Defects of the Hair Shaft

There are certain conditions of the hair shaft that can be seen by the naked eye, they can be diagnosed by the hairdresser. They are not infectious or contagious, but some of these defects do need specific care or treatment.

Trichorrhexis Nodosa

• Swellings on the hair

• Symptoms- swelling or nodules on the hair shaft, containing areas of splitting hair. Hair can break at these nodules and leave frayed hair.

• Cause- Harsh chemical or physical treatment• Treatment or care-Cutting or conditioning can

help.

Fragilitis Crinium

• Splitting of the hair• Symptoms- Frayed, dry ends of the hair. Can

often split all the way up the hair shaft.• Cause-Harsh chemical or physical treatment• Treatment or Cure- Cutting and conditioning

can help.

Monilithrex

Beaded hair.Symptoms-Hair shaft is swollen and constricted

alternately along the shaft. Hair can break near the scalp at the points of constriction. It can be hereditary, usually it will disappear in puberty.

Cause- Irregular formation in the growing stage or a malfunction of the hair papilla.

Treatment or Care- Can be a symptom of another disease so seek medical advice.

Trichonodosis

• Knotted Hair• Symptoms-Hair is knotted along the length of

the hair shaft• Cause-Deformity of the follicles so the hair is

twisted in growth. (harsh physical treatments)• Treatment and care- Conditioning can help,

however treat and handle gently.

Canites

• White hair• Symptoms-White or colourless hair. (Hair can

be coarser and harder) Structure does not suffer.

• Cause- No melanin produced in the papilla. Stress or illness can induce the condition but it is usually associated with age.

• Treatment or care- Artificial colourant??

Ringed Hair (A form of Canites)

• Symptoms- Hair shaft has white and colourless rings or bands alternating along its length.

• Causes- Irregular melanin production as the hair grows, the reasons for this is not clear, it could be stress or age.

• Treatment or care- Artificial colourant

Hypertrichosis or Hirsuteness

• Symptoms- Excessive hair in areas not usually covered. The texture and amounts can vary.

• Cause- Can be a hormonal imbalance, stress, pressure, shock illness etc. Women in adolescence or menopause are particularly susceptible to this. Polycystic ovaries sufferers can also suffer this condition.

• Treatment or case- Medical advice is recommended. It can also be treated by electrolysis, epilating and laser hair removal

Kwashiorkor

• Inadequate protein intake.• Malnutrition.• Fatigue.• Irritability.• Reddish orange hair.• It is most frequently found in children in African and

Central American countries.• However in the western world it is now associated

with child neglect