Evaluation of Hair Density in Different Ethnicities in a Healthy American Population Using Quantitative Trichoscopic Analysis

Mathew R. Birnbaum, Beth N. McLellan, Jerry Shapiro, Kenny Ye, Sophia D. Reid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: There is limited research into normative hair density values in individuals of Hispanic descent. Methods: In order to help establish baseline density values in these individuals, we evaluated the hair density in 99 Americans of Hispanic descent and compared them with the values in 44 individuals of African descent and 23 Caucasians. Participants were recruited from a New York City medical center and self-identified their ethnicity. Biracial individuals were excluded from the study. Results: The hair density means ± SD ranged from 169 ± 31 to 178 ± 33/cm2 in Americans of Hispanic descent, from 148 ± 25 to 160 ± 27/cm2 in individuals of African descent, and from 214 ± 28 to 230 ± 33/cm2 in Caucasian individuals. All differences in hair densities between the ethnicities were statistically significant (p values ranging from 3.03 × 10-14 to 0.0249). Conclusion: While trichoscopy is not as accurate as invasive histological assessment of hair density or phototrichogram, it is still a reliable and fast method for assessing hair density. Increased awareness of ethnic variances in hair density can help clinicians and researchers diagnose hair disorders, monitor response to therapy, and conduct hair-related research in these patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)304-307
Number of pages4
JournalSkin Appendage Disorders
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2018

Keywords

  • Alopecia
  • Ethnic hair
  • Hair density
  • Hispanic population
  • Trichoscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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