There are a lot of things in life you never knew existed or ever learned about and for us, umcombable hair syndrome (UHS) is one of them.
A young Georgia boy named Locklan Samples became an internet sensation for his spiky, white uncombable hair. If you take one look at the baby boy you would think he’s just young, wild and free. However, he was diagnosed with UHS and his mother describes the texture of his hair, “It can get matted easily. It is very fragile … It can get tangled and I do have to be careful.”
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What Is Umcombable Hair Syndrome?
Uncombable hair syndrome (UHS) is a biological defect that makes hair literally impossible to comb. The result is Einstein-esque: something like static electricity on steroids. The syndrome was first identified in 1973 but possible cases date back to the 1840s.
According to WebMD, just about 100 cases have been recorded, all in children aged between three and 12.
It’s been noted that those afflicted appeared to grow out of the syndrome around puberty, and that’s not the only commonality. The children also share the same hair color and texture: bright blonde, brittle. Uncombable hair syndrome only affects people with blond and light-colored hair.
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What Causes It?
UHS typically happens on its own because of changes or “mutations” in three genes that give instructions on how to make strands of hair on your scalp. These genes are:
1. PAD13
2. TGM3
3. TCHH
They are likely inherited when both a child’s parents carry a copy of the mutation, even if those parents are recessive, exhibiting no symptoms, according to WebMd.
In some cases, people get UHS without mutations in these genes. Scientists continue to study the cause of UHS in these cases.
How Do You Treat UHS?
Unfortunately there is no cure for UHS but again it usually gets better or goes away completely around the start of puberty. Doctors typically suggest that you are gentle with your hair if you have UHS.
This includes using softer brushes, avoiding perms, hair relaxers, and other harsh treatments, and avoiding over-brushing your hair.
Some people believe that biotin supplements can improve the appearance of your hair if you have UHS. More studies are needed to be sure.
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