Updates on disorders in curly hair

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Trichology
• Hair Biology and Disorders
• Ethnic Hair Characteristics

Background:

• Curly textured hair, particularly in individuals of African descent, presents unique physiological properties.
• Common hair disorders such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), traction alopecia (TA), and acquired trichorrhexis nodosa (ATN) disproportionately affect individuals with curly hair.
• These conditions pose distinct diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to hair structure and styling practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive and current overview of CCCA, TA, and ATN in curly textured hair.
• To emphasize the unique clinical presentations and considerations for these hair disorders.
• To discuss essential hair care practices relevant to individuals with curly hair.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on hair disorders in curly textured hair.
• Analysis of diagnostic features using trichoscopy for CCCA and TA.
• Examination of the role of hairstyling practices, chemical treatments, and heat styling.

Main Results:

• Trichoscopy reveals distinct signs for CCCA (perifollicular halos) and TA (miniaturized follicles, hair casts, "flambeau sign").
• Hairstyling practices are implicated in the pathogenesis of TA and ATN.
• The role of chemical relaxers and heat in CCCA remains under investigation, with mixed data.
• Recent literature also highlights unique presentations of frontal fibrosing alopecia in curly hair.

Conclusions:

• Curly textured hair requires specialized approaches for diagnosing and managing common hair disorders like CCCA and TA.
• Understanding the unique properties of curly hair and the impact of styling is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
• Further research is needed to clarify the etiological factors, particularly regarding chemical and heat styling, in CCCA.