Uncombable hair syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It usually lasts from age 2 to the teenage years. This condition usually resolves on its own as the child matures. However, for worried parents, let us know some more important information about what causes this condition, its symptoms and solutions in this article.
In uncombable hair syndrome (UHS), your child’s hair may grow in multiple directions. It makes your hair coarse, dry and dull looking. There is no cure for this condition and as already mentioned it goes away on its own during adolescence.
What is uncombable hair syndrome? Who does it affect?
UHS is a genetic condition. This makes your baby’s hair grow uncontrollably when combed. Also, the hair may become discolored and dry. Although the hair on other parts of your baby’s body will grow normally, this condition will only affect the hair on your baby’s scalp. This syndrome can affect anyone. Because a genetic mutation causes this condition.
How does uncombable hair syndrome affect the body?
Uncombable hair syndrome affects only the hair on your child’s scalp. This causes their hair to grow in all directions instead of downwards. This can make it difficult to comb your baby’s hair. However, the condition does not affect any part of your baby’s head except the hair.
What are the symptoms of uncombable hair syndrome?
- Hair has a coarse or rough texture.
- No matter how much oil you comb that hair, it cannot be combed. It also looks dry.
- Hypopigmentation- pale or blonde, light brown appearance.
- It grows uncontrollably, not only downwards, but in all directions.
- Not all children with this condition experience all the symptoms. For example, the tone or color of a person’s hair may be naturally black or brown, but this may be an indication that it may not be inclusive.
What causes uncombable hair syndrome?
As already mentioned genetic mutation causes uncombable hair syndrome. So far, one of the following genes has been found to cause this condition
PADI 3.
TGM3.
TCHH .
However, an additional gene has not yet been identified. These genes cause your hair strands to grow in a cylindrical shape.
If you have a mutation in the PADI3 , TGM3 , or TCHH gene, it affects the shape and structure of your hair shaft. Instead of the typical cylindrical shape of your hair shaft, it becomes triangular or octagonal. So, the angles or points in your hair shaft can change the direction the strand grows.
How is uncombable hair syndrome treated?
There is no prevention and no cure for uncombable hair syndrome. Managing hair growing in every direction can be challenging. But there are steps you can take to make your child’s hair care routine easier by consulting a doctor. However, hair treatments that include harsh chemicals such as blow dryers, perms or dyes used in salons should not be used. Because they are not only ineffective but can worsen the symptoms.
