Hair Breakage

There are many reasons why ones' hair could break. Some caused are self induced, some are as a result of disease. If you are suffering from hair breakage outside that which you are used too, then you may be suffering from one of the hair breakage conditions listed below. In many cases of hair breakage, the only method of establishing a diagnosis is to examine the hair under a microscope. If you are concerned about a hair breakage condition it is advisable to seek professional assistance from a trichologist who is best placed to offer the correct advice and if appropriate treatment.

The following are a list of various hair breakage conditions/ hair shaft diseases which are described in greater detail below:-

Idiopathic Trichoclasia
Monilethrix (beaded hair)
Trichokinesis (syn. Pili Torti Hair or twisted hair)
Trichokryptomania (twisting of hair shaft)
Trichonodosis (knotted hair)
Trichoptilosis (sync. Fragilitas Crinium)
Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Hairdressing procedures

Contrary to belief, many hair styling techniques are in effect damaging the hair shaft which may lead to breakage. This includes most chemical procedures and many styling techniques including, colouring (permanent and semi), waving, plaits, cane rows perming and relaxing which outline but a few. Care should be given when considering any type of chemical procedure, and the correct testing should be adopted by your hair stylist.

Unfortunately, so too often I am told that reassurance was given by the stylist and that the damage was not as a result of the technique used. Often this is far from fact! Remember, the stylist must test before any chemical procedure is undertaken. I must stress this includes each time the prior to application even if this product has been used many times before.

Idiopathic Trichoclasia

A rare hair breakage condition that presents variant sized oval patches at the vertex or anterior parietals. Viewing the hair shaft under a microscope shows broken hair shafts with brush like ends similar to trichorrhexis nodosa, however the hair length will grow no more than 6 mm. The skin that surrounds may present as normal although it may present as lichenified. Idiopathic Trichoclasia shows no affiliation to age, ethnicity or gender. Recurrence is possible. Excessive manipulation, massage or scratching are suggested causes.

Monilethrix (beaded hair)

The hair-shafts in this hair breakage condition shows swellings or nodes with intervening constrictions which is often known as beaded hair as if resembles the shape of a bead. Monilethrix tends to affect children however, adults may be affected. The Hair shafts are brittle and hair breakage is common. This may well affect other family members. Puberty may well push this condition into remission.

Trichokinesis (twisted or corkscrew hair) sync. Pili Torti.

This hair breakage condition caused the hair-shaft to twist at regular intervals throughout presenting a shimmering appearance due to the effects of light. This hair breakage condition tends to affect blonde females who were born void of hair. The condition of the scalp tends to be that of dry and scaly. Eyebrows and eyelashes may also present similar appearance. This hair breakage condition may well improve with age or after puberty. During this time the hair shaft will increase in strength.

Trichokryptomania

A hair breakage condition which is self induced. The patient would twist the hair shafts causing them to break. Often seen in neurotic patients. The probable affected regions include the parietal and auricular sections of the scalp. Breakage tends to present at differing lengths. Short hairs tend to be present.

Trichonodosis (knotted hair)

This form of hair breakage occurs as a result of the hair shafts growing in loops which knot and break. The actual hair breakage is due to self manipulation e.g. combing, washing and styling. In this particular hair breakage condition, contact is enough to exacerbate the breakage. Such contact include wearing hats, lying on pillows or contact with head rests. The lower occipital region tends to be more frequently affected as this region would be the most likely to be manipulated by the above.

Trichoptilosis sync. Fragilitas Crinium

The hair shafts become dry presenting longitudinal cracks (splits ends).These splits can flay - reminiscent of feathers. Caused by age or chemical processing.

Trichorrhexis Nodosa

Examination under a microscope reveals a swelling on the shaft itself. Hair breakage occurs causing the ends to fray giving the appearance of a brush. The condition can result from: excessive heat, exposure to hydrogen peroxide, hair dyes, alkalis, mechanical traumatism.

If you are suffering from any type of hair breakage condition advice should be sought from a professional. A qualified Trichologist would be best placed to offer such advice as they specialise in hair & scalp disorders.

We hope that you have found this page informative.