Hair counts from scalp biopsy specimens in Asians

Abstract

Background: Differences in hair density have been described according to the ethnic background in whites and blacks. Asians are known to have fewer hairs than whites. Objective: We performed this study to assess the normal values of hair counts in scalp biopsy specimens from Koreans. Methods: A total of 35 subjects with clinically normal occipital scalps (13 patients with androgenetic alopecia, 20 with patchy alopecia areata, and 2 healthy volunteers) were included. Horizontal sections of 4-mm punch biopsy specimens from clinically normal occipital scalps were examined at various levels from the papillary dermis to the subcutis, and follicular counts of terminal/vellus hairs and anagen/telogen hairs were obtained. Results: The numbers of total hairs, terminal and vellus hairs, and terminal anagen hairs were significantly lower (P < .05) in Koreans compared with the published data of whites and blacks. Percent ratio of terminal anagen and telogen hairs were similar to whites and blacks. Follicular density was significantly lower (P < .05) in Koreans than in whites and blacks. In Koreans, female subjects had a significantly higher number of terminal hairs than male subjects (P < .05). Conclusion: Hair density is significantly lower in Koreans than in whites or blacks. Slight sexual difference exists in follicular counts in Koreans. Our data could be used as a guideline for determining normalcy in interpreting horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens from Asians. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;46:218-21.)