A Clinical Review of Trichorrhexis Nodosa
March 2025
in “
The Open Dermatology Journal
”
TLDR Trichorrhexis nodosa is common hair breakage, often due to styling, and new treatments are being explored.
Trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) is the most common form of hair breakage, characterized by nodular swellings along the hair shaft. It can be congenital or acquired, with the proximal form being prevalent among African Americans due to chemical and heat treatments. Treatment involves minimizing heat styling and using gentle hair care products. The FDA's potential restriction on formaldehyde in hair treatments could impact current practices, prompting the use of alternatives like glyoxylic acid and cysteine treatments. Recent genetic research has identified new therapeutic targets, such as post-translational modifications and RNA interference, offering promising new treatment avenues for TN.