TLDR Some hair products can create false signs on scalp examinations, leading to wrong diagnoses.
In 2019, a study highlighted the importance of recognizing artifacts in trichoscopy, a method used for evaluating scalp and hair disorders. The study emphasized that certain chemicals and substances, such as hair dyes, henna, and vermillion powder, can create misleading signs that mimic specific disorders like early androgenetic alopecia. For instance, hair dyes and henna can penetrate hair follicles, creating a pseudoperipilar sign that may be mistaken for early androgenetic alopecia. Similarly, vermillion powder and powdered colors used during cultural events can create colored dots that may be confused with other symptoms. The study stressed the need for clinicians to consider these potential artifacts to avoid misdiagnosis.
84 citations,
April 2015 in “Cosmetics” Hair dyes vary in how long they last and how deeply they penetrate hair.
96 citations,
January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology” Trichoscopy is a useful, non-invasive way to diagnose different types of hair loss.
January 2017 in “Springer eBooks” The document explains various skin conditions and their treatments.
13 citations,
September 2016 in “Cosmetics” Hair care cosmetics affect hair health; know products, ingredients, and procedures.
28 citations,
November 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders” The document concludes that accurate diagnosis and treatment of scalp itch require differentiating between various conditions using a proposed five-step evaluation process.
June 2025 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Gray hair can potentially be managed or reversed with treatments that boost melanin production and address nutritional deficiencies.
53 citations,
April 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Cancer treatments often cause hair disorders, significantly affecting patients' quality of life, and better management methods are needed.
