Kids hair myths are everywhere — and if you have ever been told that shaving your baby’s head will make their hair grow back thicker, you are not alone. It is one of the most persistent pieces of parenting advice out there — passed down through generations, shared confidently at playgroups, and repeated so often that most people assume it must be true.
It is not. And it is not the only hair myth that parents believe. Let us set the record straight on a few of them.
Myth 1: Shaving a Baby’s Head Makes Hair Grow Thicker
The truth: Hair thickness is determined by genetics and the hair follicle itself, not by what happens to the shaft above the skin. When you shave hair, it grows back with a blunt edge instead of the natural tapered tip — which can make it feel coarser. But under a microscope, the hair is exactly the same thickness it was before.
This myth is so widespread that a study published in the British Medical Journal specifically addressed it. The conclusion was clear: shaving has no effect on hair thickness, colour, or rate of growth. Your baby’s hair will thicken naturally as they get older, regardless of whether you shave it or not.
Myth 2: Cutting Hair Makes It Grow Faster
The truth: Hair grows from the root, inside the follicle beneath the skin. What happens at the other end — whether you cut it, leave it, or tie it up — has zero effect on the growth rate at the root. Hair grows about 1cm per month on average, and that rate is determined by age, genetics, and nutrition.
What regular trims do help with is preventing breakage. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing hair to snap off shorter. So while cutting does not make hair grow faster, it does help it retain length by keeping the ends healthy. An important distinction.
Myth 3: You Should Not Cut a Baby’s Hair Before Their First Birthday
The truth: There is no biological or medical reason to wait until a specific age. Some cultures have traditions around first haircuts, and those are worth respecting if they are meaningful to your family. But from a hair health perspective, if your baby’s hair is in their eyes, getting matted, or causing discomfort, there is nothing wrong with a gentle trim at 6, 8, or 10 months.
At Kids Hair Play, we regularly trim babies from around 6 months old. Our stylists are experienced with tiny wrigglers and use rounded-tip scissors for safety. There is no minimum age requirement — just come in when you and your baby are ready.
Myth 4: Brushing 100 Strokes a Day Makes Hair Healthier
The truth: This one is from a different era entirely. Excessive brushing actually creates friction that can damage the hair cuticle, cause static, and lead to breakage — especially in children with fine or dry hair. For most children, a gentle brush or comb to detangle is all that is needed. Once or twice a day is plenty.
For curly-haired children, brushing dry hair is particularly damaging. Curls should ideally be detangled when wet, using a wide-tooth comb or fingers, with a leave-in conditioner to reduce friction.
Myth 5: Wearing Hats Causes Hair Loss
The truth: Hats do not cause hair loss in children or adults. This myth probably started because people noticed loose hairs inside their hats — but those hairs were already in the natural shedding phase. Humans lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day naturally. A hat just collects some of them.
That said, very tight hairstyles can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia over time. Tight ponytails, braids pulled too firmly, or headbands that press hard against the hairline can damage follicles if worn consistently. Keep styles comfortable and alternate between different styles to avoid this.
Myth 6: Children’s Hair Does Not Need Conditioner
The truth: Many parents skip conditioner for their children, assuming it is unnecessary or will make their hair greasy. But conditioner replaces moisture lost during shampooing and helps seal the hair cuticle, making it easier to comb and less prone to tangling and breakage.
You do not need a heavy adult conditioner — a lightweight children’s formula applied to the mid-lengths and ends is perfect. This is especially important for children with longer hair, curly hair, or hair that tangles easily. If your mornings involve tears and a detangling brush, conditioner will change your life.
Myth 7: Hair Colour Changes After a First Haircut
The truth: Many children do experience a colour change in their hair during early childhood — blonde babies becoming brunette toddlers is extremely common. But this has nothing to do with cutting the hair. It is caused by increasing melanin production as the child gets older, which is entirely genetic and would happen regardless of whether the hair was ever cut.
The timing coincidence — getting a first haircut around the same age that colour starts to shift — is probably why this myth persists. Correlation, not causation.
Stop Believing Kids Hair Myths — Here Is the Bottom Line
Most kids hair myths are harmless, but some — like avoiding haircuts until a certain age, or shaving a baby’s head — can actually cause unnecessary stress for parents or lead to decisions that are not in the child’s best interest.
If you have questions about your child’s hair — whether it is about when to get their first cut, how to manage a particular hair type, or what products to use — our stylists at Sutton Coldfield, Hagley Road, and Wolverhampton are always happy to chat. No question is too small, and we would rather you ask us than rely on whatever well-meaning advice is doing the rounds at nursery pickup.
