What is the scientific term for knotted hair?

The scientific term for knotted hair is trichorrhexis nodosa. This condition is characterized by the presence of weak points along the hair shaft that can lead to breaking, resulting in the appearance of knots or bulbs at the ends of the hair. It commonly arises from factors such as excessive mechanical stress, chemical damage, or nutritional deficiencies that damage the hair structure.

Trichorrhexis nodosa is significant in the cosmetology field as it helps professionals identify hair health issues and implement proper care or treatment plans for clients. Understanding this condition allows cosmetologists to adjust their techniques and recommend appropriate products to strengthen the hair and minimize damage.

The other terms relate to different hair and scalp issues: folliculitis refers to the inflammation of hair follicles, keratosis pertains to a skin condition involving the thickening of the outer layer of the skin, and alopecia areata describes an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in patches. These conditions do not describe the specific issue of knots in hair, which further underscores the precise definition of trichorrhexis nodosa in the context of hair health and cosmetology.