Baby Hair Care: A Simple Guide for Parents

Baby hair care isn’t something that has to be complicated. During the newborn period, baby hair and scalp are sensitive and typically require simple products and gentle washing, and only simple combing.

Some children are born with longer hair, some with shorter hair and some with very little hair. The first few months can also be a time of thinner hair or hair loss. These changes may be normal as baby grows.

The primary objective is to maintain the scalp clean and comfortable while avoiding harsh product and rough handling of the hair. If you see unusual changes in your baby’s skin or hair or are worried, your pediatrician will have your best interests in mind.

Understanding Baby Hair Care Basics

Baby’s hair may be thin, soft and weaker than grown-up hair. Your baby’s scalp may also be sensitive, so it is important that you are careful with your baby’s care.

No special treatments are necessary to get the hair of your baby to grow faster or thicker. Babies have different hair growth patterns, which are affected by their normal development and by genetics.

These are some fundamental baby hair care tips:

• Maintaining a relatively well-kept head is important.
• Washing hair gently
• When necessary, use soft, infant products.
• Avoiding tight hairstyles
• It’s important to use a soft baby brush or comb to avoid damaging the hair, skin, or scalp.
• Maintaining a comfortable feeling on the scalp
• Keeping an eye out for unusual redness, swelling or sores

In the first months, some baby may have balding areas. This occurs as a natural part of the process of infant hair changes, and does not always indicate a problem.

Avoid comparing your baby’s hair growth with another baby’s. A variety of normal hair patterns are possible.

How Often Should You Wash Baby Hair?

Hair washing is not necessary every day for babies.

The frequency of baby hair washing may vary based on age, activity level, and/or skin health and family habits. Some babies may need to have their hair washed just a few times per week.

You might need to wash your baby’s scalp more frequently if it has visible buildup or is sweaty, oily or dirty.

Your baby doesn’t need to be shampooed every day just because she has hair. For some babies, frequent washing can be a cause of dryness.

If your baby suffers from a scalp disease like cradle cap, consult your pediatrician about an alternative shampooing schedule.

How to Wash Baby Hair

Babies’ hair needs to be washed gently. Scalp does not need to be scrubbed.

Before you begin, be sure to have all the necessary supplies. Hold your baby’s head and neck while you are bathing them.

Wet hair with luke-warm water. If necessary, put a little mild baby shampoo in the hair, and massage with fingertips.

Avoid scratching the scalp with your fingernails.

Rinse thoroughly and make sure that shampoo doesn’t get into your baby’s eyes. Use hand or soft washcloth to help control the water.

Wash your hair and then pat it gently dry with a soft towel.

If your baby is upset during washing, wash carefully and gently to keep the activity short. Talking and/or humming quietly can be helpful.

Choosing Baby Hair Care Products

Your baby doesn’t require a lot of products to care for their hair.

A soft baby shampoo or soap could suffice. For babies with sensitive skin, any product without a fragrance may be a good choice.

When choosing the product to consider:

Don’t use adult shampoos, hair products, dyes, relaxers, or styling products on babies unless recommended by a health care professional.

Home-made blends and essential oils can also irritate your baby’s delicate scalp. The word natural doesn’t of itself imply suitability for infants.

If you have an infant who has an eczema condition on their scalp, cradle cap or any other condition, consult your pediatrician before using any medicated or specialty products.

How to Gently Comb Baby Hair

It should be a gentle and comfortable experience to comb your baby’s hair.

Use a soft baby brush or wide toothed brush for children. Avoid pulling or tugging on knots.

If the hair is matted, comb slowly and gently and do not push the comb through.

If your baby has little hair they might not even need to be brushed. Massage with your fingers might help.

Prevent tight ponytails, clips, rubber bands or hairstyles that pull on the scalp. For young babies, their hair needs to be simple.

Any hair accessory must be appropriate for the child’s age and not be a choking or strangulation risk. Take out accessories when sleeping.

Baby Scalp Care Basics

Normal scalp tends to require basic maintenance.

Regularly inspect baby’s scalp for dryness, redness, swelling, sores, or abnormal scaling. Avoid over shampooing the scalp.

Some babies get cradle cap (seborrhea) that may present as flaky, oily or crusty patches on the scalp. It’s normal in infants.

Avoid scratching, picking or forcibly pulling flakes of scalp. If your baby develops cradle cap, consult with his/her healthcare provider about safe remedies.

Do not use strong oils, fragrances or any adult scalp treatment without a professional recommendation.

If the scalp gets irritated after trying a new product, discontinue use of the product and contact a health care professional if irritation persists.

Creating a Simple Baby Hair Care Routine

Your baby will likely need just a simple routine.

Hair care can be included in your clothing. When necessary, clean the hair with water, blot it dry and brush it only when necessary.

The basic routine might be:

• Inspect scalp / Wet hair / Gently wash / Rinse / Pat dry / If necessary, comb hair
• It is not necessary to put time into your baby’s hairstyle.
• You can adapt the routine to match your baby’s activity and type of hair as he/she grows.
• Babies with thicker or longer hair may need to be brushed more often, while babies with little hair will require little grooming.

Try to remain relaxed and slow with the routine. You and your baby can share a little bonding time with your hair care products too.

Common Baby Hair Care Mistakes to Avoid

Common errors may lead to unnecessary irritation or breakage of the scalp.

Washing hairstyles too frequently

Infants do not need to be shampooed regularly and shampooing can dry them out.

Scrubbing the Scalp

The scalp of a baby is very sensitive. Fingertip washing will suffice.

Using Adult Hair Products

Ingredients may be unsuitable for infants in adult shampoos, conditioners, dyes and styling products.

Pulling Tangled Hair

Babies can be harmed by being forced to brush and the hair can be damaged by the bristles. Eliminate tangles gradually.

Using Tight Hairstyles

Avoid ponytails, braids or other styles that pull on the scalp.

Picking Scalp Flakes

Scratching or pulling the flakes off forcefully can irritate the scalp and damage the skin.

The use of too many products.

Your baby doesn’t need to be using several oils, sprays, creams and styling products. A simple routine is typically easier and gentler.

Wearing your hair accessories at night is a bad idea.

Accessories that are small in size can be hazardous if they loosen. Take them out at night and stay away from small children with them.

Final Takeaway

The basic formula of baby hair care is to be gentle. Clean your baby’s hair as necessary, use gentle products, avoid products that will harm the scalp, and steer clear of tight hairstyles and unnecessary treatments.

It is also natural for babies to have varying amounts and types of hair. Some might be born with thick hair and others will grow it over time.

Talk to your baby’s doctor if you see that the skin on the scalp is red, swollen, sore, or has a lot of flaking or any other problem that you’re worried about.

Parents can also find reliable U.S. information about skin and scalp conditions on a child with HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics.