Uncombable hair syndrome is a relatively rare anomaly of the hair shaft that results in a disorganized, unruly hair pattern that is impossible to comb flat. The characteristic longitudinal grooves along the hair shaft, along with the triangular ... Uncombable hair syndrome is a relatively rare anomaly of the hair shaft that results in a disorganized, unruly hair pattern that is impossible to comb flat. The characteristic longitudinal grooves along the hair shaft, along with the triangular or kidney-shaped cross section, allows this condition to be diagnosed microscopically. Most cases improve with the onset of puberty (summary by Calderon et al., 2009).
This condition was described by French workers (Dupre et al., 1978) as 'le syndrome des cheveux incoiffables.' Scanning electron microscopy showed 2 specific alterations of the hair: a triangular cross-section and a longitudinal groove. Dupre et al. (1978) ... This condition was described by French workers (Dupre et al., 1978) as 'le syndrome des cheveux incoiffables.' Scanning electron microscopy showed 2 specific alterations of the hair: a triangular cross-section and a longitudinal groove. Dupre et al. (1978) cited description of 3 infant sibs and affected father and son. The mother of the girl reported by Dupre et al. (1978) may have been mildly affected as a child. The manifestations seem to ameliorate with age. The same condition was probably described by Stroud and Mehregan (1973) under the designation 'spun glass hair.' Ferrando et al. (1980) stressed that the only characteristic morphologic finding is a longitudinal groove and favored the name 'pili canaliculi.' Garty et al. (1982) described a striking example. The difficulty in combing the boy's hair met with little concern on the part of the parents because during infancy the father had had similar hair which had gradually become normal by about age 5 years. The paternal grandfather and great-grandfather were said to have had the same hair peculiarity in infancy. Grupper et al. (1974) found uncombable hair in 3 out of 8 sibs (with second-cousin parents). Laurent et al. (1978) reported father and son. According to Garty et al. (1982), the condition had been reported in 12 boys and 15 girls. Hebert et al. (1987) described the disorder in a brother and sister and in their father. The proposita and her brother had characteristically uncombable hair. Although their father appeared normal and denied any hair abnormality, the characteristic hair morphology was observed on scanning electron microscopy in all 3. Zanca and Zanca (1993) stated that the earliest descriptions of this syndrome date back to the beginning of the 20th century, to the observations made by Le Double and Houssay (1912) in their book entitled 'Les Velus' (The Hirsute), regarding a syndrome they called 'chevelure en vadrouille' (mop hair), comparing the hair of affected individuals to a mop used in the navy to swab the decks. Le Double and Houssay (1912) recounted their personal observation of a 12-year-old girl with no history of albinism or hypertrichosis who had unusually fine, frizzy, almost white hair and did not tolerate combing; brushing her hair resulted in a 'kind of aureole' with a 'strange effect.' Examination over several months confirmed that her hair never varied in length. Her paternal grandfather reportedly had very thick, curly hair, but of normal length. A photograph of the girl included her 2-year-old brother, whose hair was normal. Zanca and Zanca (1993) suggested that the hair of these patients might have a silvery, shining appearance due to the way in which hair shafts of a different shape reflect light.