TLDR TTD hair brittleness is caused by multiple structural abnormalities.
The study on "Structural and Molecular Hair Abnormalities in Trichothiodystrophy" examined hair from 15 patients with trichothiodystrophy (TTD) and identified several structural abnormalities, including tiger tail banding, trichoschisis, and trichorrhexis nodosa. Using various microscopic techniques, researchers found an inverse correlation (Rval=0.9) between sulfur content and hair abnormalities, indicating that lower sulfur levels led to weaker hair. Raman spectroscopy revealed a higher presence of less stable disulfide conformers in TTD hair. The findings suggested that TTD hair brittleness was due to multiple structural and molecular abnormalities, making it prone to breakage and weathering.
35 citations,
September 2003 in “Archives of dermatology” Tiger tail bands in hair are caused by wavy hair fibers with melanin, unlike straight fibers in normal hair.
188 citations,
June 1998 in “Molecular cell” Researchers created a mouse with the same mutation as humans with trichothiodystrophy, showing similar symptoms and confirming the condition is due to defects in DNA repair and gene activity.
36 citations,
August 2018 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Trichoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing hair disorders without pulling out hair.
86 citations,
October 2013 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Trichoscopy is a useful non-invasive method for diagnosing different hair loss conditions.
44 citations,
January 2005 in “Dermatology” Hair problems can be caused by genetics or the environment, and treatment should focus on the cause and reducing hair damage.
12 citations,
November 1987 in “Pediatric dermatology” Four children had unmanageable pale blond hair due to uncombable-hair syndrome.
