Manipis O Nakakalbo? Doctor Discusses Baby Hair Problems And When To Leave It Alone

A mom who has recently given birth may be worried about two things related to hair: her hair falling out and her baby's thinning hair. Postpartum hair fall is a real concern, but the other one is more of a culture's imposition.

Having thin or no hair at all at birth is more of a concern for parents of baby girls than boys. Many parents ask if shaving the baby's hair bald will make his or her tresses grow thicker. That, or they ask fellow parents if virgin coconut oil (VCO) or a special shampoo can help.

Pediatrician Dr. Faith Buenaventura-Alcazaren, M.D., of Stratum Health, set the record straight On the first episode of Smart Parenting's How Po titled "How To Protect Your Newborn." You don't really have to make a fuss about your baby's hair, or lack thereof. 

"It's actually an old wives tale na 'pag kinalbo, kakapal, tapos n'un 'pag pinahiran, kakapal," Dr. Buenaventura said. "Walang fertilize sa buhok. Hindi natin siya mapapakapal using those things," she added. 

According to Dr. Buenaventursa, VCO may help with cradle cap, but it does not make your babies' locks grow faster or thicker. (Click here on what's best to do if your baby has cradle cap.)

Infants' hair has their own life cycle

There's no need to panic if your baby is not born with luscious locks or if you notice his or her hair thinning or having some bald spots. A baby's hair follicles have their own life cycle. "[Hair] has its own life cycle, and then it will assume the hair that comes with the genes," Dr. Buenaventure assured parents. 

"[Babies'] hair really start out na kalbo, tapos n'un meron silang fuzzy hair [stage]. In fact, during infancy, magshe-shed pa 'yan e, makakalbo pa sila, and then tutubo na 'yun tunay na hair niya," she explained. "So 'wag tayong magmamadali para kumapal ang buhok ng bata," Dr. Buenaventura stressed.

The bald spots in your baby's head are due to the natural shedding of his or her hair. "'Yung iba kasi parating nakahiga 'yung baby, walang ibang position," Dr. Buenaventura described. An easy remedy, she suggests, is carrying your baby often and alternating his or her head positions when lying down and playing or looking at his or her toys. 

The texture or thickness of your little one's natural tresses also depends on his genes. If in your family, you or your husband has curly hair, thin strands, or buhaghag hair, then these hair qualities may be acquired by your child as he or she grows.

What will happen to my baby if I shave his or her hair?

As mentioned, shaving baby's hair bald is a myth ingrained in our Pinoy culture. Sometimes it's the lolos and the lolas who really insist on shaving a child's hair, say as he or she turns 1 year old, as part of the family's tradition. 

Dr. Buenaventura says shaving your baby's hair bald is not necessarily bad, but it's also unnecessary. Consider the risk of your baby getting nicks and cuts in the head from the razor and from being malikot. "'Pag nasugat e 'di lalong pa siyang at risk for skin infection," Dr. Buenaventura said. 

To know more about Stratum Health Partners, visit Bit.ly/stratumhealth or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @stratumhealthpartners.

Get exclusive access to Smart Parenting’s online webinars, expert talks, and lives! Register here and be the first to know about Smart Parenting Events.