The short answer: in the first month, plain warm water is all your baby's hair and scalp need. After that, a gentle wash about once a week, soft finger detangling on damp hair, and a very light touch with products is plenty. Shedding, thin patches and cradle cap are all common at this age and usually settle by themselves.
Last updated: October 2026.
New parents get a lot of advice about baby hair, and much of it is written for straight hair. This guide is for babies with curly, coily or afro hair from birth to 6 months. It covers what is normal, a simple routine, how to handle cradle cap, what to avoid for safety, and when to ask a health professional.
Quick reference
| Age | Washing | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 month | Plain warm water; a bath is optional | None. The NHS advises avoiding oils and lotions until at least 1 month |
| 1 to 3 months | About once a week, or when needed | A mild baby shampoo and a tiny amount of moisture if the hair is dry |
| 3 to 6 months | About once a week | Same, plus finger detangling on damp hair |
Babies differ, so use this as a guide and follow the advice of your midwife or health visitor.
In this guide
What is normal for baby hair
Many things that worry parents are normal at this age:
- Shedding. Babies often lose their birth hair in the first months, and new hair grows in. It can look patchy for a while.
- Bald spots at the back. Rubbing against the mattress or car seat can wear hair down where the head rests.
- Different texture. The hair that grows in can be a different texture or colour from the hair your baby was born with.
- Uneven hairline. Baby hairlines are often soft and uneven.
Afro and tightly coiled hair is often drier than other hair types because scalp oils find it harder to travel along each curl. A light, gentle approach is enough at this age.
The first month: keep it simple
NHS guidance on bathing a newborn says plain water is best for your baby's skin in the first month, that you should avoid adding liquid cleansers to the bath, and that oils and lotions should wait until your baby is at least 1 month old (source: Healthier Together, NHS). The same page advises washing the face first, then the hair with plain water, and keeping the baby's head clear of the water at all times. Never leave a baby alone in the bath, not even for a second.
That is a useful reminder that less is more. In the first weeks, you can skip hair products entirely.
A gentle weekly routine
From around 1 month, many parents settle into a weekly wash. Boots and WebMD both describe about once a week as a typical starting point for young curly and coily hair, and say tightly coiled hair can need less. Adjust to your baby's scalp.
- Pick a calm time. Not straight after a feed, and not when your baby is tired or hungry. Keep the room warm.
- Check the water. It should be warm, not hot. Test it with your wrist or elbow and mix it well.
- Wet the hair with a cup of warm water, supporting your baby's head.
- Use a tiny amount of mild baby shampoo and massage the scalp with your fingertips. Avoid hard scrubbing.
- Rinse well and keep water away from the face.
- Pat dry with a soft towel. Do not rub.
- Moisturise lightly if the hair is dry. A very small amount of a product made for babies is enough, and a patch test comes first.
- Detangle gently with your fingers or a baby-safe soft brush while the hair is damp.
Between washes, a light mist of water is usually enough to refresh dry hair. When your child is older, see our wash day routine by age.
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is greasy, yellow or white scaly patches on the scalp. The NHS says it is harmless, not itchy or painful, not passed between babies, and usually clears up by itself within a few months. It describes home care as gently massaging an emollient or coconut oil into the scalp to loosen the scales, brushing gently with a soft brush, then washing with baby shampoo. It says to avoid olive oil, peanut oil, soap, adult shampoos and fragranced products, and not to pick at the crusts (source: NHS).
Some hair may come away with the scales. It grows back.
See a GP or pharmacist if:
- it has not improved after a few weeks of home care
- it covers your baby's whole body
- the crusts bleed or leak fluid
- the area looks swollen
Safety: what to avoid
- Tight styles. Baby hair follicles are delicate. Avoid anything that pulls, such as tight bands and early braids or cornrows. Those suit toddlers and older children better.
- Bonnets and wraps for sleep. WebMD advises against satin bonnets, wraps and pillows for infants because they can slide over the face. A fitted satin crib sheet is a safer alternative.
- Bows and clips when unsupervised. Remove accessories at sleep time or when no one is watching, as they can be a choking hazard.
- Adult products. Strong fragrance and harsh cleansers are not made for young skin.
- Hot water and leaving baby alone in the bath. Always test the water and stay within arm's reach.
- New products without a patch test. Try a small amount on a small patch of skin first and wait before using it more widely.
Products made for babies
Many parents are happy with water and a mild baby shampoo for the first months. When you want to add a little moisture, we make sets for babies from 0 to 6 months. The product pages describe them as made with natural ingredients to keep delicate hair soft and healthy-looking. Please read the full ingredients on the product page before buying, patch test first, and check with your health visitor if you are unsure. Wait until your baby is at least 1 month old before using oils or lotions, in line with NHS advice.
| Product | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Gentle Start Hair for Babies 0 to 6 months | A hair set for babies, made with natural ingredients to keep delicate hair soft |
| Gentle Start Growth and Moisture Set | A moisture set for young hair |
| Baby Glow Skin Milky Soap with Colloidal Oats | A baby skin soap, for bath time |
Browse the 0 to 6 months bundles or the full Kids Hair Care collection.
When to ask for help
Talk to your health visitor, pharmacist or GP if your baby has:
- a scalp that is red, swollen, weeping or crusted
- skin that keeps flaring up, or a rash that spreads
- hair loss that is patchy on the front or sides of the head and does not improve
- any reaction after trying a new product
This article is general information, not medical advice.
FAQs
How often should I wash my baby's afro hair?
About once a week is a common starting point for young curly and coily hair. Tightly coiled hair can need less. In the first month, use plain water only.
Is it normal for my baby to lose hair?
Yes. Many babies shed their birth hair in the first months. New hair grows in and it can come in a different texture.
Can I put oil on my newborn's scalp?
The NHS advises avoiding oils and lotions until at least 1 month old. For cradle cap, it suggests a gentle emollient or coconut oil, then brushing and washing. Speak to your health visitor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Is cradle cap harmful?
No. The NHS describes it as harmless and not itchy or painful. It usually clears up by itself within a few months.
Can I use a bonnet or satin pillow for my baby?
WebMD advises against satin bonnets, wraps and pillows for infants because they can slide over the face. A fitted satin crib sheet is a safer option.
When can I start braids or cornrows?
Most advice says to wait until toddlerhood, and to keep any style loose. See our guide to the causes of breakage for what to watch.