When Does Baby Hair Texture Change?
The natural hair texture of a baby can be quite a surprise for parents. While the baby may appear to have a soft, silky, fine hair texture upon birth, this can change as the baby ages. Read on to learn when baby hair texture can and usually will change.
Age One
At around the age of one, you may begin to see changes to your baby’s hair. This is due to hormones associated with the beginning stages of development. You may see strands of baby’s hair getting thicker and having a different texture. It can also become more wavy or curly.
Age Two
By around the age of two or three, you may begin to notice that your baby’s hair is becoming straighter. This is due to the increased production of extra sebum (a natural lubricant) in the sebaceous glands, which makes the hair more flexible and softer.
Age Four to Five
By age four to five years old, baby’s hair may have taken on more of its mature pattern. If your baby’s hair is naturally curly, it may appear fully curly. If it is wavy, it may be straightening. The texture may slowly become more and more like an adult’s hair, although it will likely still be quite fine and soft.
Tips for Care of Baby Hair
When caring for your baby’s hair, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
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- Don’t Over Wash: Washing baby’s hair when needed is important, but you do not want to over do it as it can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils.
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- Choose Gentle Products: Baby shampoos, conditioners and detanglers should be as gentle as possible.
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- Avoid Overbrushing: Over brushing baby’s hair can cause breakage. Brush in slow, gentle strokes.
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- Be Gentle With Styling: Hold onto baby’s scalp when styling and use minimal to no heat.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your baby’s hair stays in its best condition as it grows.
To sum up, baby’s hair texture will likely change as the baby grows older. This is perfectly normal and can be managed easily with gentle haircare products and routines.