A Quick Guide to Baby Hairs
Have you wondered what those soft and wispy hairs that appear along your hairline (that never seem to grow long like the rest of your hair) are called? They’re ‘baby hairs’, and they’re different than the thinning strands you get when you’ve pulled your hair into too-tight ponytails or overprocessed it with color treatments or perms.
While those activities cause some breakage in the hairline area, those damaged hairs are not really the same as baby hair, which is genetic, but can also sometimes grow during pregnancy.
Baby hairs can be long, short, straight or curly. Some people like the way it looks and others just want to get rid of it. There’s no right or wrong; it’s just a matter of opinion and personal preference.
Want to Embrace Baby Hairs
Have you ever heard of a musical icon and actress known as Jennifer Lopez? Now that’s a girl who can rock her some baby hair! And she’s not the only major celebrity with a signature hairstyle enhanced by baby hair. Do an image search on Rihanna and Alicia Keys, and you’ll be sure to find photos of them flaunting their baby hairs.
How to Help Baby Hairs Grow Faster
If you love your baby hairs, perhaps you’ve noticed they just don’t seem to come in fast enough. Treating your hairline gently can speed up their growth.
- Don’t scrub, scratch or vigorously wash around the hairline.
- Avoid too-tight twists and braids that pull and irritate the hairline.
- Keep your hairline edges moistened and conditioned.
- Don’t use harsh heat styling tools on your hairline.
- Stop wearing tight hats, headbands etc that cause friction.
Getting Edgy About Your Baby Hairs
When you style your baby hairs into intricate curlicue patterns that are pressed and secured against the forehead and the sides of the head, technically speaking, you are creating “laid edges”.
To accomplish this artistic look, you’ll need an edge control brush (a toothbrush could work fine), some gel, pomade or a stronghold hairspray. For an even more elegant finish, you can incorporate itty-bitty jewels or baby flowers into each curled edge.
The below short video shows how to tame baby hairs.
Want to Get Rid of Baby Hairs
If you hate your baby hair and want it to “be gone!” There are plenty of well-known women who have chosen to downplay (or permanently remove) their baby hairs.
Kim Kardashian made headlines some years back when she announced to the world that she lasered her baby hairs because they caused breakouts on her forehead. (Since then, she has admitted that she sometimes misses her baby hair, but unfortunately, her choice was permanent.)
How to Get Rid of Baby Hairs
If you don’t want to take a drastic step like laser treatments, other methods can help reduce or diminish the appearance of baby hair.
- Waxing or applying depilatory cream are both less invasive hair removal options but are not permanent solutions.
- Plucking or threading your baby hair is time-consuming, (and a bit painful), but could be an option if you don’t have too much of it and you are not seeking a perfectly smooth, hair-free hairline.
Note: Shaving your baby hairs is a complete no-no! Let’s say that one more time with feeling: Shaving your baby hairs is a NO-NO! Not only will it cause unsightly stubble after the first day or so, shaving will irritate the hairline, which can also lead to acne.
Here is a helpful video that explains how you can remove baby hairs at home.
Medical solutions
There are certain medications that, when applied topically, do not reduce or eliminate baby hair, but rather, encourage their growth so they can eventually be incorporated into the rest of your hair. You should only pursue a medical solution upon discussing the issue with a qualified medical physician, genetic specialist or dermatologist.
The Best of Both Baby Hairs Worlds
Wearing haircuts with bangs and other face-framing or windswept hairstyles won’t get rid of your baby hair, but they will certainly camouflage it. For most women who hate their baby hair, this is the most feasible and popular solution. The advantage of concealing your baby hair, instead of destroying it, is that you’ll still have it around should you ever decide to switch baby hair camps!
