Having a bad hair day once in a while is pretty usual for most people. You might hide the occasional bad hair day by sweeping your locks under a hat or opting for a simple bun or ponytail to contain your tresses.
For some children, this can be a constant experience if they have the very rare disease known as uncombable hair syndrome (UHS).
The condition usually doesn’t create any further complications and is temporary for most people who have it. But it can still be a frustrating experience for children and caregivers alike.
If you’re caring for a child with this rare disease, you’ll want to keep reading to understand exactly what caused it and what to expect as your child grows.
What is uncombable hair syndrome?
The phrase “uncombable hair syndrome” might sound like a satirical medical condition, but it’s no laughing matter for people with this hair type.
UHS is a hair growth disorder caused by genetic mutations in which the hair won’t lie flat, no matter how much it’s brushed or combed, according to 2016 research.
People with UHS tend to have blond or silver hair that looks visibly wiry or frizzy, is dry, and stands away from the scalp. This is because the hair follicles build hair shafts with structural differences and a lack of melanin.
UHS can be present at birth but often may not appear until a child is between 3 months and 3 years old. It’s most commonly observed between ages 2 and 11.
What are the signs and symptoms of uncombable hair syndrome?
UHS is characterized by a wide range of distinctive symptoms, including coarse and/or rough-textured hair, white and/or wooly hair, patchy alopecia, and abnormal hair morphology. Individuals with UHS may typically experience dry, frizzy hair that is resistant to smoothing or combing; shiny, light-colored hair that may appear silver, white, or blonde to light brown; and hair that is characterized by untamed growth in multiple directions. Not all individuals with UHS will encounter all these symptoms. For example, an individual with UHS may have naturally black hair that is uncombable. Although the appearance may suggest fragility, UHS hair is surprisingly resilient and maintains a growth rate that is largely within the normal range.
What causes uncombable hair syndrome?
As mentioned earlier, research has shown that most UHS cases are caused by genetic mutations.
The condition generally seems to develop through inherited autosomal recessive genetic mutations, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). This means that a person receives the genetic mutation from both biological parents. The parents are considered carriers and may not necessarily have the condition themselves.
For most people, UHS does not lead to complications or occur with any other health conditions. For a small subset of UHS patients, though, this hair condition is a symptom of more serious health concerns.
Some conditions associated with UHS include:
- Ectodermal dysplasia
- Angel-shaped phalangoepiphyseal dysplasia
- Bork syndrome
In particular, experts have pinpointed three genes — PADI3, TGM3, and TCHH — that are directly related to proteins needed during hair shaft formation, according to GARD.
Yet some people with UHS don’t carry those genetic abnormalities and still have atypical hair shafts. As a result, these cases don’t have a known cause. More research is still needed to fully understand the condition and what triggers it.
Typical hair shafts (regardless of hair type) are tubular. But for people with UHS, when observed under a microscope, the hair shaft looks angular, almost like a triangle, per 2016 research.
Additionally, the inner root sheath might be prematurely keratinized. This also causes atypical grooves along the hair shaft that make it more difficult to manage.
What are the treatments for UHS?
While there is no established treatment for UHS, a gentle and effective hair care routine can be adopted to manage distinctive symptoms until spontaneous improvement occurs in adulthood. Avoidance of harsh chemical hair treatments, such as perms or hair dye, is advised as these may worsen symptoms and damage hair. Refraining from excessive brushing or combing and minimizing the use of heated hair styling tools, such as curling irons or blow dryers, may also be helpful. Regular haircuts and the use of soft brushes may also assist in hair maintenance.
One of the miraculous product of Root2tip’s Wavy Curly Kit can be very helpful in managing UHS. It is a 4 step system created especially for Wavy/Curly children with UHS. Wavy and Curly hair is prone to tangles and knots. This magical moisture combo will detangle this texture without weighing it down, allowing it be gently brushed through and styled easily.
What’s Included?
- Cool Mint Shampoo
- Comb Out Co-wash
- Honey Rain Juice detangler
- Heaven’s Hair Milk
How to use it
Follow our simple moisture method –
1.) Cool Mint Shampoo: Start by shampooing hair with our refreshing Cool Mint Shampoo.
2.) Co-wash: Use our Co-wash alone for a gentle cleanse or after shampooing with our Cool Mint Shampoo for an extra refresh.
3.) Honey Rain Juice Leave-In Conditioner: Apply to hair to detangle, smooth, and hydrate.
4.) Heaven’s Hair Milk: Nourish hair strands by applying this silky milk. TIP: A little goes a long way. Top up moisture and refresh with Honey Rain or Milk as needed.
Here are few tips to manage UHS
- Be patient. The disorder often improves or resolves with time.5
- Try biotin supplements.6
- Try a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners decrease friction in your hair and make it easier to comb and style than normal. We recommend using Root2tip’s Honey Rain Juice Leave -in conditioner which will infuse instant moisture into your hair
- Avoid harsh treatments. Any treatments that use harsh chemicals, like perms, can damage your hair.
Individuals with UHS may also present with low self-esteem given their hair appearance and may benefit from consulting a mental health professional.
In conclusion, while uncombable hair syndrome (UHS) is a rare and often frustrating condition, it is generally harmless and tends to improve with time. Understanding the genetic causes and symptoms can help caregivers better support children experiencing UHS, as managing the condition often requires patience and gentle hair care practices. Though there is no specific treatment for UHS, adopting a nurturing approach to hair care and seeking mental health support if needed can greatly improve the quality of life for affected individuals. With time, most children grow out of the condition, leading to more manageable hair in adulthood. Visit www.root2tip.com for more haircare products