14 Tips for Baby Hair Growth

There is no doubt that babies and children are little angels gifted to us. No matter their appearance, they’re bound to look adorable. However, as a parent, you can’t also help feeling that the scanty hair on your child’s head should be fixed before they grow up. But how to do that using simple remedies that you can easily try at home?

In this article, we cover some tips to help you with your baby’s hair growth. However, these tips are better suggested for babies that are 6 months or older. If your child is younger, then it is probably not the right time for you to start using these tips. Let’s read more about this below.

Also Read: 10 Essential Tips for Baby Hair Care

Video: How to Grow Your Baby’s Hair Faster?

Why Is Your Infant’s Hair Not Growing?

Hormones play a major role in the amount of hair a newborn has. When they are inside the womb, baby’s hormone levels are high, which can accelerate their hair growth. But, after delivery, the hormone levels drop at a fast pace, resulting in a baby’s slow hair growth.

How to Grow Your Infant’s Hair Faster?

There are several ways to approach the scanty hair problem of your baby. So, here is the answer to “how to make baby hair grow”:

1. Vitamin E

Studies have shown that along with being great for the skin, Vitamin E helps in good hair growth and is used in numerous hair care products.

2. Use a Soft Towel

Rubbing your baby’s hair dry with a rough towel can damage the hair follicles and cause thinning and hair fall. Instead, use a soft towel and lightly rub your baby’s wet hair, to avoid causing any damage to your little one’s skin and hair.

Also Read: 5 Reasons to Brush Your Baby’s Hair Regularly

3. Almonds

Almonds are a great source of proteins and essential amino acids. Try giving your toddler 2-3 almonds a day to increase the growth of the hair. You can also use almond oil to massage your baby’s head.

4. Iron

Iron is another important nutrient that helps improve hair growth, as it avoids breakage of hair strands, leading to thicker and longer hair. Include ingredients that are rich in iron in your child’s diet, like green leafy vegetables, beans, pumpkin, and more.

Also Read: Hair Loss in Babies

5. Grooming

Just running a comb gently on your child’s scalp can also help improve hair growth. It can improve blood circulation in the scalp, as well. You can also cut the hair to keep it looking neat. However, cutting or shaving the hair doesn’t promise increased growth. Cutting the hair can only help in making it look neater and give it a thick and lush appearance.

6. Wash Regularly

It is best to wash your child’s hair with a baby shampoo once in every two to three days to reduce the accumulation of dirt and keep the scalp clean. Always use lukewarm water that is not too hot and not too cold, to keep your child from facing discomfort

7. Oil the Hair

Oiling and massaging helps with blood circulation and provides the necessary moisture for healthy hair growth. You can use pure and organic coconut oil for great results, or any other oil you prefer.

Also Read: Olive Oil for Baby Hair – Benefits and Usage

8. Conditioner

You can use a conditioner, in case your child’s hair is too curly and bushy. A kid-friendly conditioner can not only help in handling the hair easily, but also provide essential nutrients to the scalp. It also helps in removing flakes. It is a good idea to try some natural conditioners like egg, hibiscus, and yoghurt. They do not contain any harmful chemicals that could harm the baby and work wonders in softening hair.

9. Aloe Vera

Everyone knows that Aloe Vera works wonders on the skin, but it can also greatly help with hair growth. You can either apply Aloe Vera juice directly to your child’s scalp or mix it with shampoo or conditioner for best results.

Also Read: Baby Body Hair In Newborn

10. Try Different Products

Hair comes in different types and textures. While one shampoo and conditioner is suitable for curly hair, it might not suit straight hair. Moreover, products catered solely towards babies are free of chemicals and safe to use. Try different products, until you find one that perfectly suits your child’s hair, rather than sticking to one product. Try getting sachets of different shampoos and conditioners and try using a different one each week. You will eventually know which one suits your child the best.

11. Use Gelatin

Gelatin can stimulate a baby’s hair growth when applied to the scalp. You can mix one teaspoon of gelatin powder with water and apply it on the baby’s scalp for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it out with shampoo after that.

12. Avoid Hair Ties

If you tie your little one’s hair in a ponytail often, it can damage their hair. The roots of your baby’s hair are quite weak and might lead to breakage if you secure them in tight hair ties.

13. Apply Shea Butter

You can massage your infant’s scalp with shea butter, and it will make their hair healthy and silky soft.

14. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is great for hair health and is a great option for your baby as the antioxidants in it can help strengthen the hair follicles and maintain a healthy growth rate.

Also Read: How to Wash Your Baby’s Hair

Miscellaneous Tips

Some other extra tips include:

• If you decide to tie your child’s hair, ensure that you tie it loosely. Tight ponies and braids can damage the roots and cause hair fall.
• Give your child ample water to ensure that he remains hydrated. You can also include a fruit or vegetable juice, once a day.
• Look for various home remedies to take care of your child’s hair.

Also Read: Shaving a Baby’s Head for Thicker Hair – Fact or Myth

Does Shaving the Head (Mundan) Promote Healthy Hair Growth?

Though this is a widely performed practice around the world, especially in India, shaving the baby’s head, or mundan, is not backed by science. Many people believe that shaving the head will lead to healthy, thick, and luscious hair in the future, which is not true. The quality of a person’s hair is determined by genetics, nourishment, and other factors. The texture and quality of hair does not change by shaving the head, but is a definite possibility if the right nourishment is given to the body and hair. It is common for babies to lose hair after they are born, with the new hair that comes in being a different texture, and even colour. However this is based on genetics. Parents may panic if the hair that grows back is different, prompting a ‘shaving ritual’. Before you shave off your baby’s locks, try giving him the proper nutrition needed for great skin and hair, and see the difference.

FAQs

1. Why Does My Baby Have Less Hair?

Although it is very normal for newborns to have less hair, less hair in babies can be due to their sleeping position or hormones.

2. In Which Month Does a Baby Grow Hair in the Womb?

In the 14th week of pregnancy, the fetus starts developing hair follicles.

3. How Much Time Does Baby Hair Take to Grow?

Most babies have hair growth or hair loss problem. But don’t worry, as in most cases, the hair grows within the first 6-12 months.

4. Why Do Infants Shed Hair?

Generally, infants shed hair due to friction during head-turning against a firm surface.

Every child is unique and different. In the same way, their hair has different needs and reacts differently to various products and practices. Stay patient, take things slow, and you will eventually get results.

References/Resources:

1. Your Baby’s Head; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Your-Babys-Head.aspx

2. Cradle cap; mayoclinic.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cradle-cap/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350400

3. Hair Loss; seattlechildrens.org; https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/hair-loss/

4. Shaving a Baby’s Hair for Thicker Hair – Is it a Myth?; healthcentre.org.uk; https://www.healthcentre.org.uk/laser-hair-removal/shaving-baby-hair.html

5. Hair Loss; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/symptom-checker/Pages/symptomviewer.aspx?symptom=Hair+Loss

Also Read: Personal Hygiene for Kids