Your baby’s journey of growing hair, skin, and nails begins long before birth and keeps evolving in the first year of life. In the womb, fine hair called lanugo appears, and delicate skin begins forming. Even fingernails start growing—and by the time your baby is born, those tiny nails may already need a trim to avoid accidental scratches.

After birth, your baby's hair texture, skin condition, and nail growth will continue to change as they adjust to life outside the womb. Some babies are born with a full head of hair, others with barely any, and all of it can shift in texture or color over time. Meanwhile, baby skin adapts from the moisture of the womb to the drier air, and nails often grow surprisingly fast. Taking care of these changes is part of nurturing your baby’s overall health.

Key Takeaways

• Hair, skin, and nail development starts during pregnancy and continues after birth.
• Every baby is different—some are born with lots of hair, others with none, and it can change quickly.
• Regular care, gentle grooming, and good nutrition help support healthy development.

Baby Hair Development

Watching your baby’s hair grow is one of those small joys of early parenthood. Here’s what to know about how it happens.

When Do Babies Start Growing Hair?

Hair follicles form while your baby is still in the womb, but visible scalp hair tends to show up more noticeably after birth. Some babies are born with thick hair, others with just peach fuzz or no hair at all. It's totally normal. Most newborns shed some hair in the first few months before new strands grow in—often with a different color or texture than what they had at birth.

What Color Hair Will My Baby Have?

Hair color is a genetic mix from both parents, and it can take time to reveal itself. It’s common for a baby to be born with one color, shed that hair, and regrow something entirely different. Final hair color may not be obvious until your child is a toddler or older.

What Is Lanugo?

Lanugo is the soft, downy hair that covers your baby in the womb. It helps regulate body temperature and protect the skin before birth. Most of the time, it disappears before or shortly after delivery, but some full-term babies may still have patches of it in the first weeks.

Baby Skin Development

Your baby’s skin goes through big changes in the first days and weeks after birth. It starts adapting from the watery environment of the womb to the air outside—which can be a bit of a shock for such delicate skin.

When Does Baby Skin Fully Develop?

Skin begins developing early in pregnancy and becomes layered by the second trimester. At birth, it’s thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Over the first year, it becomes more resilient. That’s why it’s important to use gentle baby-safe products and protect skin from irritation, dryness, or too much sun exposure.

What Is Vernix Caseosa?

This white, creamy coating is often seen on newborns right after birth. It’s called vernix caseosa, and it protects the baby’s skin in the womb. It also has antibacterial properties. Experts now recommend leaving it on the skin for a while instead of washing it off immediately, since it helps hydrate and shield your baby’s skin after delivery.

What Will My Baby’s Skin Color Be?

Newborn skin often appears reddish, bluish, or even purplish right after birth. This is temporary. As circulation improves and melanin develops, your baby’s skin tone will gradually change over the next weeks or months. Genetics play the biggest role in determining skin color, and it may continue evolving through infancy.

Baby Nail Development

Yes, even those tiny fingernails and toenails are already forming before birth. They may seem harmless, but they grow faster than you'd think.

When Do Baby Nails Start to Grow?

Fingernails begin forming around the 10th week of pregnancy, with most fully grown by the time your baby is born. Toenails tend to develop a little later, but they usually catch up shortly after birth. Some newborns even come out with nails long enough to need a trim right away.

How Fast Do Baby Nails Grow?

Newborn nails are soft and flexible, but they grow fast. You might find yourself trimming them weekly to prevent scratches. As your baby grows, the nails become firmer and easier to manage—but still require regular care.

What If My Baby’s Nails Look Unusual?

It’s common for newborn nails to appear thin or uneven at first. That’s usually nothing to worry about. But if you notice discoloration, ridges, or unusual growth patterns that persist, talk to your pediatrician for peace of mind. Most differences are just part of normal development.

Caring for your baby’s hair, skin, and nails is about more than just appearance—it’s part of helping them feel comfortable, safe, and nurtured as they grow. With a little love and the right routines, these small details become everyday wins in your parenting journey.

Looking for baby care essentials? Explore our baby bath collection or gift sets designed to make those early milestones even more special.