Untangling the complexities of inherited hair disorders

The past years have witnessed dramatic advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of hereditary hair disorders. Through the study of these conditions, we have gained much insight into the nature and role of key mediators of hair follicle growth and differentiation and have gained novel tools to facilitate their diagnosis. In addition, this new knowledge has not only far reaching implications for the counseling of individuals at risk for inherited hair diseases, it has also shed light on the genetic basis of common hair diseases and has led to the development of innovative therapeutic tools as exemplified in the context of inherited hypotrichoses and acquired forms of scarring alopecias.