BUBBLE HAIR

- an acquired hair-shaft deformity associated with hairdressing procedures (hairdryers, hot tongs, straightening irons etc), which employ great heat.

Microscopical examination of the hair-shaft reveals numbers of bubble-like lesions which are actually gas filled cavities created by the rapid vaporization of moisture within the hair-shaft.

The degree of bubbling therefore increases with higher levels of moisture content.

All hair will react this way to intense heat.

The structure of the hair-shaft will be weakened by bubbling and fragility will result.

There is no way of repairing hair-shafts damaged in this way.

Treatment: Prevention through avoiding the cause.

© The Trichological Society

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Bubble Hair Syndrome    - Carly Kent MTTS

Bubble hair syndrome is an acquired, irreversible hair shaft defect. It occurs when wet or damp hair is heated excessively to produce steam, severely weakening the cortex, damaging the cuticle and eventually resulting in hair breakage.
Cause.
Bubble hair syndrome is the result of the vaporisation of moisture within the cortex. This transpires when the hair is heated to temperatures of, or exceeding one hundred degrees centigrade causing any water contained within the cortex, to boil. This in turn triggers the transition from liquid to gas as steam is produced. The generation of steam within the cortex results in the formation of cavities caused by trapped pockets of gas, or air bubbles and creates a bulge or distortion in the hair shaft. Areas affected in this way will become susceptible to breakage as they are significantly weakened by the loss of cortical cells.
The most common cause of this defect is the use of heated appliances in order to style the hair for example hairdryers, hair straighteners, curling tongs or hot brushes. The majority of hair straighteners and curling tongs will generally operate with temperatures between one hundred and twenty to one hundred and eighty degrees centigrade.
Diagnosis.
Bubble hair syndrome is diagnosed by the appearance of localised hair breakage at a point where there is a bulge or distortion in the hair shaft. Hair damaged in this way will usually be weak, brittle and often straight and stiff. It is essential to gain an understanding of what heated appliances are used on the hair as diagnosis is often determined by the history of styling practices.
Under microscopic examination the cortex is sometimes referred to as resembling ‘Swiss cheese’. This is due to the manifestation of irregular cavities within the cortex caused by cell destruction. This will be enclosed by a severely damaged cuticle which will remain intact until the latter stages as the condition worsens..
Bubble hair is most often seen in longer haired females due to the desire to style and dry the hair. It is becoming increasingly common as more women and girls of all ages are tending to wash, dry and straighten their hair on a daily basis and often within a time limit.
Treatment and Prognosis.
Bubble hair syndrome is irreversible due to the destruction of the cortex and the acute weakening of the surrounding cuticle. Those suffering from this hair shaft defect should be advised to make sure the hair is not left damp before applying heated appliances or use hairdryers on a low heat setting. If possible they must refrain from using any heated styling equipment to prevent further damage.
The hair should be cut to remove any damaged or split ends caused as a result of breakage and to discard of as many affected hairs as possible before they eventually break independently.