The condition known as uncombable hair syndrome occurs when a person’s hair grows in a manner that prevents it from lying flat when combed. This disorder causes the individual strands of hair to stand on end, creating the impression that the person has been electrocuted.
This disorder could be explained by hair follicles lacking the bending and staying power necessary to lie flat. Because of the way the hair follicles are built, they tend to “run wild,” which results in hair follicles that are rigid and difficult to manipulate.
In most cases, the symptoms of uncombable hair syndrome first appear during childhood or adolescence. However, even individuals with hair that appears to be normal are susceptible to developing the syndrome later in their lives.
Visual examination is the primary method of diagnosis for uncombable hair syndrome, although genetic testing can be used to verify whether or not a person has the condition. A medical team is evaluating the indications of uncombable hair syndrome to see whether or not they are present in more than fifty percent of the hair.
What Triggers Uncombable Hair Syndrome?
The medical and scientific communities are still working to determine the precise reason behind uncombable hair syndrome; however, the prevailing theory is that a genetic anomaly causes the condition. According to this hypothesis, the affected genes in the hair do not let the strands lie in a normal position.
Due to this genetic anomaly, the hair follicles take on the appearance of a triangle, even though normal hair follicles have the shape of a circle. Therefore, it causes the hair to be structured unruly, and as a result, you experience uncombable hair syndrome.
How To Manage Uncombable Hair Syndrome
Regardless of their hair type or texture, individuals should love their natural hair irrespective of how they choose to care for and style it. However, according to the information provided by the medical professional, you will not alter the structure of your strands by using chemical services such as relaxers or perms, even though these procedures may make it simpler for you to style your hair. This could mean frequent salon visits to maintain a just-out-of-the-salon appearance.
Is Uncombable Hair Syndrome Correctable?
There is presently no product that can alter the shape of your hair follicles; therefore, you will not be able to change its appearance. If you struggle with an uncombable hair disorder, the smartest thing you can do for yourself is to seek the assistance of a hair care provider who can teach you how to master some hairdos that make you appear and feel amazing. You should also learn to love your natural hair for everything that gives it its unique characteristics.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for Uncombable Hair Syndrome; however, the symptoms often improve on their own by the time a kid reaches their teenage years. The only treatment that is indicated for this condition is the use of moderate conditioners and mild brushes.
Additionally, it is strongly advised to steer clear of hair treatments damaging hair. Biotin tablets have also been used for treatment because of their historical utility in regulating nail fragility and enhancing hair development after 4 months of consumption.
Presentation
The quantity of hair is average, and its hue is typically a shade between white and straw. It is unruly, protrudes on the scalp, and may be difficult to comb into a flat surface, but you can tame it via braiding techniques. The mutations that cause this condition can occur in three genes: PADI3, TGM, or TCHH.
The inheritance pattern of uncombable hair syndrome is primarily autosomal recessive, but it is also possible for it to be autosomal dominant. This is because there are likely other genes involved that have not yet been discovered. These genes are responsible for the production of proteins involved in the hair shaft’s creation, and enhancement often occurs in later childhood.
The phenotypic indications of UHS tend to decrease or disappear during the early adulthood stage spontaneously. Persons who have UHS may eventually have hair that is nearly normal in texture and may lie flat by the time they are adolescents or early adults for reasons that are not fully understood.
Diagnosis
Other syndromes with hair disorders, such as loose anagen syndrome, Rapp–Hodgkin ectodermal dysplasia syndrome, EEC syndrome, and familial tricho-odonto-onychial ectodermal dysplasia with syndactyly, could also show attributes of uncombable hair syndrome.
On the other hand, in contrast to these disorders, uncombable hair syndrome is not linked to any abnormalities in the physical, neurological, or mental systems. One of the additional observations that experts can make when attempting to diagnose persons with uncombable hair syndrome is viewing the hair shaft via a specialized microscope. Individual strands of hair have a triangular or kidney-shaped configuration, and one or both faces of the hair have a longitudinal groove running along the length of the hair.
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) makes it possible to see the cross-sections of hair shafts, which can look like triangles, hearts, kidneys, flat surfaces, or grooves running longitudinally. It’s interesting to note that a single hair shaft can have several cross sections of different types.
Uncombable hair syndrome hair will reflect light more strangely than ordinary hair due to the unusual structure of the hair shafts. This results in a shimmering look that sets UHS hair apart from typical hair. Embedding uncombable hair syndrome hairs in paraffin is an additional approach that you can take to establish a UHS diagnosis on a molecular level.
Conclusion
It’s not always easy to determine where to begin the diagnostic process. For many people, it starts in a front-line healthcare provider, like primary care, urgent care facility, or emergency department. However, it can also begin elsewhere. A diagnosis may become evident during these sessions, but it is also possible that it will not become clear until after specialized research and referrals.
Visiting a physician consistently throughout the diagnostic process is likely beneficial and essential. During diagnosis, a physician or a specialist may suggest different therapy choices to manage the patient’s symptoms. In addition, doctors may be able to provide access to local resources, mental health help, and chances for research.