Safe & Gentle Ways to Remove Newborn Body Hair

We often find new mothers getting worried about the hair on the newborn’s body. Then they start researching the reasons and home remedies to Get Rid of New Born Baby Body Hair. And yes mothers always rely on the age-old natural ways and home remedies to get rid of them. Baby hair removal techniques are diverse and you need to make sure you pick the right one because a baby’s skin is pretty sensitive. We want to ensure we reap the benefits without causing any harm. So, in this post tried and tested home remedies are discussed to get rid of New Born Baby Body Hair along with the importance of choosing the right baby skincare range

New Born Baby’s hair is mostly found on the shoulders and back of the new baby. The hair of a newborn baby is soft, thin, and fine. It is not dense and curly like the hair of an adult. The hair on a baby is called “lanugo”. When a baby is born, the lanugo is the first thing that is visible. Over time, the lanugo in newborns will diminish and disappear. In the meantime, newborns are often covered in a fine layer of lanugo hair. Seeing hair on a small baby’s body might worry parents and they often search for how to remove newborn baby hair. The parent would simply type “how to remove baby hair” on google and try out the ideas that they see at first. However, one should always be careful before trying any technique of newborn baby hair removal since their skin is really sensitive so any harm caused would be dangerous.

Before writing down the Home Remedies to get rid of New Born Baby Hair, let us know some more details and advantages of newborn body hair. Even if it does not look so good, this initial body hair is advantageous to the little one.

What is Lanugo?

Lanugo is a term used for hair that covers the body of newborns, and lanugo hair newborn is unpigmented and is the first type of hair which appears from the hair follicles. You might be confused about how to remove baby lanugo hair. It is fine and soft in texture and actually has so many protective benefits like keeping the baby warm. Lanugo covers a fetus inside the womb and is shed during the last couple of months of pregnancy. In rare cases, you find newborns, especially premature ones, covered in it. There is no specific location for its appearance, it could be anywhere.

Lanugo in newborns usually disappears on its own before birth, or after birth. Other times, it remains for a long(er) period of time. So, if your baby still has it a few weeks to a few months after his/her birth, there’s no cause for concern. However, you can try out these home remedies to encourage shedding. Before that, here’s a list of reasons why lanugo is actually good for your newborn.

Also, read Child development stages.

Functions of New Born Body Hair?

While the baby is in the womb, lanugo acts as a protection for the tender skin of your baby and also regulates the temperature while keeping them warm
It prevents any damage from amniotic fluid
It holds together a greasy wax-like layer which plays the role of covering the skin of the baby so that it remains moisturized or warm
It also works to release hormones to alleviate stress and accelerate growth

Problems Related to New Born Body Hair?

Newborn body hair can be problematic in situations where it does not shed off properly and converts into prominent hair as it happens due to a lack of specific enzymes causing a lack of cortisol and higher secretion of androgen leading to hair growth excessively.

What if Body Hair does not Appear?

A doctor should be consulted if your baby has not shed its initial hair in the first 6-7 months or if he is developing darker hair as he is suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia or CAH which requires timely treatment.

It is very common that a baby to be born with fine visible hair on his or her body. It automatically gets shed in the first few weeks after birth. The remedies that I explained above are not very necessary to follow as naturally the hair shedding may take only a little longer. Howbeit, if your baby has not shed the initial hair within a maximum period of six months or is developing darker hair, then you must consult a doctor. This could be a sign of a serious condition and you should not delay it by using home remedies.

Here are Some Advantages of Newborn Body Hair:

While the baby is still in the womb, Lanugo acts as a protection on her tender skin.
The damage which can be caused by the amniotic fluid inside, Lanugo avoids it.
It also holds together the vernix caseosa. A greasy wax-like layer that covers your baby’s skin in the womb to keep it warm and moisturized.
It is helpful at the time of birth by facilitating easy passage through the bony cervix.

Now you know that your baby’s body hair doesn’t have any disadvantages. Though it’ll go automatically, below are some Home Remedies to Get Rid of New Born Baby Body Hair that is easy to follow and actually work.

11 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Newborn Baby Body Hair :

We’re sure now you want to know how to remove baby hair in the safest way possible. Don’t worry, we have the perfect solution for you that will help in baby hair removal Since we all love the traditional methods passed down to us from generations for home remedies for child hair growth, we have listed down some of the best picks for you.

1. Massage with Olive Oil

Olive oil is a great baby body hair removal oil with various benefits. Massage with Olive oil is one of the best home remedies to get rid of New Born Baby Body Hair.

Apply olive oil to your baby’s body.
Massage her body in a clockwise motion for some time.
Don’t apply so much pressure on the baby’s body.
You can do a massage twice a day.

You may be interested in reading – How to massage a Baby

Olive oil does not only work as a great agent of baby hair removal oil but a massage from this oil also allows gives you quality time to spend with your newborn. If your baby’s body is not accepting olive oil, you can try other essential oil like coconut oil or any good baby care brand’s massage oil. Almond oil and mustard oil are also recommended in case your baby is not suited to coconut oil. All of these oils can be used for lanugo hair removal in babies.

I belong to East UP and there, massage with mustard oil is very common for newborn babies. I found many doctors recommend avoiding mustard oil massage but my personal experience with mustard oil is good. Mustard oil keeps the baby’s skin moist and soft. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help in treating rashes/infections.

Preferred Age:

Wait till the umbilical cord of a baby sheds off naturally by itself. To keep it safe, introduce massage only after 40 days of the baby’s birth.

2. Dough of Wheat and Gram flour

These ingredients are easily found in our kitchens and also are very beneficial and light while working on your baby’s skin. Wheat flour is not harsh on your baby’s skin and also works in improving the complexion. Wheat flour is rich in Vitamin E which is an antioxidant needed by our body. Gram flour has been used for centuries to remove body hair and it is super effective. Both of these ingredients are excellent baby hair remover agents and their mixture can do wonders for your baby’s skin.

Make a soft dough of wheat and gram flour.
Rub it all over the baby’s body gently.
Roots of hair will be softened by it and hair will be removed gradually.

Now, there is another tradition that is being followed in the Eastern UP region. After massaging the baby, a dough made with wheat and gram flour is rolled over the body of the newborn. It is believed that this process helps to reduce body hair and also prevents body odour. Now, I am still to find the connection between this dough rubbing and body odour, however, this method is one of the really effective home remedies to get rid of New Born Baby Body Hair.

If you are specifically looking for how to remove hair from a baby’s face, then Gram flour is your secret ingredient. Make a paste with milk and turmeric till the consistency is smooth and gently massage in hairy areas.

Preferred Age:

Wait till the umbilical cord of a baby sheds off naturally by itself. To keep it safe, introduce this remedy only after 40 days of the baby’s birth.

3. Ubtan (made of lentils, almonds and milk)

In some families, an Ubtan made with lentils (urad dal), almonds and milk, is used as a remedy for newborn body hair.Ubtan for babies is one of the safest ways to facial hair and also moisturise the skin. You can also use other dairy products like curd or cream in place of milk.

Preferred Age:

Wait till the umbilical cord of a baby sheds off naturally by itself. To keep it safe, introduce this remedy only after 40 days of the baby’s birth.

4. Turmeric and Milk

Mix a few spoons of turmeric (haldi) and milk and apply it all over your baby. Let it dry completely. Then take a cloth and soak it in milk before cleansing your baby’s skin. Bathe the baby after but just using plain water. This natural method works effectively by being gentle on your baby’s skin and accelerates the whole process of hair shedding.

Another effective method, this one requires raw milk – that has not been boiled and a piece of bread. Dip bread in the milk and gently massage it over your baby’s body regularly. Make a paste of masoor daal and massage your baby with it afterwards, especially in the hairy areas.

A word of caution: “Be gentle” while massaging or using Ubtan. Newborns are very delicate and their skin gets affected by the harsh message.

5. Raw Milk and Bread

6. Papaya and Turmeric

Papayas contain the papain enzyme, which aids in destroying hair follicles and inhibiting the development of hair. Turmeric has additional benefits that aid to remove hair from newborn babies. Massage the papaya and turmeric mixture to the baby’s body as needed. After allowing it to air out for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off with a warm cup of water. To get the best effects, apply this cure once each week.

7. Egg White and Corn Flour

Proteins included in egg white aid in strengthening the skin and remove baby hair. Cleansing the skin and getting rid of dead skin cells are both helped by corn flour. Apply a mixture made of egg white and maize flour on the baby’s skin. After allowing it to dry for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off with warm water. To get the best effects, apply this cure once each week.

8. Turmeric and Chickpea Flour

A fantastic natural exfoliator that aids in eliminating cellular debris from the skin and hair is chickpea flour, also known as gramme flour. The antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics of turmeric help to maintain the well-being of the baby’s skin. Apply a paste made of turmeric and chickpea flour on the newborn’s skin. After allowing it to dry out for about ten to fifteen minutes, wash it away with some warm water. To remove hair from the baby, apply this cure once each week.

9. Red Masoor Dal

Red masoor dal is another excellent exfoliator that helps remove baby body hair easily. After you massage your baby’s body, make a paste of the baby cream and powdered masoor dal and mix it well. Apply it to the hairy areas of your newborn baby body to effectively remove the hair gently. After applying the mixture, gently massage the body. Due to its exfoliating property, red masoor dal eliminates dead skin cells and facilitates healthier skin too.

10. Soaked Raisins

This method makes for a gentle and easy way of baby body hair removal tips. Because newborn baby hair is gentle and the skin is also sensitive, you should apply any exfoliant carefully with massage. Raisins should be soaked in milk and paste made out of the mixture. This acts as a gentle scrub and removes new born baby hair easily on application to the hair parts of the body.

11. Almond and Mustard Oil

Several body oils like almond and mustard oil help in removing baby body hair when massaged gently into the skin. You should avoid coconut oil because it promotes the growth of hair on the body. These oils also help nourish the skin and prevent any inflammatory reactions to the sensitive newborn baby skin.

Tips on Using Hair Removal Techniques

You will be confused about how to remove hair from a newborn baby’s face. Be as gentle as possible on your baby’s skin while massaging. Harsh massages can cause irritation and lead to allergic reactions.
Switch up the remedy if you notice any signs of irritation or signs that your baby doesn’t like it. You don’t want your baby to be uncomfortable.
Raw milk has pathogens that may cause infection. So, be careful while using it and be cautious. If your baby has diarrhoea or dysentery after using raw milk, then cease using it.
These remedies/methods are not permanent. Your baby’s hair may grow back, so be patient and give it some time.
If your baby’s hair doesn’t thin out, but rather grows darker, consult a paediatrician in baby hair removal.

In case your little one is having slow hair growth, read about: Home Remedies On How To Increase Your Baby’s Hair Growth.

Tips for Safe Lanugo Removal

Below we will be looking into the best tips for safe lanugo removal.

Ensure baby’s skin is clean and dry

Keeping a child’s skin spotless and dry is basic, particularly with regards to securely eliminating lanugo, the slight, clammy hair that covers an infant’s body. Prior to trying any removal, emphasise cleanliness by gently cleaning the infant’s skin using mild, without fragrance baby soap and tepid water. Pat your skin dry using a soft cloth, taking care to not rub or irritate. To keep the skin hydrated, use a lanolin-free moisturiser for sensitive baby lotion.

Avoid excessive rubbing or pulling

To ensure safe lanugo removal, avoid touching or tugging on the baby’s sensitive skin. Lanugo which coats a newborn’s body, should be handled with great care. Before trying any removal, make sure the baby’s skin is fresh and dry. Instead of applying harsh methods, use a soft baby brush or cloth to gently massage the hair in the desired direction of development. Persistent rubbing or pulling might cause discomfort and distress in the newborn, potentially resulting in irritation of the skin or redness.

Test any products on a small patch

When contemplating the secure elimination of lanugo, it’s best to try any products on a tiny area of the baby’s skin to check their safety and suitability. This precaution is especially crucial given the delicate state of a baby’s skin, which might respond significantly to different products. Choose a tiny, inconspicuous region and apply just a little of your lanugo removal solution, such as baby oil or a light moisturiser. Before applying the entire product, check the region for any symptoms of irritation, inflammation, or allergic reaction.

Follow up with gentle moisturization

Following the secure disposal of lanugo, it is critical to apply mild moisturization to assist preserve the baby’s skin condition. Pick a child cream or moisturizer that is light and hypoallergenic, with no cruel fixings or smell. Apply a minuscule amount to the designated region and rub it into the external layer of skin with smooth, roundabout strokes. Moisturization keeps the skin hydrated, reducing dryness or discomfort that might arise following lanugo removal. Know about the child’s delicate skin and use items planned only for infants.

FAQs on Baby Hair Removal

1. Is it necessary to remove newborn hair?

Lanugo is quite normal, so don’t try to get rid of it. Some individuals might advise you to rub the hair in hopes of making it go away, however, this is a misconception that would probably just hurt your baby’s skin. You may relax knowing that after a little time, your kid will finally get rid of body hair. The lanugo protects your baby’s delicate skin, controls their body temperature to warm them up, and guards against amniotic fluid harm. There are some baby hair removal home remedies which help in baby hair removal.

2. How can I naturally remove the facial hair on my baby?

You might be confused about “how to remove hair from a baby’s face”? If you want to learn about how to remove hair from a baby’s face or skin then you can check out these simple steps:

Olive oil massage: With several advantages, olive oil is an excellent hair removal product for a baby’s skin. Among the greatest natural therapies for removing newborn baby body hair seems to be to rub using olive oil. Olive oil not only removes baby hair well, in addition, but also makes for a wonderful massage oil that allows parents to spend quality moments with their kids.
Ubtan: Infant body hair is treated with an Ubtan composed of milk, almonds, and lentil (urad dal). Another of the healthiest methods for getting rid of facial hair in infants is ubtan, which also nourishes the skin.
Raw Milk and bread: Occasionally, gently press your baby’s body with bread dipped in raw milk. Masoor daal should be ground into a paste before being used to massage your infant, particularly in the hairy parts.

3. How long does infant facial hair last?

Baby hair removal is a bit difficult. During the first two months, Lanugo vanishes. However, you can still see some fine and soft hair in some parts such as the top of the ears, behind the neck, and above the tailbone.

The positive aspect is that ultimately you will get rid of extra hair naturally without any help from you. It is not advised to use any kind of baby hair removal technique which involves harsh ingredients and chemicals on infants because of their sensitive skin.

4. What causes baby hair?

Hair on newborns is natural. It is called Lanugo and covers a foetus inside the womb. This hair sheds during the last months of pregnancy and it takes a few weeks after birth for the baby to shed it.

This extra hair on baby’s body helps to regulate the baby’s body temperature and protect its skin while in utero. Lanugo is typically shed during the later stages of pregnancy and is mostly gone by the time a baby is born.

5. Can baby hair grow thicker?

There are cases when a baby doesn’t shed their body hair. In this case, the home remedies provided above are some things you can try to speed up the shedding process. But for cases where the hair grows thicker and darker, see your paediatrician.

6. When is the best time to remove lanugo?

Lanugo which covers an infant’s body, is best taken out when the newborn child’s skin has developed more hearty and less delicate. This normally happens half a month after conveyance, when the infant is acclimating to their new environmental elements. It is critical to emphasize the baby’s pleasure and skin wellness during this phase.

7. Why do newborns have lanugo?

Lanugo, or fine, fleece hair that covers infants’ bodies, is a characteristic and transient part of fetal development. Lanugo creates on the hatchling about the sixteenth day of pregnancy and performs different fundamental undertakings in the last option phases of the outset. Lanugo’s principal job is to assist control the fetus’s internal temperature when inside the amniotic fluid. It adds insulation, helping to keep the baby comfortable in the womb.

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About Shipra Trivedi

I am a software professional having 9 years of experience in my domain. Writing is my hobby and for pursuing it other than my work, I write for a few parenting and social websites. Most of my blogs talk about my own parenting experiences, social issues and health awareness. My life's motto is "If you believe, you can achieve." I share my parenting experiences on my blogspot as well https://www.facebook.com/abundanceoftalks/