No, most newborns have eyelashes at birth; only very premature babies or rare disorders cause sparse or absent lashes.
New parents often study every tiny feature. Lashes draw attention. Some babies show thick fringe on day one. Others look like the lids are bare. In most cases, the hairs are present but pale, fine, or short. Lighting and skin tone can hide them in photos. With growth, they stand out clearly.
Why Some Newborns Seem To Have No Lashes
Lash follicles form before delivery. By the late second trimester, fetal lids carry short hairs. Near term, the hairs lengthen. Preterm birth can pause that last stretch, so lashes may look faint at first. A few rare conditions can reduce lash density, yet these are uncommon. Most babies will show clearer fringe within weeks to months.
Quick Timeline Of Lash Development
The overview below shows typical milestones. Dates vary from baby to baby. The right column links to trusted medical pages with week-by-week notes.
| Gestational Week | What’s Developing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ~26 | Eyebrows and eyelashes form on the lids | Week 26 fetal development |
| ~27 | Eyes can open and blink; lashes present | Week 27 overview |
| ~28+ | More growth and pigment as birth nears | Late second trimester notes |
How Lash Follicles Form And Grow
Each eyelash sprouts from a small follicle along the lid margin. These follicles are part of a row that also contains tiny oil glands. The first lash hairs count as terminal hairs, not the soft body fuzz seen on shoulders. Growth follows a cycle: anagen (active), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Newborn cycles run fast, so changes show up within months.
Why Lashes Can Look Invisible In The First Weeks
- Pale pigment: Light hair can blend with skin until melanin builds.
- Short length: Hairs may be present but stubby after preterm delivery.
- Angle of growth: New hairs can point straight out, not upward, so they hide under the lid crease.
- Swelling: Birth can puff the lids and cover the fringe for a short time.
Good light shows the fringe better. A side view near a window often reveals it. As the hairs lengthen, the line looks darker and fuller.
Close Variant: Do Some Babies Arrive With Sparse Eyelashes?
Yes. Sparse fringe at birth happens in a few groups. Preterm infants sit at one end of the range. A small set of genetic conditions link to reduced body hair, which can include the lid margin. A much smaller group loses lashes after birth from lid skin issues. The next sections explain those scenarios in plain steps.
Preterm Birth And Lash Appearance
Late second trimester is when eyelid hairs form and start to gain pigment. Infants born before this window may have shorter, lighter fringe on day one. Over the next months, the line fills in. Once growth catches up, the row looks standard. Gentle cleaning and patience are all most families need.
Genetic Conditions That Can Affect Lashes
Ectodermal dysplasias are a group of inherited disorders that alter skin, hair, teeth, and sweat glands. In some types, brows and lashes can be scant or missing. These conditions are rare. If a baby shows sparse hair on the scalp along with nail or tooth differences, a clinician may test for one of these syndromes. Care teams craft a plan that may include skin care, dental steps, and help with temperature control.
Loss Of Lashes After Birth
Loss, rather than lack at birth, goes by the medical term madarosis. It can stem from blepharitis, local skin disease, or traction from rubbing. Treatment aims at the cause. A pediatric eye exam can sort that out and set a care plan. Most cases clear once the trigger ends.
What Parents Can Expect Month By Month
The pace of lash change varies. Still, the pattern below helps set expectations for the first half-year. It assumes no rare disorder and a baby who is feeding and growing on track.
Month 0–1
Lashes may look faint in bright light. Short hairs line the lid but blend with skin tones. A side glance shows small points at the edge of the lid. Avoid tugging. Clean with a damp cotton pad if dried tears build up.
Month 2–3
Hairs lengthen. Pigment deepens. Photos start to catch the fringe. In some babies the upper row looks longer than the lower row, which is normal. Lid hygiene still helps if flakes appear.
Month 4–6
The fringe usually looks clear and dark. Any early patchy look tends to fade. If the line still seems sparse by mid-year, or the lids look red and crusted, book a check with a pediatrician or eye doctor.
Safe Care For Newborn Eyelids
Daily care is simple. Keep harsh products away from the eyes. Skip mascara or lash glue on infants. Use a soft cloth with warm water to loosen dried tears. Pat dry. During bath time, tilt the head back so water runs away from the eyes.
When To Ask A Clinician
- No visible fringe by two to three months and no sign of growth.
- Red, scaly lids with missing hairs.
- Frequent rubbing or signs of discomfort.
- Other hair, tooth, or nail differences in the same child.
These signs do not point to one single cause. They do tell you an exam can help.
What The Science Says
Medical references place lash and brow formation near the end of the second trimester. One clinic guide notes that by week 26 the hairs have formed, and by week 27 the eyes can open and blink with lashes present. These details align with widely used obstetric timelines from large health systems.
In rare cases tied to ectodermal dysplasia, brow and lash density can be low. Large reference pages describe how this group of genetic disorders affects hair, teeth, nails, and sweat glands, with lash changes in some types. For loss after birth, the medical term is madarosis, covered in detail in peer-reviewed reviews and clinical guides.
Second Table: Causes, Clues, And Usual Course
| Cause | Clues | Usual Course |
|---|---|---|
| Preterm delivery | Short, pale fringe early on | Row fills over weeks to months |
| Ectodermal dysplasia | Reduced hair on brows and scalp; nail or tooth changes | Genetic diagnosis; long-term care plan |
| Blepharitis or dermatitis | Red lids, flakes, rubbing | Lid care and treatment; hairs regrow |
Pigment And Visibility
Pigment makes a big difference. Many fair-haired babies have lashes that look near clear in daylight. Those same hairs darken as melanin builds. The line looks fuller even without added length. Cameras overexpose pale tones, which hides short clear hairs. A dimmer setting or side light solves that.
Prematurity Spectrum And Lash Timing
Gestational age shapes the first look. Late preterm babies, born a few weeks early, often show a fine row that darkens fast. Babies born earlier can need more time for length and color. The course still trends toward a standard fringe by the first months, unless another condition is present. Good weight gain and general growth go along with stronger hair growth.
Myths Versus Facts
Shaving Lashes Makes Them Grow Faster
No. Cutting or shaving does not change the follicle cycle. It can raise the risk of eye injury. Leave the hairs alone.
Oil Massage Makes Lashes Thicker
No. Oily products near infant eyes can clog gland openings or cause irritation. Clean water and a soft cloth are enough.
Tiny Gaps Mean Hairs Will Not Grow
No. Small gaps can reflect the growth cycle. New hairs often fill those spaces within a few cycles.
Practical Tips For Clear Photos
Parents like to track growth with pictures. A few tweaks make the lash line pop without edits.
- Use side light from a window. It casts a small shadow that reveals short hairs.
- Avoid flash at close range. It can wash out pale fringe.
- Take a slight angle from the cheek line rather than straight on.
What Not To Do
Skip any trend that places adult lash products near infant eyes. No tinting, curling tools, growth serums, or glue. These products can sting, inflame the lid margin, or harm the gland openings. If a lash turns inward and rubs the cornea, a clinician can check for a lid turn or ingrown hair and treat it.
How Clinicians Check The Lid Margin
A routine visit starts with a bright light and a close look at both lids. The examiner scans the lash rows, the gland openings, and the skin between hairs. They may turn the upper lid to check the inner edge. If crusts line the margin, warm compresses and gentle wiping can help. If skin disease is present, short courses of drops or ointment may be used. When hair, nail, or tooth differences point to a genetic issue, a referral can follow.
When Lashes Might Truly Be Absent
True absence is rare. It tends to occur with broader traits that include sparse scalp hair and reduced brows. In such cases the lash line can remain thin across childhood. Care aims to protect the eye surface and keep lids healthy. Lubricating drops, lid hygiene, and sun hats are common parts of a plan. Teams also watch the tear film, since dry eye can pair with some syndromes.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Can Lashes Grow Longer Than Average?
Yes, lash trichomegaly exists in older kids and adults from a few causes, including some medicines and rare genetic traits. It does not apply to newborns under routine care.
Do All Babies Have Lower Lashes?
Yes, but the lower row is shorter in early months. A camera can miss it head-on. A side angle brings it out.
What About Eyebrows?
Brows follow a similar path. They form around the same time and can look light or patchy at first. Pigment and length grow across the first months.
Bottom Line: Newborn Eyelashes Are Usually Present
Most infants show lashes at birth. They may look faint due to short length or light pigment. Growth across the first months makes them easy to see. If the fringe still seems missing by mid-year, or another hair feature looks off, a check with a clinician brings clarity and a plan.