An anaesthesiologist has demystified a common yet baffling phenomenon experienced by countless new parents across the UK: the unexpected change in their baby's hair colour. Dr. Myro Figura, MD, who shares medical insights online as @doctormyro, provided a scientific explanation that has left many families astounded.
The Science Behind the Shade Shift
Dr. Figura explained that the initial hair a baby is born with is often just a temporary 'starter kit'. This first growth typically falls out within a few months of birth. What regrows in its place can be a completely different colour or shade.
The key driver behind this transformation is melanin, the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye colour. As a baby's hair follicles mature, they begin to produce varying amounts of melanin. This process directly influences the final hue of the child's hair.
The doctor further noted that this is not always a one-time event. Hormonal shifts during childhood can cause the hair colour to change again over subsequent years as melanin production continues to evolve.
Parents Share Their Stories of Surprise
Following Dr. Figura's explanation, a wave of recognition swept through the comments section, with British parents and adults sharing their own experiences. Many expressed sheer surprise at the transformations they witnessed in their children or recalled from their own infancy.
One individual recounted a dramatic personal journey: "I faked my parents out. I was born with blue eyes and black hair, then my hair changed to blonde and my eyes turned hazel. Then it changed again, and my hair turned black with my eyes becoming green."
Another parent had hoped for a specific outcome, commenting, "I really thought my daughter's dark brown hair would fall out and come back blonde like mine and my husband's did. But nope, stayed brown." Dr. Figura's humorous term "starter kit baby hair" particularly resonated with the audience, sparking amusement and agreement.
Not every story began with a full head of hair, however, with one person wryly noting, "Well, I was born bald."
What This Means for New Parents
The overarching message for families is to expect the unexpected. The hair colour your newborn has in their first days is not necessarily the one they will keep. Dr. Figura emphasised that 'kids fake us out all the time', meaning a blonde baby could easily become a brunette toddler, and vice-versa.
This natural process is a standard part of infant development and is rarely a cause for concern. It serves as a fascinating reminder of the complex biological maturation happening in a child's early years, governed by genetics and hormonal changes.
