Cosmetic hair disorders

A guide to understanding cosmetic hair problems

At the Grupo Pedro Jaén Hair Disorders and Hair Transplant Unit, we address all conditions that affect both the health and appearance of the hair and scalp. For this reason, we offer therapeutic options aimed at improving hair aesthetics, which may deteriorate due to a wide range of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, restrictive diets, poor sleep patterns, febrile illnesses, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, acute and chronic diseases, pharmacological treatments and environmental factors.

Each of these factors, together with the use of unsuitable hair hygiene or cosmetic products, hair dyes, certain styling and shaping techniques, and the application of heat through hairdryers, straighteners or curling irons, can alter the structure and texture of the hair fibre.

In addition, inadequate hair hygiene practices may contribute to the development of cosmetic hair problems or worsen pre-existing conditions.

Given that alopecia and other hair alterations can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and self-esteem, it is often advisable to complement medical treatments with cosmetic and hair care strategies in order to achieve more satisfactory results in the short, medium and long term.

Most common cosmetic hair problems

A cosmetic hair problem is defined as any condition in which one or more hair structures (cuticle, cortex, medulla, etc.) undergo a physical or chemical alteration that does not spontaneously return to its original state. In most cases, several factors act together to cause these cosmetic changes. The most frequent conditions include:

Trichoptilosis (split ends)

This is the scientific term for what is commonly known as split ends. Split ends are longitudinal fractures at the distal end of the hair shaft. Once they appear, the affected hair fibres tend to split upwards, giving the hair a dry, damaged and unkempt appearance.

Cuticular erosion or cuticle loss

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair fibre and is composed of keratin, which provides structure and protection to the hair shaft. When the cuticle deteriorates, breaks down or dissolves, the hair fibre becomes thinner and much more vulnerable to thermal or chemical damage caused by hairdryers, curling irons, straighteners or hair dyes.

Cuticle damage also leads to moisture loss and dehydration of the hair shaft, making the hair fragile and prone to breakage. When dehydration worsens and reaches the cortex, the hair may acquire a rough, straw-like texture.

Loss of elasticity and tensile strength

This occurs when hair loses its flexibility and is no longer able to stretch and return to its original shape. As a result, hair breaks easily during everyday actions such as brushing or tying it into a bun or ponytail.

Green hair

This phenomenon is relatively common in people with light-coloured or bleached hair who are frequently exposed to swimming pool chlorine or undergo repeated bleaching treatments. Dull hair is characterised by a lack of shine, usually because sebum is not evenly distributed along the hair shaft.

Dull hair

Dull hair is characterised by a lack of shine, usually because sebum is not evenly distributed along the hair shaft.

Contact dermatitis

Certain compounds found in hair cosmetic and care products can trigger allergic reactions, resulting in scaling and eczema on the scalp and sometimes on adjacent facial areas such as the forehead, temples or ears. This condition is often accompanied by itching and stinging, which may worsen with scratching — a habit that should be avoided to prevent skin abrasions or lesions.

These and other cosmetic hair problems often occur in isolation and can usually be resolved through relatively simple measures, such as modifying hair hygiene routines, adopting less aggressive styling practices and using more appropriate hair care products.

“In most cases, the best results are achieved by combining different therapeutic options and acting at an early stage.”

Cosmetic hair treatments

Cosmetic hair treatments are not medical treatments; therefore, they do not directly influence hair growth, hair loss or hair density. However, they can be useful alternatives in mild cases or as complementary strategies when medical therapies alone are insufficient or have not yet achieved definitive results.

More information

Below you will find the authorship of the information provided on this page.