You must have heard – “Gentle care and patience are the best remedies for a newborn’s delicate skin.”
As parents, we want the best for our newborns because every smile, every babble, and every little detail matters. When you notice newborn body hair on your baby’s body, it’s natural to wonder how to care for it safely. That’s why we’ve gathered gentle, natural home remedies for baby hair removal while protecting your little one’s delicate skin.
Called “lanugo,” fine baby hair is delicate and silky, and is often present on the upper back and shoulders. It gradually goes away with time but many parents still seek baby hair removal home remedies to get rid of it, which is why Budding Star, your parenting guide, is here to help.
Also, read our blog if you are wondering How to Choose the Right Baby Skin Care Range | Budding Star
What Is Lanugo? Understanding Newborn Baby Body Hair
Lanugo is a term given to newborn body hair that is unpigmented and is the first type of hair that appears after they are born from the hair follicles. You might be confused about how to remove baby body hair. The newborn body hair is 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 after birth. Whereas, in other cases, it remains for a longer period of time. So, if your baby has still not experienced lanugo shedding, fret not, because it is normal. Come along as we bring you gentle baby massage techniques and home remedies for baby hair removal.
Also, read Child development stages.
Functions of Newborn Body Hair?
Saw tiny, fine newborn body hair on your baby’s back and shoulders? It’s not just cute, it’s beneficial too. Here’s why:
- 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, which is a water-like substance that surrounds and protects a fetus during pregnancy. (1)
- It holds together a greasy wax-like layer, which plays the role of covering the skin of the baby so that it remains moisturised or warm
- It also works to release hormones to alleviate stress and accelerate growth
Problems Related to Newborn Body Hair?
Newborn body hair, lanugo can be problematic in situations where it does not shed off properly and converts into prominent hair. It can happen due to a lack of specific enzymes causing a lack of cortisol and higher secretion of androgen leading to hair growth.
What if Body Hair does not appear?
If you haven’t seen newborn body hair on your baby’s body within the first 6-7 months, a doctor’s consultation is highly recommended. It might be Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia or CAH, a group of genetic conditions that affect the adrenal glands, which requires timely treatment. (2)
Newborn body hair is common and lanugo shedding happens naturally after a few weeks of their birth.
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 that 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 moisturised.
- 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 baby’s Body Hair that are easy to follow and actually work.
15 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Newborn Baby Body Hair
Looking for safe and gentle ways to remove your newborn’s body hair? Here are 15 time-tested baby hair removal home remedies to try at home:
Massage with Olive Oil
Olive oil, also known as the safe skincare for newborn babies, is an age-old technique used by our grandmothers to gently remove body hair. This natural oil nourishes the skin and helps loosen the fine hair and is one of the best baby hair shedding remedies. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Gently apply a small amount of warm olive oil to your baby’s body.
- Massage in gentle, circular motions without pressing too hard.
- Repeat the massage twice a day for best results.
Also, read our blog on Rookie Moms Guide To Baby Massage || Budding Star
Dough of Wheat and Gram Flour
Wheat and gram flour are such ingredients that are easily available in every kitchen and are gentle on your baby’s skin. Wheat flour is mild and helps improve skin tone, whereas gram flour is known as the best baby hair removal home remedies. Here’s how to remove baby body hair using dough of wheat and gram flour:
- Make a soft dough with wheat flour and gram flour.
- Gently rub it on your baby’s body.
- This will soften the roots of the hair and help remove it gradually.
Ubtan (made of lentils, almonds and milk)
In some families, an Ubtan made with lentils (urad dal), almonds and milk, is used as a newborn body hair removal remedy. remedy for newborn body hair. It 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.
Turmeric and Milk
Looking for the best baby hair shedding remedies? Mix a little turmeric with milk and apply it to your baby’s skin. Let it dry, then wipe gently with a soft cloth dipped in milk. Rinse it all with plain water.
Raw Milk and Bread
Another effective method to remove newborn body hair is to 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 on the areas where hair is present.
Papaya and Turmeric
Papayas contain the papain enzyme, which helps in getting rid of newborn body hair. Turmeric has additional benefits that aid to remove hair from newborn babies. Massage the papaya and turmeric mixture to the baby’s body wherever required. After keeping it open in the air for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse it off with a warm cup of water.
Egg White and Corn Flour
Eggs are considered as a great source of protein. And, egg white helps remove baby hair, whereas corn flour gently cleanses the skin. Mix both and apply on your baby’s skin. Let it dry for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Do this once a week for best results.
Turmeric and Chickpea Flour
A great natural exfoliator that helps in eliminating cellular debris from the skin and hair is chickpea flour, also known as gram 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 do newborn body hair removal remedy once a week for best results.
Red Masoor Dal
Red masoor dal is a great natural exfoliator that helps in lanugo shedding in newborns. Mix powdered masoor dal with baby cream and apply it gently to hairy areas. Massage lightly and rinse. It also helps remove dead skin and keeps skin healthy.
Soaked Raisins
A gentle and easy way to remove newborn body hair. Soak raisins in milk, make a paste, and gently massage it on hairy areas. It softly exfoliates and helps remove hair without harming sensitive skin.
Almond and Mustard Oil
Natural 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.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel, filled with nature’s goodness helps to soothe your baby’s skin and is one of the best home remedies for baby hair removal. Apply fresh gel and rinse after it dries.
Almond Oil and Sugar Scrub
Almond oil is the best natural ingredient and is known as safe skincare for newborn baby skin. Mix almond oil and sugar to make a soft scrub. Gently massage the baby’s skin to allow lanugo shedding.
Honey and Lemon Juice
Here’s one of the traditional Indian remedies for removing baby’s body hair. Mix honey and a little lemon juice. Apply carefully on the baby’s skin to allow lanugo shedding and keeping the baby’s skin soft and plum.
Potato Juice Application
Potato juice can lighten and is one of the natural ways to remove body hair in newborns. Apply fresh juice on your baby’s skin and rinse after it dries.
Important Do’s and Don’ts When Handling Baby’s Body Hair
When it comes to your baby’s soft body hair, knowing what to do and what to avoid is the key. Check out these important lanugo removal tips:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| For massage, use gentle natural oils like almond or coconut oil. | Shaving, waxing, and chemical processes should not be used for hair removal. |
| Before using any remedy, make sure to do a patch test. | Do not scrub the baby’s skin to the point of hair removal. |
| Moisturize using a gentle, unscented lotion on the baby’s skin. | Adult skincare or hair removal products should not be applied on a newborn. |
| If there is unusual hair growth or irritation, seek advice from a specialist.. | Don’t attempt to remove hair externally before it is shed naturally. |
| Gently wash the baby’s skin using soft, clean clothes. | Do not wash or bathe the baby frequently to the point of drying their skin. |
| Stay calm because lanugo usually falls off on its own within a few months. | Verifying the safety of home remedies must be done prior to applying them. |
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.
When to Consult a Doctor About Baby’s Hair
Most newborn body hair is normal, but some cases might need medical attention. Know when to consult a doctor:
- Lanugo Persists Beyond 6 Months: If newborn body hair is persistent from the past 6 months, consider seeking medical counsel.
- Excessive Hair Growth: Excessive newborn body hair can be a cause of concern, consult a medical practitioner if this troubles you.
- Skin Irritation or Rash: If the newborn’s head hair is associated with soreness, inflammation, or a rash, reach out to a medical expert immediately.
- Signs of Hormonal Imbalance: Unusual newborn body hair growth or patterns may indicate hormonal issues. A doctor can check and guide you.
- Delayed Growth or Development: Hair issues and slow growth might need a doctor’s advice. So, it is better to be safe than sorry!
- Unusual Hair Patterns: Strange or uneven hair patches can sometimes signal underlying problems. It’s best to talk to a doctor.
Final Thought – Trust Nature and Keep your Baby’s Skin Safe and Soft.
Your baby’s skin is delicate and precious, just like their first newborn body hair. Trust gentle, natural baby massage techniques outlined in this blog. Remember, every little step counts, when taken to protect and nurture your baby’s soft skin. Parenting is beautiful and we at Budding Star are here to make things even more special – because your little one deserves nothing less than the very best care.
FAQs on Baby Hair Removal
1. Is it necessary to remove newborn hair?
No, it’s not necessary to remove newborn body hair. Babies are born with initial fine, soft hair, which is known as ‘lanugo’. And, lanugo shedding naturally occurs within the first few weeks or months. But, there are some baby hair shedding remedies that can be taken into practise at home to get rid of excessive newborn body hair.
2. How can I naturally remove the facial hair on my baby?
There are gentle baby massage techniques that can help you get rid of newborn baby’s facial hair or overall body hair. You can also use natural home remedies for baby hair removal.
3. How long does infant facial hair last?
Newborn facial hair, also known as lanugo, usually lasts for a few weeks after birth. Most often, it falls off on its own, especially in babies born after completing 9 months. Premature babies may retain lanugo longer, but it will still eventually disappear by time.
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 newborn body hair helps to regulate the baby’s body temperature and protect its skin while in the uterus. Lanugo is generally shed during the later stages of pregnancy and is mostly gone by time after the baby’s birth.
5. Can baby hair grow thicker?
Yes, the newborn body hair can grow thicker which can be determined by genetics. As a baby’s hair matures, the initial soft hair can gradually transition to thicker.
6. When is the best time to remove lanugo?
Lanugo, the initial soft hair that covers the fetus, generally falls off naturally during pregnancy and shortly after birth. Most babies shed it in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Whereas some babies may be born with body hair, and lanugo shedding can take place within the first few weeks or months of life.
7. Why do newborns have lanugo?
Lanugo, or fine, soft hair that covers infants’ bodies, is a characteristic and transient part of fetal development. 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.
8. Can harsh hair removal methods harm my baby’s skin?
Yes, harsh newborn body hair removal methods can irritate or damage your baby’s delicate skin. It is recommended to use gentle and natural home remedies for baby hair removal.
9. Should I be worried if my baby has excessive body hair?
Yes, you must consult a doctor if you witness excessive newborn body hair.
10. How often should I massage my baby’s skin for hair removal?
Massage gently once or twice a week using safe oils or home remedies to avoid skin irritation.
11. Are there any side effects of using home remedies on newborn skin?
Some home remedies for baby hair removal may cause mild irritation or allergies, so it is recommend do a patch test before full use.
12. Can baby body hair removal cause skin irritation?
Yes, if done harshly or with unsuitable adult products. In order to get lanugo shedding naturally, gently massage with natural oils and by using age old home remedies.
Citations –
- Home Remedies for Baby Hair removal - March 1, 2021
- How to Choose the Right Baby Skin Care Range - July 20, 2018
- Break off the habit of Thumb Sucking in your Kid - January 6, 2018
- How To Make Toddler Brush His Teeth - October 5, 2017
- 11 Tips for Traveling by Train During Pregnancy - July 17, 2017
- Few Tips for Normal Delivery - June 30, 2017
- Common Symptoms of Teething in Babies - June 9, 2017
- How To Put A Baby To Sleep - May 25, 2017
- Breastfeeding And Going Back To Work - May 17, 2017
- Why Mother’s Day - May 11, 2017
