Ringed hair disease

Definition

A rare isolated, benign hair shaft abnormality, usually presenting after the age of 2 and affecting the hair of the scalp or, very rarely, beard, axillary, or pubic hair. Hair is characterized by a banded or speckled appearance due to alternating light bands (corresponding to air-filled cavities within the cortex of the affected hair shafts) and dark bands. The bands have a lifelong duration, may only be detectable under light microscopy, are more apparent in fair-colored hair or with age-related graying, and have no effect on hair growth or fragility in the vast majority of cases.