Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair: A Narrative Review of the Androgen-Dependent Phenotype

January 2026 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Eduardo Corona‐Rodarte, Carlos Barrera‐Ochoa, Fernanda Martínez‐Saharopulos, Marla Olivas‐Altamirano, Vanessa Vargas‐Vega, Antonella Tosti, Daniel Asz‐Sigall

acquired progressive kinking of the hair androgen-dependent phenotype androgenetic alopecia trichoscopic findings histopathological findings APKH

Studysummary This review examines the androgen-dependent subtype of acquired progressive kinking of the hair and suggests it may be an early indicator of androgenetic alopecia, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between subtypes for clinical decisions.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review article discusses acquired progressive kinking of the hair (APKH), a condition characterized by changes in hair texture such as increased curliness and frizziness, particularly in young males. The focus is on the androgen-dependent phenotype of APKH, which may be an early sign of androgenetic alopecia. The authors integrate clinical, trichoscopic, and histopathological findings and propose a framework to differentiate between androgen-dependent and non–androgen-dependent subtypes. The review highlights patterns of progression, diagnostic clues, and therapeutic implications, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this condition for timely intervention.

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research Whisker Hair (Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair): An Indication for Finasteride 1 mg?

6 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This case study suggests that patients with acquired progressive kinking of the hair may benefit from finasteride treatment due to an increased risk of developing androgenetic alopecia.

research Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair in the Setting of Parry-Romberg Syndrome

May 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

A woman with Parry-Romberg syndrome developed new curly hair on one side of her scalp, a condition not previously linked to the syndrome.

research Acquired Progressive Kinking of Hair Affecting the Scalp and Eyelashes in an Adult Woman

6 citations , December 2011 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

A woman developed rare, unexplained curly hair on her scalp and eyelashes.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Pathogenesis and Potential for Therapy

174 citations , November 2002 in “Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine”

This review discusses the genetic factors contributing to androgenetic alopecia and highlights the potential for developing more effective therapies based on recent discoveries, but reports no new clinical results.

research Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair

26 citations , October 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This discussion suggests that acquired progressive kinking of hair in androgen-dependent scalp areas may indicate the early stages of androgenetic alopecia with a poor prognosis, but it offers no new clinical findings.

research Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair in a Prepubertal Boy

10 citations , November 1997 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This case report documents acquired progressive kinking of the hair in a prepubertal boy but does not provide new clinical results.

Increased Scalp Skin and Serum 5a-Reductase Reduced Androgens in a Man Relevant to the Acquired Progressive Kinky Hair Disorder and Developing Androgenetic Alopecia

research Increased Scalp Skin and Serum 5a-Reductase Reduced Androgens in a Man Relevant to the Acquired Progressive Kinky Hair Disorder and Developing Androgenetic Alopecia

11 citations , September 1997 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Reduced androgens linked to kinky hair disorder and hair loss; 5a-reductase inhibitors may help.

research Acquired Progressive Kinking of Hair

33 citations , August 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study suggests that acquired progressive kinking of hair, which typically appears at or after puberty, may be androgen dependent and could progress to male pattern baldness.