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Anisotrichia is a dermatological term that describes a variation in the thickness or texture of individual hairs. This variation can occur either in specific areas of the scalp or across the entire scalp. Anisotrichia can be caused by the natural condition of a person’s head of hair as well as by external influences or health problems.
Hair texture refers to the diameter and texture of the individual hair; some hair can be fine and soft, while others in the same area of the head can be coarse and thick. Such differences can lead to an uneven look and feel of the hair and often pose a challenge when styling. Hair can be difficult to manage and react differently to care products or styling methods.
The causes of anisotrichia are varied. Genetic factors can play a significant role in determining how hair grows on the scalp. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause, can also have an influence on hair structure. In addition, skin diseases such as alopecia areata, where hair falls out in certain areas and grows back in different textures, or diseases of the hair follicles such as folliculitis can lead to anisotrichia.