Have you heard of bamboo hair? It’s an abnormality that causes hair strands to look like bamboo stalks that have nodes throughout its length.

This article will discuss some of the most important things you need to know about bamboo hair, such as its causes, symptoms and treatment, so don’t stop reading now.

Also, kindly repost this article on social media so that your family members and friends may also get introduced to this truly interesting hair condition.

But before we proceed, let’s get one thing straight: the hair strands of someone with bamboo hair will only appear like they’re bamboo stalks when seen under a microscope.

Definitely, someone who has it won’t appear as though there are bamboo stalks growing out of his or her scalp, but there are a bunch of noticeable hair issues.

Causes

More often than not, bamboo hair is one of the symptoms of what’s called Netherton syndrome, although it’s possible for someone who has bamboo hair to not have it.

Put simply, Netherton syndrome is an inherited condition, and it tends to affect the skin, hair and even immune system of the individual who has it.

According to doctors, most individuals with bamboo hair have Netherton syndrome, but then there are also people with bamboo hair who do not suffer from it.

Symptoms

Just like what’s earlier mentioned, someone who is suffering from bamboo hair won’t look like he or she is growing bamboo on the scalp.

The only time that the problem becomes noticeable is when hair strands are viewed under a microscope. Otherwise, hair strands look just like normal hair strands.

However, the mane of someone who has bamboo hair tends to look kind of spiky. Also, the hair of a person with bamboo hair isn’t as shiny as everybody else’s hair.

In addition, the hair strands of those with bamboo hair tend to break easily. It’s for this reason why hair fall and hair thinning are common among those with bamboo hair.

Aside from hair on the head, bamboo hair can also have a structural effect on hair strands making up the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Since hair strands of the eyebrows and eyelashes are just as dry and brittle as hair strands on the head, it’s possible for a person with bamboo hair to lose his or her eyebrows and eyelashes.

By the way, someone who has bamboo hair due to Netherton syndrome may also experience signs and symptoms aside from those that have something to do with their mane.

For instance, the skin may appear dry and scaly. It’s not unlikely for redness to be noticed, too. Definitely, affected areas of the skin can feel itchy.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for Netherton syndrome to date. Similarly, no treatment exists for bamboo hair, although there are certain things that can be done.

Because hair strands of someone who has bamboo hair tends to be dry and prone to breakage, it’s important to keep the tresses hydrated properly.

This means that the use of shampoo, conditioners and other products for the hair containing harsh ingredients that can cause further dryness should be avoided at all costs.

Frequent hairstyling should be avoided as well. Needless to say, it’s not a good idea to use blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons and others that expose hair strands to excessive amounts of heat.

Trips to the salon and getting certain hair treatments have to be avoided as well. Certainly, getting the hair permed or relaxed can do more harm than good.

Using mild shampoos and conditioners that deeply hydrate hair strands is a good idea for anyone who is suffering from bamboo hair.

As for the skin-related signs and symptoms of Netherton syndrome, it’s important to consult a doctor on how they can be managed safely and effectively.