The term "hair fracture" refers to a small, partial break or crack in a bone. The spelling of this word can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as [hɛər ˈfræk.tʃər]. The first syllable "hɛər" is pronounced like "hare," while the second syllable "fræk.tʃər" sounds like "frak-sher." Overall, the spelling of "hair fracture" accurately represents the pronunciation of the word and can aid in clear communication among healthcare professionals when discussing this type of injury.
Hair fracture refers to a type of fracture or break that occurs in the hair shaft. It is characterized by a longitudinal splitting or cracking of the hair, usually resulting from excessive tension or stress applied to the hair strands. Hair fractures are commonly observed in individuals with dry, damaged, or weakened hair, as it lacks the necessary moisture, elasticity, and strength to withstand external pressures.
Hair fractures can manifest as visible splits or cracks along the length of the hair shaft, often causing the hair to appear frizzy, dull, and brittle. These fractures can occur at any point on the hair strand, although they are commonly found towards the ends, where the hair is typically oldest and most fragile.
Various factors contribute to the development of hair fractures, including excessive heat styling, chemical treatments (such as coloring or perming), aggressive brushing or combing, and rough handling of the hair. Additionally, environmental factors like exposure to harsh weather conditions, sunlight, or chlorine in swimming pools can also contribute to hair fracture formation.
Prevention and treatment of hair fractures involves adopting a gentle hair care routine that minimizes exposure to damaging practices and incorporates moisturizing and strengthening products. Regular trimming of split ends is necessary to prevent the fracture from extending further up the hair shaft. Using heat protectant sprays, minimizing heat styling, reducing chemical treatments, and employing wide-toothed combs or fingers for detangling can also help prevent hair fractures.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "hair fracture" is not a widely recognized medical or scientific term. It may be a colloquialism or a term used within specific contexts or specializations. As such, it does not have a specific etymology.
However, the word "fracture" itself derives from the Latin word "fractura", which means a breaking or fracture. The term "hair" typically refers to the filaments that grow from the skin of mammals, including humans. Therefore, it is likely that "hair fracture" is a description of a type of fracture that involves the breaking or damage of hair-like structures or filaments, possibly referring to fractures in extremely small or delicate bones.