Many people believe that cutting a baby’s head can make the hair grow thicker. It is done hoping that the baby will have thick and dense hair later and promote good hair growth. It is sometimes done for traditional values also. But does cutting baby hair frequently actually promote hair growth or it is just a myth?

In this article:

What is the Right Age to Shave a Baby’s Head?
Can Shaving a Baby’s Head Make the Hair Grow Thicker?
Indian Tradition of Shaving a Baby’s Head
Tips to Shaving a Baby’s Head with Ease
What to Apply After Shaving a Baby’s Head
Should Shaving Be Done if the Baby’s Head has Cradle Cap?

Does Shaving Baby Head Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

What is the Right Age to Shave a Baby’s Head?

Before shaving the baby’s head it is recommended to at least wait till the baby’s head becomes hard and firm. As babies are very unpredictable with the movements and shaving requires the baby to sit steadily without moving. In some cultures it is known as ‘mundan’ or head shaving and it may take place as early as in the seventh month after birth whereas in other cultures it may be done within the first, second and in some cases even in the fourth year after a baby’s birth.

Read More:12 Benefits of using Olive Oil for Baby Hair

Can Shaving a Baby’s Head Make the Hair Grow Thicker?

If it is thought that shaving a baby’s head induces better hair growth than think again. Many experts are of the opinion that shaving does not promote good hair growth which is explained by a scientific fact. The fact states that hair grows from the hair follicles which are present beneath the scalp. When shaving the hair, it does not impact or affect the hair follicles. As if it does no good to the hair follicles, it does nothing to the hair too. In reality, the baby’s hair grows better after four months of age. Also, the texture and density of the baby’s hair may majorly depend on the genes, which mean if parents have shiny and lustrous looks, there are good chances that the baby may have them too once it grows.

Read More:11 Homemade Conditioners for Infant’s Healthy Baby Hair Growth

Indian Tradition of Shaving a Baby’s Head

The shaving of hair tradition is followed by many countries. People of various cultures and ethnicities shave baby’s head within a few years of the baby’s birth. It is also very much prevalent in Indian tradition and culture. Because shaving a baby’s head is concerned with religious and auspicious sentiments. In many countries, it is also a sign of beauty and thus shaving may encourage healthier and stronger hair growth. As already stated that there is no scientific evidence or proof that states that shaving may lead to better hair growth. However, hair may grow uniformly after shaving which may render a uniform and healthier look to the hair.

Read More:7 Best Hair Brushes for your Baby’s Smooth Hair

Tips to Shaving a Baby’s Head with Ease

For proper baby’s head shaving hire a professional to do the same. However, for comfort, here are some tips that will help the baby’s head shaved without any difficulty –

• The first and foremost thing to consider is the baby’s mood. The baby should be in a calm and happy state when planning to shave. It will be a good idea to do this during the daytime as babies are less cranky during the daytime.
• Next in line is the baby’s comfort. If the baby is fairly young and unable to sit, make sure to lie down comfortably on the lap. If the baby is big enough to sit, make sure to sit in a comfortable surface.
• Keep the baby’s toys and other things to distract. Sing or talk to baby to stay calm.
• If the baby’s hair is too long, it will be a good idea to cut the hair short to make shaving easier.
• Begin shaving in sections and move forward as one section gets over.
• It will be a good idea to lather the baby’s head with a gentle shampoo as it may make shaving easier and will be done faster too.
• If the shaving is done with a razor then be extra careful as it may lead to cuts and bruises. Shaving the baby’s head with a trimmer will be a better choice as it poses a lesser risk of cuts.
• When the baby’s head is being shaved, clean the hair that falls on the baby’s face as it may cause irritation or itching.
• Once the shaving is over, give a warm water bath to the baby and get rid of all the fallen hair all over the body.

Read More:11 Things To Do For Baby Hair Growth

What to Apply After Shaving a Baby’s Head

After giving a good warm water bath to the baby, apply any good disinfectant on the baby’s head. The disinfectant will take care of any bruises or cuts that have occurred during the shaving procedure. After that, moisturize the baby’s head with any good oil or moisturizer to prevent itching and dryness.

Should Shaving Be Done if the Baby’s Head has Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap is dry and dead skin that may be present on baby’s scalp. Some parents may think that shaving may get rid of this condition but this doesn’t work always. Instead of shaving, use other measures to cure cradle cap by using natural oils, medicated shampoos and other preventive measures.

Conclusion

No cutting has no effect on how thickly the hair grows in. Hair grows from a follicle beneath the scalp and cutting doesn’t affect the hair developing in the follicle.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929550/

https://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-true-that-shaving-a-babys-head-or-cutting-his-hair-ver_10303163.bc