Overview
Loose anagen syndrome (LAS) is a rare hair condition where hair does not stay firmly rooted in the scalp. In a healthy scalp, hair goes through a growth cycle and stays anchored during the growing phase. In loose anagen syndrome, the hair shaft is not properly attached inside the hair follicle, so hairs can be pulled out very easily — often without any pain. This happens because the inner root sheath of the hair follicle does not form correctly, leaving the hair root loose and unstable. The condition mainly affects children, especially girls with light-colored or blonde hair, though it can occur in anyone. The most noticeable sign is hair that does not seem to grow very long, looks thin or patchy, and comes out easily when brushed or even just touched. Some children have areas of the scalp where hair is sparse or missing. The hair that does grow often looks dull, limp, or unruly and may not hold a style well. The good news is that loose anagen syndrome is generally not harmful to overall health. It is a cosmetic condition, meaning it affects appearance but not physical wellbeing. Many children see improvement as they get older, especially after puberty. There is no specific drug treatment approved for LAS, but gentle hair care and avoiding harsh styling can help reduce hair loss. A dermatologist or pediatric hair specialist can confirm the diagnosis and offer guidance on managing the condition day to day.
Key symptoms:
Hair that pulls out very easily, often without painHair that seems to grow very slowly or stays shortThin or sparse hair on the scalpPatchy areas where hair is missing or reducedDull, limp, or frizzy-looking hairHair that does not hold a style or looks unrulyHair loss noticed during brushing or washingScalp hair that feels loose when gently tuggedImprovement in hair thickness and anchoring after puberty in many cases
Clinical phenotype terms (3)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Childhood
Begins in childhood, roughly ages 1 to 12
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Loose anagen syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Loose anagen syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Loose anagen syndrome.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you that my child has loose anagen syndrome, and what tests confirm this?,Should we consider genetic testing, and what would the results mean for our family?,Is there any treatment that could help my child's hair grow more normally right now?,Will my child's hair improve on its own as they get older?,Are there specific hair care products or routines you recommend to reduce hair loss?,Could this condition be a sign of any other underlying health problem?,Where can I find support groups or resources for families dealing with this condition?
Common questions about Loose anagen syndrome
What is Loose anagen syndrome?
Loose anagen syndrome (LAS) is a rare hair condition where hair does not stay firmly rooted in the scalp. In a healthy scalp, hair goes through a growth cycle and stays anchored during the growing phase. In loose anagen syndrome, the hair shaft is not properly attached inside the hair follicle, so hairs can be pulled out very easily — often without any pain. This happens because the inner root sheath of the hair follicle does not form correctly, leaving the hair root loose and unstable. The condition mainly affects children, especially girls with light-colored or blonde hair, though it can oc
How is Loose anagen syndrome inherited?
Loose anagen syndrome follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Loose anagen syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Loose anagen syndrome is childhood. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.