Bubble hair

A review of bubble hair deformity

Bubble hair deformity is an acquired abnormality characterized by air-filled cavity formations within the hair shaft, usually because of heat damage. Traditionally, bubble hair is diagnosed by visualization of characteristic bubbles under light microscopy. The increased utilization of trichoscopy (scalp dermoscopy) has led to its adoption in the diagnosis of many hair and scalp conditions, including bubble hair deformity. We sought to review clinical reports evaluating the patient profile, use of diagnostic imaging, and treatment options for bubble hair deformity. A systematic search of PubMed was performed in February 2021 using various keywords. Titles and abstracts were screened, leading to the selection of 11 case reports or series. The majority of patients were middle-aged Caucasian women who had used a heated tool to dry or style wet hair. Treatment consisted of cessation of heated tool usage. Light microscopy visualization of characteristic hair shaft cavities was used for diagnosis of bubble hair deformity in reports published prior to 2012. Diagnosis by trichoscopy was used in more recent reports. Our findings support the use of trichoscopy as a convenient and noninvasive method of diagnosing bubble hair deformity. More clinical studies are needed to evaluate the development of bubble hair deformity in ethnic hair.

Trichodystrophies: A hair-raising differential diagnosis

The appearance of an individual's hair is said to be reflective of internal health. Patients with hair shaft disorders commonly present with fragile, lusterless, sparse hair in addition to psychosocial distress. Hair shaft disorders may be hereditary or acquired and may present in children or adults. Due to the varied presentations, the differential diagnosis for hair is broad and often confusing. The authors present a question-by-question guide to help clinicians arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Bubble hair and other acquired hair shaft anomalies due to hot ironing on wet hair

Bubble hair is an acquired hair shaft abnormality characterized by multiple airfilled spaces within the hair shaft. It is a result of thermal injury. We report a classic case of 22-year-old female who complained of dry brittle hair of two-week duration. Patient had used hot iron on wet hair twice to straighten hair. Hair microscopy was diagnostic and showed multiple air-filled spaces within the hair shaft.

Bubble hair. Case caused by an overheating hair dryer and reproducibility in normal hair with heat

BACKGROUND

Bubble hair is an acquired hair shaft deformity characterized by bubble-like areas in the hair shaft seen with light microscopy and corresponding cavitary defects with scanning electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to report the fourth case of bubble hair, to demonstrate a cause, and to determine whether the cavities contain gas or liquid.

METHODS

Light and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The patient's hair dryer was examined. We applied heat to normal hair of the patient and that of 16 human volunteers. Approximate temperatures for bubble formation were measured. The bubble contents were investigated by applying aqueous and nonaqueous liquids to affected hairs.

RESULTS

No person's hair failed to develop bubbles when subjected to sufficient heat. The cause of bubble hair in the patient was an overheating hair dryer. The cavitations contained a gas.

CONCLUSION

Bubble hair is a reproducible hair shaft defect caused by heat. The use of overheating hair dryers, or any other hair care equipment that overheats, should be avoided.