Arch Dermatol 1999 Jun

BACKGROUND: The meager data on normal hair density in humans have been gathered from a predominantly white population. Examination of scalp biopsy specimens from African Americans suggests that hair density in this group may be lower than in whites. This study was performed to quantify any differences between white and African American patients.

DESIGN: A retrospective case series of subjects who had undergone a biopsy of clinically healthy scalp skin. The 4-mm punch biopsy specimens were sectioned, and all follicles contained within the specimens were counted at various levels (suprabulbar, isthmus, and infundibulum) to arrive at the number and type of hairs present.

SETTING: Outpatient clinic in a tertiary care medical center.

PATIENTS: A consecutive sample of 22 African American and 12 white patients with clinically healthy scalp skin specimens that were studied and compared with previously reported data.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' age and total number of follicles, terminal follicles, vellus follicles, terminal anagen hairs, and terminal telogen hairs.

RESULTS: Total hair density (number of follicles per 4-mm punch biopsy specimen) and total number of terminal follicles and terminal anagen hairs were significantly lower in African Americans (P<.001) than in whites and in a previously reported, predominantly white, population.

CONCLUSIONS: Hair density in African Americans is significantly lower than that in whites, which must be taken into consideration when evaluating a biopsy specimen from an African American patient.

Data previously collected from white patients may not provide adequate guidance when evaluating scalp biopsy specimens from African Americans and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis.