Hair Shaft Defects

You will find a whole multitude of conditions where a defective hair shaft will cause loss of hair. In many cases it will be the fiber has not been properly formed inside the follicles thus resulting in hair shaft defects. Poor hair care and grooming can also lead to hair shaft defects.

Hair shaft defects may be the result of loose anagen syndrome which means the hair is loose in the hair shaft and is easily pulled out. This is a condition that is often diagnosed in children. Many times you will see this in newborn babies who are born with a head full of hair but lose it shortly after they are born. Many times when an infant lays on its back for long periods of time you will notice the hair on the back of the head becomes very thin. Most babies will outgrow this condition as they become toddlers.

People with blonde hair tend to have more hair shaft defects than those with darker colored hair. Often it is considered to be hereditary because it tends to run in families. Fortunately the problem will usually get better with age and the hair shaft will become stronger. Many people will never have a thick head of hair as a result of hair shaft defects but most can still enjoy a normal life and the hair can be made to look thicker with hair care products.

Traction alopecia is another term associated with hair shaft defects. This is usually caused by wearing tight hairstyles such as braided corn rows or pony tails which are pulled very tight. This is a condition that is easily corrected by discontinuing the braiding or rubber bands but if the hair has constant strain on it there will be damage to the hair shaft over time. If the condition is allowed to continue long enough it will cause permanent hair shaft defects that will never grow hair.

Trichotillomania is condition where an individual pulls on their hair and plucks it out in spots. This will leave bald patches on the head and if left untreated can cause a defective hair shaft that will not longer be able to grow hair. This condition is usually an emotional condition that needs medical treatment so that the individual can live a normal life. If left untreated it could lead to a very serious medical condition.

Some people will cause hair shaft defects by over processing their hair with perm solution or hair dyes. People who bleach their hair need only touch up the roots as they grow out instead of bleaching the whole head. With perms one should only get them about two or three times a year. This gives the scalp and hair shaft enough time to recover so that it will grow a healthy strand of hair. Perming more often can cause hair shaft defects that could lead to a permanent condition.