Hair Casts: A Clinical and Electron Microscopic Study

The study observed hair casts in 22 girls aged 4 to 13, primarily affecting the frontal, vertex, and temporal areas, with 10% to 33% of hairs involved. Most of the girls wore their hair in ponytails or pigtails. Electron microscopy revealed polymorphous scales and spores on hair casts, and x-ray microanalysis identified silicon, aluminum, and molybdenum. The researchers suggested that tightly drawn braids might contribute to hair casts by causing circulatory disturbances and scalp inflammation.