Why Shouldn't You Cut a Baby's Hair Before 1
The debate “whether I should cut my newborn’s hair or not” is a universal one. It is one of the initial things that parents consider once their angel comes into this world. Then, there are religious and cultural norms in different parts of the world. For example, it is a cultural norm in South Asia and some parts of Latin America to shave baby’s hair after a week or two after the birth.
According to some beliefs, shaving a newborn’s hair makes the regrowth process faster and the hair becomes thicker. Well, there is no scientific evidence of that; shaving or cutting hair doesn’t make the regrowth faster or thicker and it is better to not shave baby’s hair till they turn one.
Apart from that, are there any other reasons that support the "why shouldn't you cut baby's hair before 1" narrative? Yes, there are other reasons as well, and we will discuss them in detail.
Why shouldn’t you cut baby’s hair before 1—6 Key Reasons
Here are some major reasons why you shouldn’t cut a baby’s hair before 1.
1. Shaving a Newborn’s Hair Doesn’t Improve the Regrowth Process
One of the most common reasons why parents prefer shaving a baby’s head is because they believe it helps the hair regrowth process. However, as mentioned above, there is no scientific evidence of that.
It is important to understand how our hair regrow. Our genetics and hair follicles have a huge impact on our hair type. Hair follicles are tiny structures right under the skin where hair is made.
The root of each hair follicle is made up of protein cells. These cells get their nutrients from the blood, which helps them grow and multiply.
As the cells grow, the hair pushes through the follicle and out of the skin. It also passes through an oil gland, which makes the hair shiny and soft. In babies, this oil can sometimes cause cradle cap.
Each hair goes through two main stages: a growing stage and a resting stage. These stages can vary in length, which is why hair growth can seem uneven.
2. It Can Affect Baby’s Hair Pattern
At the time of birth, babies’ hair is usually thin and soft, even if they have a lot of it. This baby hair gradually transforms into more mature hair during their first year.
After shaving a baby's head, the new hair that grows in can be different from the original baby's hair. This change can be noticeable or subtle and may affect the hair's color and texture.
When you shave a baby’s head, it can speed up the process of the hair changing to its more mature form. Which makes it appear sooner than if it were left to grow naturally.
What’s more, cutting baby hair too early might affect the natural growth pattern. This can potentially lead to uneven or unpredictable hair growth as it settles into a more stable pattern after the first year.
3. Shaving Newborn’s Hair Can Worsen the Cradle Cap Condition
Many people believe that shaving their baby’s head will fix the cradle cap. Cradle cap is a condition that creates dry or oily patches on a baby's scalp. It does not hurt or itch, but it can lead to thick white or yellow scales that are hard to get rid of. This condition usually starts within the first three months but can appear later as well.
In other words, cradle cap is a skin issue that is not related to the hair. In fact, shaving the hair might irritate your baby’s scalp and make the problem worse. Also, avoid removing the flakes on your baby’s scalp, even if it is tempting. Doing so can cause more discomfort and lead to an infection.
4. Using Razors When Shaving Newborn’s Head Can Affect the Soft Spots
You might have heard about babies having “soft spots” on their heads. These soft spots, scientifically known as fontanelles, help the baby’s head fit through the birth canal during delivery and give space for the brain to grow after birth. There are two soft spots:
- One at the back of the head (posterior fontanelle) and
- One at the front (anterior fontanelle).
Although shaving your baby's head does not directly affect the soft spots, you should still be gentle around these areas. That is because the real risk comes from the tools you use. Some people use razors for cultural or religious reasons; there is a chance that the razor could accidentally cut their delicate skin because newborn babies move a lot.
5. Shaving Newborn’s Hair Removes the Natural Protective Layer
It is not rocket science to understand that our hair provides natural protection against the cold, sunlight, or temperature changes.
Newborn’s scalp is way more sensitive than ours and shaving their hair will remove that additional protective layer. Although it may be a minor factor for many parents (because there are other ways such as hats or caps, to protect a newborn from weather effects), natural protection still helps.
6. Cutting or Shaving Baby’s Hair Can Be Stressful for Them
This may be a minor reason to why shouldn’t you cut a baby’s hair before one, but it should not be neglected either. It goes without saying that forcing a newborn or an infant to do something can make them uncomfortable. A lot of infants often cry when cutting or shaving their hair which can be stressful for them.
When to Cut Baby’s Hair Before One?
Although cutting a baby's hair before one may not be the right thing to do in most cases, there are a few exceptions. Let's have a look at them.
a. Hairs are Obstructing Baby’s Vision
Baby's hair growth depends on multiple factors, such as genetics and how well you take care of them. It is highly possible that you may have to cut your baby's hair before they turn one because of vision obstruction.
Yes, fast-growing hair may obstruct your baby’s vision and in this case, hair trimming becomes necessary. It not only improves their vision but also their comfort level.
b. Skin Irritation or Infection
Sometimes, giving your baby a haircut before one becomes necessary for medical reasons. There are several conditions, such as excessive scalp irritation or infections, that may require trimming the hair to facilitate treatment or to prevent further complications. In such cases, the decision to cut the hair must be according to the health considerations rather than aesthetic preferences.
c. Managing Curly Hair Can Be Challenging
In some cases, babies are born with particularly long and curly hair that can become tangled and are difficult to manage. These are special circumstances that parents might opt for a haircut to make daily grooming easier and to prevent the hair from becoming matted or unmanageable.
d. Religious and Cultural Reasons
Lastly, there are religious and cultural traditions that may affect a parent's decision as when to cut their babies’ hair for the first time. In many cultures, especially in South Asia, there are special ceremonies or customs for a baby’s first haircut. The first haircut in various cultures is considered as a major milestone in a baby's life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to cut a baby's hair before they turn 1?
Cutting a baby's hair before they turn one is not necessary or mandatory unless there are certain pressing reasons. For example, you can trim a baby's hair if it is growing rapidly and obstructing the baby's vision. If hair causes skin irritation or infection, then it becomes necessary to cut or trim baby hair.
When to cut a baby’s hair?
Ideally, the right time to give babies a haircut is at least eight months after their birth unless there are medical or other pressing reasons. Also, if the baby is a baldy or has slow hair growth, they may not need a haircut until they are two years old.
Is it safe to use a trimmer on a baby's head?
Yes, using a trimmer to cut a baby's hair is a safe practice if you know how to do it right. It is advised to use a safe and child-friendly trimmer to give babies’ a smooth haircut. Another safer way is to hire a specialist.
How to take care of a baby’s head after shaving or cutting hair?
After a baby haircut, make sure to keep your baby’s scalp clean and moisturized. Use a gentle baby shampoo when washing their hair to avoid any harsh effects. After washing, apply a mild, hypoallergenic moisturizer to their scalp to prevent dryness and irritation. Keeping their scalp hydrated helps maintain healthy skin and can prevent discomfort.
Summing it up
There are no hard and fast rules about when to cut a baby's hair. Certain medical conditions and religious or cultural beliefs may make parents cut a baby's hair within a week of their birth. However, there are various reasons why you shouldn't cut a baby's hair before one. For example, cutting or shaving baby hair before one can affect their hair texture and pattern and may worsen the cradle cap condition.
