Overview
Pili canaliculi (also sometimes called 'pili canulati' or 'uncombable hair syndrome') is a rare condition that affects the structure of hair. The name 'pili canaliculi' refers to a specific abnormality where each hair shaft has a canal-like groove running along it, giving the hair an unusual shape when viewed under a microscope. This is closely related to — and often considered the same as — uncombable hair syndrome, where the hair grows in a disorganized way and cannot be flattened or combed smooth. The hair is typically silvery-blonde, straw-colored, or light in color, and it stands out from the scalp in many directions at once. This condition mainly affects the scalp hair and is usually noticed in early childhood, often between infancy and age three. The hair is not painful, and the condition does not affect overall health or development. In many children, the hair appearance improves naturally as they get older, often by puberty. There is no specific medical treatment needed, though gentle hair care is recommended. It is worth noting that Orphanet has marked this entry as 'obsolete,' meaning it has been reclassified or merged with related conditions in current medical databases.
Key symptoms:
Hair that cannot be combed flat or smoothHair that stands away from the scalp in all directionsSilvery, blonde, or straw-colored hairDry or frizzy-looking hair textureHair shafts with a groove or canal shape when seen under a microscopeHair that breaks or tangles easilySlow hair growth in some cases
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Infantile
Begins in infancy, roughly 1 month to 2 years old
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Pili canulati.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Pili canulati.
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 OBSOLETE: Pili canulati.
Community
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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.Is my child's hair likely to improve as they get older, and at what age might we see a change?,Should we do genetic testing, and would it change how we manage the condition?,Are there any hair care products or routines you specifically recommend?,Could this condition be a sign of any other underlying health issue?,Are other family members at risk, and should they be evaluated?,Are there any support groups or resources for families dealing with this condition?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Pili canulati
What is OBSOLETE: Pili canulati?
Pili canaliculi (also sometimes called 'pili canulati' or 'uncombable hair syndrome') is a rare condition that affects the structure of hair. The name 'pili canaliculi' refers to a specific abnormality where each hair shaft has a canal-like groove running along it, giving the hair an unusual shape when viewed under a microscope. This is closely related to — and often considered the same as — uncombable hair syndrome, where the hair grows in a disorganized way and cannot be flattened or combed smooth. The hair is typically silvery-blonde, straw-colored, or light in color, and it stands out from
How is OBSOLETE: Pili canulati inherited?
OBSOLETE: Pili canulati follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Pili canulati typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Pili canulati is infantile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.