Asian Hair: A Review of Structures, Properties, and Distinctive Disorders

Abstract

Kanchana Leerunyakul, Poonkiat Suchonwanit Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandCorrespondence: Poonkiat Suchonwanit Email [email protected]: Asian hair is known for its straightness, dark pigmentation, and large diameter. The cuticle layer in Asians is thicker with more compact cuticle cells than that in Caucasians. Asian hair generally exhibits the strongest mechanical properties, and its cross-sectional area is determined greatly by genetic variations, particularly from the ectodysplasin A receptor gene. However, knowledge on Asian hair remains unclear with limited studies. This article aimed to review and summarize the characteristics and properties of Asian hair. It also aimed to discuss hair disorders including linear lupus panniculitis and pseudocyst of the scalp that occur distinctively in Asian populations.Keywords: alopecia, biogeographic population, ethnicity, hair loss, hair shaft disorders

Keywords

• alopecia
• biogeographic population
• ethnicity
• hair loss
• hair shaft disorders