Yes, babies are born with eyelashes, though their presence may not always be immediately obvious. These tiny hairs develop long before birth but are often so fine, pale, or short that they appear almost invisible against a newborn’s skin. The perception that a baby lacks eyelashes usually stems from their delicate, unpigmented nature rather than an actual absence of hair follicles. These structures are present from birth and fulfill an immediate biological role in eye protection.
The Prenatal Timeline: When Eyelashes Form
The development of eyelashes begins early in gestation. Eyelashes originate from hair follicles, which start to form around the 14th to 16th week of pregnancy. This places the start of eyelash development well before a baby is ready for birth.
The hair structure continues to mature. The eyelashes and eyebrows are typically clearly defined and visible on the fetus by approximately 26 weeks of gestation. This explains why even premature babies often have a set of eyelashes, even if they are underdeveloped. The complete set of follicles that will produce eyelashes throughout a person’s life is established before birth.
Function and Appearance of Newborn Eyelashes
Eyelashes act as mechanical protectors for the sensitive surface of the eye. Their curved shape and positioning are designed to deflect airborne debris, such as dust and small particles, from reaching the eye’s surface. They also function as sensory organs; the slightest touch triggers the blink reflex, which is a rapid, automatic response to shield the eye from potential harm.
The appearance of these protective hairs in a newborn can vary widely depending on genetics and pigmentation. For babies with very light hair, the lashes may lack melanin, making them so pale or blonde that they blend into the skin and are nearly undetectable. Even if the lashes are present, they may initially appear sparse or short, sometimes obscured by temporary eyelid swelling or the fat deposits common in newborns.
Due to the small size of a newborn’s face, their eyelashes can sometimes appear disproportionately long, though they are often fine and wispy. Newborn eyelashes are commonly barely visible and do not resemble the thicker, darker lashes of an adult. This delicate appearance is normal and reflects the early stage of the hair’s life cycle.
Post-Birth Growth Cycles and Variations
Like all hair, eyelashes follow a continuous growth cycle that involves three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting/shedding). Post-birth, the baby’s eyelashes will continue to cycle through these phases. This cyclical process ensures that a baby always maintains a protective fringe around the eyes.
Parents may notice changes in the eyelashes over the first few months, often seeing them become thicker, longer, or darker. This shift is a normal part of development as the hair follicles mature and the body’s natural pigments become more established. The ultimate length, thickness, and color of the lashes are largely determined by genetic factors inherited from the parents.
If a baby is born with sparse lashes, the lashes usually become much more prominent within the first six months. Prematurity can also cause temporary sparsity, as the fetus may not have completed the full developmental timeline in utero. The body’s hair growth cycles will eventually catch up, resulting in the baby’s characteristic set of eyelashes.