Comma, Hook, Coiled and Corkscrew Hairs by Trichoscopy: What do they mean?

Comma, Hook, Coiled and Corkscrew Hairs by Trichoscopy: What do they mean?

Comma hairs, hook hairs, coiled hairs and corkscrew hairs are all types of broken hairs. Comma hairs and corkscrew hairs are seen in tinea capitis. Hook and coiled hairs are seen in trichotillomania.

Comma hairs look like a comma. They are very similar to hook hairs but lack the typical end ‘hook’ that would characterize a hook hair. Coiled hairs are hairs that start coiling. They coil well above the surface of the scalp generally and are essentially  a type of hook hair that has recoiled every more. Corkscrew hairs appear similar to a corkscrew wine bottle opener. They are very coiled like a spring.

Circle hairs (referred to as pigtail hairs by many) are rapidly regrowing hairs and have pointy ends. They are seen in many conditions including alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Conditions associated with rapid regrowth may have circle hairs. In alopecia areata, they are a favourable sign