Bubble hair. Case caused by an overheating hair dryer and reproducibility in normal hair with heat.

BACKGROUND

Bubble hair is an acquired hair shaft deformity characterized by bubble-like areas in the hair shaft seen with light microscopy and corresponding cavitary defects with scanning electron microscopy.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to report the fourth case of bubble hair, to demonstrate a cause, and to determine whether the cavities contain gas or liquid.

METHODS

Light and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The patient's hair dryer was examined. We applied heat to normal hair of the patient and that of 16 human volunteers. Approximate temperatures for bubble formation were measured. The bubble contents were investigated by applying aqueous and nonaqueous liquids to affected hairs.

RESULTS

No person's hair failed to develop bubbles when subjected to sufficient heat. The cause of bubble hair in the patient was an overheating hair dryer. The cavitations contained a gas.

CONCLUSION

Bubble hair is a reproducible hair shaft defect caused by heat. The use of overheating hair dryers, or any other hair care equipment that overheats, should be avoided.