Babies are bundles of joy that bring immense happiness to their parents. From playing with them to experimenting with different hairstyles, parents love taking care of their little ones. But did you know that babies also need a hair care regime to keep their locks healthy and growing? While genetics play a role in determining the volume of your baby’s hair, proper care can also boost their hair growth. Here are five hacks to make your baby’s hair grow faster and healthier.
1. A Simple Oil Massage Can Work Wonders
Babies, like adults, enjoy scalp massages. Scalp massaging has several benefits, including improving blood circulation and nourishing and moisturizing the scalp to keep it non-itchy and flake-free. This is especially important for newborn babies who often have dry skin after birth.
You can experiment with different oils to find what works best for your baby’s hair. Oils like coconut oil, almond oil, amla oil, mustard oil, olive oil, castor oil, or ayurvedic oils are known to be effective. You can also mix these oils to create your own blend. For example, using coconut oil and castor oil on alternate days can help make the hair stronger.
You can also try heating coconut oil with a few rice grains and 4-5 pepper seeds, allowing it to cool down, and then massaging it onto your baby’s scalp. This can help boost hair growth.
2. Daily Dose Of Nutrition
Proper nutrition is important for babies’ overall development, including their hair growth. Protein intake is particularly beneficial for hair growth. Foods rich in protein, such as apricots, pumpkins, salmons, carrots, almonds, eggs, and walnuts, can provide your baby with the daily dose of protein they need.
In addition to protein, your baby’s diet should also include vitamin D, E, biotin (or vitamin B7), and B12 for healthy hair growth. You can include 2-3 almonds and dates in your baby’s daily diet to enhance their hair volume.
3. Baby Hair Friendly Washes
Using mild soap or shampoos specifically designed for babies is recommended for their delicate scalps. The frequency of hair wash should be limited to 3-4 times a week. Before washing your baby’s hair, you can apply oil for a smooth texture and follow up with conditioning. Conditioning is particularly helpful for detangling curly or dry hair.
Natural conditioners are even better for your baby’s hair, as they are free from harmful chemicals. You can try using curd, egg whites, hibiscus, a mixture of honey and virgin oil, or a combination of avocado pulp, a tablespoon of honey, and coconut milk as natural conditioners just before hair wash.
4. Gelatin For Lustrous Hair
Gelatin is known to have properties that can enhance hair growth, add luster, and reduce frizz. It contains glycine and proline, which are essential amino acids that our bodies need. However, babies primarily depend on liquids for their diet and may not easily digest gelatin as part of their food. But you can still include gelatin in your baby’s hair care routine.
You can mix gelatin with equal proportions of hot and cold water, apple cider vinegar, and a teaspoon of honey to create a nourishing massage serum for your baby’s scalp. Once it dries, you can use a mild shampoo or soap to wash it off. Unlike conditioners that may contain silicone, which can add artificial shine and damage hair in the long run, gelatin contains keratin proteins that strengthen hair without causing harm.
5. Brush Strokes To Detangle
One would seldom want to run the harsh strokes of brushes through the delicate scalp of babies. But avoiding brushing or simply running your fingers through their hair might cause tangles, leading to knot formations. To avoid this, gently combing or brushing after every wash is advised. On a daily basis too, brushing would strengthen the roots of the hair and improve blood circulation. Curly hair especially needs to be combed as once tangled, you will have to cut them to get rid of the knots.
Brushing your baby’s hair not only helps detangle it but also promotes healthy hair growth. Regular brushing stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn nourishes the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It also helps distribute the natural oils from the scalp to the hair shafts, keeping the hair moisturized and preventing dryness and frizz.
When brushing your baby’s hair, make sure to use a soft-bristled brush or a wide-toothed comb that is gentle on their delicate scalp. Avoid using brushes with harsh bristles or combs with sharp teeth as they can hurt your baby’s scalp. You can start by gently running your fingers through your baby’s hair to remove any tangles or knots. Then, use a soft brush or comb to gently detangle the hair from the roots to the ends. Be patient and gentle, taking care not to pull or tug on the hair.
For babies with curly hair, regular brushing is even more important as curly hair tends to tangle easily. You can use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle the curls, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Avoid using brushes on curly hair as they can disrupt the natural curl pattern and cause frizz.
It’s also a good idea to brush your baby’s hair after applying oil or conditioner to distribute the product evenly and help detangle the hair. You can use natural conditioners like curd, egg whites, hibiscus, a mixture of honey and virgin oil, or a combination of avocado pulp, honey, and coconut milk just before a hair wash. These natural conditioners not only nourish the hair but also make it easier to detangle.
In addition to detangling, brushing your baby’s hair daily can also help strengthen the roots of the hair. The gentle stimulation of the scalp improves blood circulation, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth. However, be mindful not to brush your baby’s hair too vigorously as it can cause damage to the delicate hair strands and scalp.
With proper brushing techniques and gentle care, you can ensure that your baby’s hair remains tangle-free, healthy, and grows beautifully.
Now that you know that your baby’s short and sweet hair is so precious and can become healthier through such effortless methods, you can include a hair care routine for your baby pampering sessions and enjoy it as much as the baby would!
In conclusion, taking care of your baby’s hair is an essential part of their overall care routine. By following these simple hacks, such as giving your baby a gentle oil massage, ensuring they have a nutritious diet, using baby hair-friendly washes, incorporating gelatin for lustrous hair, and brushing their hair regularly, you can help boost their hair growth and keep their hair healthy and happy. Remember to always use gentle products and techniques that are suitable for your baby’s delicate scalp and hair type. With a little extra care and attention, your baby’s hair will grow faster and become the crowning glory of their adorable little head! So go ahead and try out these hacks to give your baby the best hair care possible and enjoy those precious moments of pampering and bonding with your little one. Happy baby hair care!
