Evaluation of Scalp Hair Density and Diameter in the Arab Population: Clinical Office-Based Phototrichogram Analysis

December 2022 in “ Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology ”

Sahar Alsharif, Khalid M. AlGhamdi

hair density hair diameter phototrichogram scalp differences hair disorders hair diagnosis hair treatment

Studysummary In this study, Arab hair was found to have a higher thickness and lower density compared to other ethnicities, suggesting these factors should be considered in diagnosing and treating hair issues in Arabs.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study aimed to establish normal values for hair density and diameter in the Arab population, as such data were previously lacking. Conducted at King Saud University Medical City, the cross-sectional descriptive study involved 120 Arab adults without hair disorders, using a questionnaire and phototrichogram for clinical examination. Results showed an average hair density of 147.1 hairs/cm² and diameter of 87 μm, with significant regional scalp differences. Females had a higher hair density than males at the occiput. The study concluded that Arab hair is generally thicker but less dense compared to other ethnicities, which is an important consideration for hair disorder diagnosis and treatment in this demographic.

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