
From time immemorial, according to folk beliefs, cutting a baby’s first hair (lanugo) is likened to burning away bad luck and bringing good fortune. So, if you’re still wondering when is the best day to cut your newborn’s lanugo, let’s explore this article from our 0-3 year old baby care section.
What is Lanugo?
Even in the womb, around the 24th week of pregnancy, a newborn begins to develop a special layer of hair called lanugo. This hair continues to grow until birth and plays an important role in protecting the baby’s soft spot (fontanelle) and keeping their head warm. After birth, the lanugo gradually sheds to make way for real hair growth.

Lanugo is the first hair of a newborn
Should you cut a newborn’s lanugo?
Cutting a newborn’s lanugo is a common tradition, but many young families wonder about its significance and the right time to do it. Does cutting lanugo really help the baby’s hair grow thicker and darker?
In reality, cutting lanugo only trims the outer part of the hair shaft and doesn’t affect the hair follicle (the hair root). The belief that cutting lanugo makes hair grow thicker and darker has no scientific basis. A baby’s hair color, thickness, and texture are mainly determined by genetics.

Cutting a newborn’s lanugo is up to each parent
A newborn’s lanugo sheds naturally as part of the hair growth cycle. Old hair falls out, and new hair grows in its place. Around 3 months of age, babies often experience hair loss at the back of their head (creating a bald spot), which is a completely normal physiological phenomenon.
So when should you cut a baby’s lanugo? The timing doesn’t affect the baby’s health. You should only cut it when the hair is long and bothersome. If the baby’s hair is thin, sparse, and short, there’s no need to cut it because it helps keep the head warm and protects the fontanelle, especially when the baby is under 1 year old and the fontanelle hasn’t closed yet. Moreover, cutting the hair too early can damage the baby’s delicate scalp.
Should you keep the baby’s lanugo?
Whether or not to keep the baby’s lanugo depends on each family’s beliefs and preferences.
According to folk beliefs, lanugo is considered lucky and connected to the baby’s health and development. Many families keep their baby’s lanugo as a cherished keepsake and believe it will bring good fortune.
However, scientifically, lanugo has no special properties. It’s just the baby’s first hair, which will shed and be replaced by new hair during normal development.
Preparing for the baby’s first haircut
For a smooth first haircut, parents should prepare carefully:
- Gather all necessary tools (if cutting at home): scissors/clippers, cape/towel.
- Distract the baby by talking to them to make them forget about the haircut.
- Choose a time when the baby is most comfortable and relaxed.
- Parents can keep a lock of hair as a keepsake or take pictures with the baby.
Prepare scissors, a cape, and a comb when cutting your baby’s hair
Tips for cutting a newborn’s lanugo
A baby’s first haircut is always a special experience for parents. However, because babies are so small, cutting their hair can be challenging. Here are some tips for a smooth and safe experience:
- Whether cutting hair at home or at a salon, the most important thing is to make the baby feel comfortable. Babies are too young to cooperate like older children. Be patient, soothe the baby, and stop if they cry or become uncomfortable.
- Having a family member assist can help hold the baby and calm them down.
- Cutting lanugo isn’t mandatory; only do it when the hair is long and bothersome. Avoid cutting hair when the baby is too young (under 5 months old), tired, sick, or sleeping.
- After the haircut, bathe and clean the baby thoroughly to remove any remaining hair and prevent itching.
- If you have any concerns about newborn care, always consult a pediatrician for advice and guidance.
Common mistakes in newborn hair care
Besides cutting lanugo and choosing the right day, parents also need to choose the right shampoo and wash for their newborn to protect their delicate scalp and prevent hair problems. Pay attention to the following when bathing a newborn:
Not all shampoos are suitable for babies
For newborns, especially those under 12 months, parents should use baby-specific shampoos. A baby’s scalp is thin and delicate, and using adult shampoos or shampoos with harsh chemicals can damage it.
Especially after cutting lanugo, the baby’s scalp is very sensitive. Shampoos with chemicals can affect hair follicles, stimulate sebum production, and create an environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to seborrheic dermatitis. Choosing the right shampoo is crucial.
Using fresh ginger water to treat hair loss
Some believe that after cutting lanugo, parents should use fresh ginger water to treat cradle cap. This practice has been passed down through generations. However, parents should know that this is unscientific and potentially harmful.
Using fresh ginger water for a baby’s hair loss is incorrect and can even be dangerous. Medical experts strongly advise against this practice.
If a baby’s hair grows sparsely or falls out excessively after cutting lanugo, it’s best to consult a pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist for proper treatment. Don’t use fresh ginger water.
Shaving off lanugo for healthier hair growth
Similar to using fresh ginger water, shaving off lanugo for healthier hair growth is a misconception. Some parents, misunderstanding this, unintentionally harm their children’s health.
Shaving a baby’s lanugo can damage their scalp and reduce the insulation provided by the hair, making them more susceptible to illness.
Furthermore, hair growth depends on hair follicles and genetics, not on shaving lanugo. Parents should be mindful of this when cutting their baby’s lanugo
Children in general, and newborns in particular, have extremely delicate and sensitive skin. There are also many things parents need to keep in mind when cutting a baby’s lanugo. Our 0-1 year old baby care section hopes this article provides helpful knowledge and understanding, helping parents feel more confident in caring for their newborns at home.