Black hairs on the ears of newborns are either lanugo or hirsutism of the external auditory canal. Black hairs on an infant’s ears are usually considered to be lanugo. Formed in late pregnancy, lanugo hairs are usually noticeable on a child’s back, forehead and in the ears. Most children lose them on their own about a week after birth, and some shed them gradually over several months. Birthmarks do not need to be treated and shaving is not recommended to avoid damaging the hair follicles and skin. Just keep the ear area clean. If your child has a lot of dark hair on his or her ears and it hasn’t faded for six months, you need to take him or her to the hospital for a checkup to determine if he or she has hirsutism of the external auditory canal. Hirsutism of the external auditory canal is a hereditary condition that is usually characterized by being more common in males.