When a baby is born, every little detail about them seems fascinating. From their tiny fingers and toes to their cute button noses, newborns are a bundle of joy. One aspect that often catches our attention is their hair. The baby from this session had some incredible hair! So I thought I would give you some newborn baby hair fun facts. Here are 7 fun facts about baby hair that you might not know.
1. Hair Color Surprise:
Don’t be surprised if your baby’s hair color changes after birth. Many babies are born with light-colored or even white hair, which gradually darkens over time. It can take several months, or even up to a year, for their true hair color to emerge.
2. Lanugo:
During the early stages of pregnancy, babies develop a fine layer of hair called lanugo all over their bodies. By the time they are born, most of this hair is shed, though some babies may still have traces of lanugo on their shoulders or back. It eventually disappears within a few weeks.
3. Texture Matters:
Newborn hair can vary significantly in texture. Some babies are born with a head full of thick, curly hair, while others may have fine and straight strands. The texture of their hair can change as they grow older, and it may even become wavier or curlier.
4. Temporary Bald Spots:
If you notice a patchy or bald spot on your baby’s head, don’t panic. It’s quite common for newborns to develop temporary bald spots due to the friction of their head against crib mattresses or car seats. As they spend more time upright and their hair grows, these spots usually fill in.
5. Postpartum Hair Loss:
Just like some mothers experience hair loss after giving birth, newborns can also shed their hair. This phenomenon is known as “telogen effluvium.” It happens because of hormonal changes and is completely normal. The hair loss is temporary, and new hair will grow in its place.
6. Hair Growth Speed:
On average, newborns’ hair grows at a rate of about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) per month. While this may seem slow compared to an adult’s hair growth, keep in mind that their hair is much shorter to begin with, so any growth is quite noticeable.
7. Whorls and Cowlicks:
Whorls and cowlicks are common occurrences in newborns. They are circular patterns of hair growth, often forming a swirl on the back of the head. Cowlicks are areas where the hair grows in a different direction than the surrounding hair. These unique hair patterns can be endearing and often persist into adulthood.
It doesn’t matter how much hair your little cutie has, I would love to photograph your new little one. If you are looking for a Zionsville newborn photographer be sure to reach out. I would love to get your due date on my calendar for a future newborn photography session.
