Variation of Hair Follicle Counts Among Different Scalp Areas: A Quantitative Histopathological Study

September 2021 in “ Skin Appendage Disorders ”

Suthinee Rutnin, Kumutnart Chanprapaph, Kallapan Pakornphadungsit, Kanchana Leerunyakul, Yingluck Visessiri, Smith Srisont, Poonkiat Suchonwanit

hair follicle scalp follicular units terminal hairs vellus hairs anagen phase telogen phase hair disorders

Studysummary This study observed variability in hair density and types across different scalp areas in cadaver biopsies, providing reference values that could aid in diagnosing hair disorders in Asians. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated hair follicle counts in different scalp areas using 240 specimens from 60 cadavers. It found that the temporoparietal area had the lowest mean hair count, number of follicular units, terminal and vellus hairs, and terminal-to-vellus hair ratio. The anagen-to-telogen hair ratio was similar across all scalp sites. No significant association was found between hair parameters and gender or age. The study concluded that hair count values should be standardized for each scalp region, providing reference values for evaluating hair disorders in Asians.

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