Hair oils are used all over the world since time immemorial; however, their exact effect on the hair and scalp remains obscure. They are usually easily accessible and are inexpensive. A wide variety of oils have been used and newer ones are coming up every day. The primary function of most of the hair oils is to act like an emollient but the unique characteristics of various hair oils suggests its action just more than emollient action. This article focuses on the different types of hair oils and their possible beneficial effects on the hair. Dermatologists need to be aware of the effects of hair oils and their usage.

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Hair loss can impact a person's quality of life in ways incomprehensible. People value hair for different reasons, but value it nonetheless. There is a myriad of conditions that impede hair growth or cause hair to grow in an unattractive manner such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and chemotherapy-induced hair loss. For conditions like cicatricial alopecia, there are hardly any options available once permanent loss of hair sets in. The role of hair transplantation too is limited in such cases where the donor area has been compromised. Thus, addressing the concern of hair loss and presenting all possible options available even after medical and surgical options flounder due to their limitations is a responsibility every dermatotrichologist carries and a plethora of camouflage options are available to improve the appearance of hair right from hairpieces to more permanent methods like scalp micropigmentation.

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Background: The combination of diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) and anthralin may demonstrate synergistic effects in the treatment of chronic extensive alopecia areata (AA). Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of the combination therapy of topical DCP and topical 0.5% anthralin versus topical DCP alone for the treatment of chronic extensive AA. Materials and Methods: Ten patients were included in the study. Of these, 1, 2, and 7 patients were diagnosed with alopecia totalis, severe AA (>50% hair loss), and alopecia universalis, respectively. For each patient, one side of the scalp was treated with a DCP solution and 0.5% anthralin for 6 months, while the other side was treated with DCP and a cream base for the same duration. The clinical responses were assessed at baseline and then monthly until the end of the 6-month study period using the Severity of Alopecia Tool score. The side effects were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Results: The difference in the efficacies of the combination treatment and DCP alone was not statistically significant (P = 0.59). Regarding the side effects, DCP plus 0.5% anthralin caused significantly more excessive dermatitis than DCP alone (7 patients vs. 2 patients; P = 0.02). Eight patients reported temporary hyperpigmentation at the combination-treatment site, whereas no hyperpigmentation was reported at the DCP-alone site of any patient (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of DCP and 0.5% anthralin was not superior to DCP alone for the treatment of chronic extensive AA. An increase in side effects – excessive dermatitis and hyperpigmentation – was observed in the combination-treatment group.

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Introduction: Alopecia (hair loss) commonly affects patients and can severely affect one's confidence and self-esteem. In addition to medical therapy, hair filler fibers can improve the gross appearance of thinning hair in a targeted manner by making hair appear fuller and thicker. The objective of this study is to assess patient use, satisfaction, and adverse effects following the application of a commercially available hair fiber filler product. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at an academic tertiary dermatology center. Alopecia patients were supplied a keratin hair fiber filler, which best matched their natural hair color. Following 90 days of application, patients were asked to complete questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction and record patient-reported adverse events. Results: Twenty women and 20 men with hair loss participated. Patients reported improved hair volume and increased perceptions of confidence and attractiveness after applying fiber. Most subjects (92.5%) reported a high level of satisfaction with the fiber's ability to match hair color and provide sufficient coverage. No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Alopecia has a negative impact on quality of life and several psychological domains. Topical hair filler fiber can serve as an effective and safe camouflage for patients with alopecia with high user satisfaction.

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Introduction: Hair straightening products like the Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) contain high concentrations of formaldehyde, and its use is associated with adverse effects. In 2016, seven cases of eczema-like psoriasiform skin reaction secondary to BKT were described for the first time. We aim to investigate the clinical characteristics and dermatoscopic findings of patients with psoriasiform skin reactions due to BKT. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from October 2017 to June 2020. Patients who developed erythema and scales on the scalp following the use of BKT were included. Age, sex, number of BKTs, time elapsed between BKT and the skin reaction, pull test, and dermatoscopic findings were investigated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: We found 43 patients with a mean age of 35 ± 10 years, predominantly females in 42 (98%) cases. The mean number of BKTs was 2 ± 2. The mean length of time elapsed to present the reaction was 12 ± 17 months and this was related to the number of BKTs (P = 0.01). The pull test was positive in 37 (86%) patients. The most frequent dermatoscopic findings were perifollicular scales in 42 (98%), red patches in 35 (81%), and peripilar desquamation resembling the outer skin of an onion bulb in 32 (74%). Conclusion: Hair straightening products are widely used and the psoriasiform skin reaction that develops afterward might be underdiagnosed. It is important to investigate the background of BKT in conjunction with the clinical and dermatoscopic findings suggestive of this cutaneous reaction.

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Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a type of lymphocytic cicatricial alopecia, which can occur at unusual sites. It can be difficult to diagnose at an early stage and may be misdiagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis in early stages before alopecia occurs. We report a rare case in which alopecia occurred between two long surgical scars on the scalp several years after surgery. Dermoscopy and biopsy led to a diagnosis of LPP. The localization of the lesions in our case suggests that oxidative stress from the failure of lymph flow might have induced LPP. Oral roxithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory was effective at stopping its progression.

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Plica polonica is a rare condition presenting as a mass of scalp hair with irregular twists and irreversibly entangled plaits, which are firm to hard impenetrable mass of keratin cemented together with dirt and exudates. The exact etiopathogenesis of plica neuropathica is not known, but it can be due to longitudinal splitting or weathering of hair shaft due to vigorous friction and frequent use of harsh shampoos and cleansers or long hair with poor hair care Drug-induced hair matting due to chemotherapeutic drugs and due to neurotic illness like hysteria, anxiety, to psychotic illness have also been reported. Dermatoscopy showed interwining of hair shaft with matting and honey-colored concretions mimicking “wrangled mesh of wires” appearance. The treatment of plica neuropathica involves cutting the matted hair and evaluating underlying psychiatric illness to prevent recurrence.

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