Does Mundan Make a Baby's Hair Thicker? The Truth About Shaving a Baby's Head

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video answers whether the new hair that comes after a mundan (head shaving) grows thicker and better. Why newborn hair falls: A newborn's hair depends on the mother's hormones. As the baby becomes three to six months old, that newborn hair starts falling and new hair gradually comes in. Why people believe mundan helps: When people get a mundan done, it seems to them that hair is coming in evenly everywhere and that it is thicker. The reality: That is not the case. A child's hair pattern depends on the parents' hair pattern and their genetics. The new hair that comes after a mundan is not thicker or denser — it is just normal. The conclusion: Mundan is therefore not mandatory or necessary. Even if you do not get a mundan done, the newborn hair gradually sheds by six months, and after that the new normal hair — the child's permanent hair — comes in. Relevant for: parents deciding whether to get a mundan done for their baby; parents asking whether shaving a baby's head makes hair thicker, denser or more even; parents worried that their baby's hair is thin or falling; parents asking why newborn hair sheds and at what age; and parents wanting to know what actually determines a child's hair pattern. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician if your child has patchy hair loss, scalp rash, infection, or any other scalp concern.