entering the final phase, namely telogen. Hair will fall in the telogen phase as dead hair. After undergoing these phases, the baby will generally be born with hair on the head that is thick enough.
However, the hair formed in this womb will generally fall in the first six months. After the hair formed in the womb falls, new hair will grow that is permanent and follows the cycle of hair growth naturally.
Initially the hair looks thin after fall, because some babies do not immediately enter the new anagen phase. Generally, at the age of one and a half to two years, new permanent hair grows.
Sometimes baby hair that falls can form a certain pattern or only in certain parts, for example behind the head. This can still be considered normal in infants less than six months old.Whereas at premature babies, often the lotus is still plenty, especially on the back, shoulders, arms and ears.
The pattern of baby hair growth varies because it is genetically determined. Some are so born, their heads are full of hair. However, there are also three to six months old, their heads are still bald. This is generally reasonable and does not need to be overly questioned.
Baby's hair will fall out, but when to see a doctor?
Hair loss in infants in the first three to six months it is normal. Usually the third and fourth months are the peak of the baby's hair loss.
In toddlers, after the shedding phase at the age of three to four months, the toddler's hair growth phase will enter which is thicker and may be different from before.
Baby habits such as scratching the scalp or banging the head can make hair fall out. However, usually over time these habits will disappear. Guide your baby to avoid scratching his head, pulling his hair, or rubbing his head.
Some hair loss in infants, although rare, can be caused by certain diseases. For example, skin infections due to fungi or hormonal disorders. Consult a doctor if the baby experiences severe hair loss after more than six months of age.
Some babies from birth have very fine hair, so they look bald. This is still normal. This very thin baby's hair usually will only thicken when he turns one year old. However, if there are doubts or further questions, talk to your pediatrician.
