Whether your little one starts with lush locks or soft peach fuzz, it’s completely normal – here’s what to expect as she develops.
Lanugo
Pronounced “la-NOO-go,” lanugo is a layer of downy hair found on one-third of newborns. It typically develops between 16-20 weeks of gestation and keeps babies warm in utero; after birth, it sheds and is replaced by vellus hair.
Most full-term babies don’t have lanugo at birth, while preemies and infants born before 37 weeks have an increased chance of being born with it. Lanugo usually falls off shortly before delivery or within two months of life.
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Vellus
Vellus hair covers an infant’s body before puberty. It is an acceptable, soft, non-pigmented, and translucent type of hair that regulates body temperature and provides tactile awareness for infants.
Vellus hair gradually transforms into thicker and darker terminal hair as newborns grow and their bodies mature. This occurs as their follicles produce testosterone and DHT hormones, encouraging beard hair production.
Some babies may have terminal hair, which may fall out once hormone levels stabilize after birth.
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Terminal
Baby hair comes in different styles, colors, and textures. As infants grow, their locks will change from lanugo to vellus and eventually into long strands of terminal hair.
Terminal hair becomes darker and thicker with age. Most babies transition from vellus to terminal hair by around one year.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a condition similar to baby dandruff that may appear on an infant’s scalp. It typically resolves itself within six months and does not indicate poor hygiene or lead to hair loss.
The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown, although hormones and excess oil production in the scalp may contribute to its development.
