Trichorrhexis Nodosa Overview
Learn About Trichorrhexis Nodosa
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a common hair problem in which thickened or weak points (nodes) along the hair shaft cause your hair to break off easily.
Hair shaft fracture; Brittle hair; Fragile hair; Hair breakage
Trichorrhexis nodosa can be an inherited condition.
The condition may be triggered by things such as blow-drying, ironing the hair, over-brushing, perming, or excessive chemical use.
In some cases, trichorrhexis nodosa is caused by an underlying disorder, including very rare ones, such as:
- Thyroid gland not making enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
- Buildup of ammonia in the body (argininosuccinic aciduria)
- Iron deficiency
- Menkes syndrome (Menkes kinky hair syndrome)
- Ectodermal dysplasia (a group of conditions in which there is abnormal development of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, or sweat glands
- Trichothiodystrophy (inherited disorder that causes brittle hair, skin problems, and intellectual disability)
- Biotin deficiency (inherited disorder in which the body is not able to use biotin, a substance needed for hair growth)
Your hair may break easily or it may appear like it is not growing.
In African Americans, looking at the scalp area using a microscope shows that the hair breaks off at the scalp area before it grows long.
In other people, the problem often appears at the end of a hair shaft in the form of split ends, thinning hair, and hair tips that look white.
If you have a disorder that is causing trichorrhexis nodosa, it will be treated if possible.
Your provider may recommend measures to reduce damage to your hair such as:
- Gentle brushing with a soft brush instead of aggressive brushing or ratting
- Avoiding harsh chemicals such as those used in straightening compounds and perms
- Not using a very hot hair dryer for long periods and not ironing the hair
- Using a gentle shampoo and a hair conditioner
Lidia Rudnicka practices in Warsaw, Poland. Ms. Rudnicka is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Trichorrhexis Nodosa. Her top areas of expertise are Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis, Alopecia Areata, Trichorrhexis Nodosa, and Pili Torti.
Adriana Rakowska practices in Warsaw, Poland. Ms. Rakowska is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Trichorrhexis Nodosa. Her top areas of expertise are Pili Torti, Trichorrhexis Nodosa, Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis, and Alopecia Areata.
Emory Clinic At 1525 Clifton Road
Loren Krueger is a Dermatologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Krueger is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trichorrhexis Nodosa. Her top areas of expertise are Trichorrhexis Nodosa, Autosomal Recessive Hypotrichosis, Female Pattern Baldness, and Malignant Hypertension.
Improving grooming techniques and avoiding products that damage hair will help correct the problem.
This condition is not dangerous, but may affect a person's self-esteem.
Contact your provider if symptoms do not improve with changes in grooming and other home-care measures.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
James WD. Diseases of the skin appendages. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 28.
Rudnicka L, Stefanato CM. Alopecias. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 69.