Uncombable hair syndrome: what is it and how do you treat it?
Does your child have hair that sticks out in all directions and is it impossible to manage, no matter how much you comb or brush it? Does it feel dry and straw-like and seem impossible to style? Then you may be dealing with a rare but fascinating condition: uncombable hair syndrome. Although it sounds almost made up, the condition is real and has a unique genetic cause. In this blog, we have a closer look at what uncombable hair syndrome is, what causes it and, most importantly, how you can make this type of unmanageable hair combable again.
Uncombable hair syndrome: what is it and how do you treat it?
Does your child have hair that sticks out in all directions and is it impossible to manage, no matter how much you comb or brush it? Does it feel dry and straw-like and seem impossible to style? Then you may be dealing with a rare but fascinating condition: uncombable hair syndrome. Although it sounds almost made up, the condition is real and has a unique genetic cause. In this blog, we have a closer look at what uncombable hair syndrome is, what causes it and, most importantly, how you can make this type of unmanageable hair combable again.
Uncombable hair syndrome, also known by its scientific name pili trianguli et canaliculi, is a rare structural abnormality of the hair shaft. It is usually first noticed in childhood, often between the ages of 3 months and 12 years.
The characteristics are usually:
The hair is dry, stiff, and extremely frizzy.
It typically has a silvery-white, straw-blonde or strawberry blonde colour.
Hair does not grow downwards, but stands straight up or grows in different directions.
The hair is virtually impossible to comb flat or style.
It is important to emphasise that the syndrome does not generally affect the amount of hair or cause hair loss. Children with this syndrome have normal hair density, and their hair also grows at a normal rate. It is purely the structure of the hair fibre itself that is different.
Advice personalized to your hair needs
Take our Hairtest to find the best products for your hair within 2 minutes!
The question then quickly arises: how does this happen? The cause of uncombable hair syndrome is purely genetic. It is therefore not the result of poor nutrition or improper care. Research has shown that mutations in three genes (PADI3, TGM3 and TCHH) are responsible. These genes play a crucial role in the formation of the hair shaft. In most people, hair has a round or oval cross-section. In people with uncombable hair syndrome, this cross-section is different, usually triangular, or kidney-shaped. This unusual shape, often with a groove along its length, prevents the hairs from lying neatly alongside each other. Instead, they repel each other, resulting in the characteristic unruly and disordered hairstyle.
Source:
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis is relatively easy to make. It can be seen based on the appearance of the hair. For definitive confirmation, a dermatologist or paediatrician can perform a microscopic examination. By examining a few hairs under a special microscope, the abnormal shape of the hair shaft can be determined. If you suspect that your child has this syndrome, it is always wise to contact a medical specialist for a correct diagnosis.
Caring for uncombable hair
The good news is that the condition typically improves on its own and sometimes even disappears completely as your child gets older, especially around puberty. Until then, proper care for uncombable hair is essential to keep it in the best possible condition. Aggressive treatments are out of the question; mild treatments are the key.
Tips for daily care
Caution: Avoid brushing or combing vigorously. Use a soft-bristled brush or your fingers to gently detangle the hair.
Mild cleansing: Do not wash the hair too often and always use a very mild, moisturising shampoo, preferably without sulphates, which can further dry out the hair.
Intensive nourishment: A nourishing conditioner after every wash is an absolute must. Allow it to soak in thoroughly. Also, consider a deep nourishing hair mask once a week.
Leave-in products: A leave-in conditioner or a gentle hair oil can help to soften the hair slightly during the day and reduce frizz.
K18Peptide is a biotech-developed peptide that mimics the structure of hair to undo damage by reconnecting the natural compounds in the hair.
The pH is optimized (5.0-6.0) to minimize swelling of the hair cuticle and restore hair proteins to their most resilient state.
The cream provides easy, light application to all hair types, with detangling and softening benefits.
Which ingredients can help? When looking for the right products for difficult to comb hair, look for ingredients that are known for their nourishing and strengthening properties. These include biotin, keratin and argan oil. These ingredients help coat the hair shaft, retain moisture and improve overall condition. This treatment for uncombable hair syndrome is therefore mainly focused on cosmetic care and minimising discomfort.
Our recommendations
Although there is no medical treatment that can eliminate the genetic cause of uncombable hair syndrome, proper care can make a world of difference to the manageability and appearance of the hair. At Hairgivers, we understand the importance of gentle and effective hair care. In our webshop, you will find products that can help with this.
We recommend looking at:
Mild, sulphate-free shampoos: These cleanse the hair and scalp without removing natural oils, which is crucial for dry and brittle hair.
Nourishing conditioners and hair masks: Choose products rich in natural oils and proteins to intensively moisturise and strengthen the hair.
Supplements: Supplements containing biotin can contribute to healthy hair from within.
Sources
Cobb, H. K., & Tiu, A. Y. (2017). A case of uncombable hair syndrome and global developmental delays. International Journal Of Case Reports And Images, 8(2), 108. https://doi.org/10.5348/ijcri-201718-cr-10757
