Hair Loss

When to Call for Hair Loss

Care Advice

Newborn Normal Hair Loss in Infancy

1. What You Should Know About Newborn Normal Hair Loss:
   • Newborns are born with varying amounts of hair.
   • The baby hair of many newborns falls out during the first 6 months of life. Hair loss peaks at 3 months old. The mother may also lose some of her hair at this time.
   • This baby hair is then replaced by permanent hair.
   • The normal hair comes in between 6 and 12 months.
   • This shedding phase in newborns is always normal.
   • Hair loss is not caused by shampoos.
2. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Hair does not grow back by 12 months old
   • You have other questions or concerns

Hair Loss on Back of Head from Chronic Rubbing and Friction

1. What You Should Know About Rubbing Off Hair on Back of Head:
   • Babies can rub off a patch of hair on the back of the head. This most commonly occurs in infants 3 to 6 months old.
   • The hair loss is from friction during head-turning against a firm surface. Examples are crib mattresses, playpens, activity mats and infant seats.
   • The hair grows back once the baby starts to sit up.
   • This may take 6 to 12 months.
   • Can also occur in any bedridden child (e.g., severe cerebral palsy).
2. Treatment for Hair Loss from Friction and Too Much Time on Back:
   • After 1 month old, give your baby more tummy time.
   • Caution: Tummy time should always occur under adult supervision. Reason: Risk of suffocation until child reaches an age when can turn over.
   • Tummy time has many benefits.
   • It will help the back of head become more rounded and less flat.
   • It will also build up strength in shoulder muscles.
3. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Hair does not grow back by 6 months after learning to sit
   • You have other questions or concerns

Hair Loss From Tight Hair Style

1. What You Should Know About Hair Loss from Tight Hair Style:
   • Symptoms: Broken hairs are seen at the hairline or where the hair is parted. It's usually the same on both sides of the head.
   • Cause: If hair is pulled too tight, it will eventually break. This gives a frizzy look from hairs broken off at various lengths.
   • Examples: It's most commonly seen with tight braids, pony tails or dreadlocks. Hair can also be lost because of vigorous hair-brushing or back combing. Hot hairstyling tools can also cause hair damage. Can also occur during exercise while wearing head phones.
   • Hair loss is not caused by shampoos.
2. Treatment of Broken Hairs from Tight Hair Style:
   • Change the hair style to one that doesn't put tension on the hair.
   • If that is not acceptable, loosen the ponytail or braids.
   • These hair styles are at risk if they feel tight or cause any pain.
   • Outcome: If tight hair styles are avoided, the hair will return to normal.
   • Warning: If tight braiding continues over 10 years, permanent hair loss can occur.
3. Pimples in the Hair and on the Scalp:
   • Cause: Most pimples are caused by blocked hair follicles.
   • Treatment: Stop using any ointments or oils in the hair. Reason: they block the hair follicles.
   • Stop any hair style that puts tension on the hair. Reason: damages the hair follicle and makes it prone to infection.
   • Wash any ointment or greasy pomade off the scalp with soap and water.
   • Antibiotic Cream: Apply an antibiotic cream to the pimples. Do not use ointment. Use it 2 times a day for 3 days. No prescription is needed.
   • Outcome: Most pimples will clear up in 3 days.
4. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Hair does not grow back by 6 months after hair style changed
   • You have other questions or concerns

Widespread Hair Thinning Following Major Stress About 3 Months Ago

1. What You Should Know About Hair Loss after Stress:
   • Symptoms: Lots of hair is noticed in a comb or brush. The hair falls out from all parts of the scalp. This leads to major thinning of the hair, but no bald spots.
   • Cause: Severe stressful event. Hair follicles are very sensitive to physical or emotional stress. Examples are a high fever, severe illness or surgery. Also, an emotional crisis or a crash diet can be triggers. In pregnant teens, the stress can be childbirth. Hair loss is not caused by shampoos.
   • Time Frame: The hair begins to fall out about 3-4 months after a severe stress. It continues to fall out excessively over the next 3 or 4 months. After hair stops shedding, the hair will slowly grow back. This can take 6 to 8 months for all the hair to grow back. The whole cycle takes about 12 months.
   • There's no way to hurry the process. The hair growth cycle needs to run its course.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Hair Care:
   • Treat the hair gently.
   • Wash the hair no more than once per day. Always use a hair conditioner.
   • Comb the hair rather than brushing it.
   • Be careful at combing out any tangled hair.
   • Avoid any tight hair styles such as braids or a pony tail.
   • Don't put tension on the hair.
   • No special shampoo or cream is needed or helpful.
3. What to Expect:
   • No more than 50% of the hair will be lost.
   • Once it starts to regrow, all the hair will grow back in about 6 months.
   • The new hair will look normal.
4. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Hair does not grow back by 12 months after stressful event
   • You have other questions or concerns

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.