So why do some babies have impressive locks, while others come out of the womb almost bald? Well, as you might have guessed, it has a lot to do with genetics. Like all the other features, kids inherit their hair from their parents and grandparents. So, if you had a lot of hair when you were born, there’s a good chance your child will, too.

However, being born with long hair doesn’t mean that the hair will stay like that forever. You see, hair growth depends on hormones quite a lot. When a baby is in utero, they are affected by hormones in their mom’s bodies. During the pregnancy, women experience increased hormone levels, thus helping hair growth.

Once a baby is born, their bodies aren’t producing that many hormones. So they might start losing hair. It might be quite unnoticeable as new hairs continue to replace the old but if it is, it is nothing to be worried about. Shedding is completely normal. Some babies even get a bald spot on the back of their head because they spend most of their life laying down and the continuous rubbing damages the hair. That is also not a big deal.

However, remember that excessive hair loss after your baby turns 6 months old can also be a symptom of other issues that might need medical attention. Those include nutritional deficiencies or fungus related problems. Using shampoos that are too harsh for your baby’s skin might also cause irritation and breakage. So, if you notice anything unusual, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

A baby’s hair might also change in texture and color as they grow. In fact, it can continue to do so until they are five years old. That means that if you gave birth to a cutie with cherub-like golden curls, that doesn’t mean that it will not get darker and/or straighter as they develop. The color can also fluctuate, going from darker to lighter, and then back to dark again.

If your baby was born with a full head of hair that seems completely unruly no matter what you do, they might have uncombable hair syndrome. That is, indeed, a real genetic condition that makes the hair grow in all different directions. This often means that one cannot comb the hair flat—it stands up straight no matter what. Other symptoms can include having frizzy, coarse, shiny, or dry hair.

The condition is, as far as we know, harmless. Both light-haired and dark-haired people can have it and there’s no way to remedy it. The good thing is that it resolves itself over time. Usually, it goes away around puberty.

No matter what kind of hair your baby has, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking care of it. Firstly, don’t wash it too often. Once or twice a week is more than enough. When washing, use a gentle, tear-free shampoo and don’t rub the scalp too briskly as it can damage the follicles. If you wish to style your baby’s hair, do not use any products with harsh chemicals in them.

Whatever your baby’s hairdo, they all have pros and cons. Long, beautiful locks are lovely, but they might be a pain to care for and style. Short hair is very easy to manage, but there isn’t much you can work with if you wish to change up your little one’s looks. Either way, your baby is perfect no matter what.