In brief
Key points
- ✓Hair pigment can be lost
- ✓May occur in segmental vitiligo
- ✓Can affect response
- ✓Not dangerous itself
Why hair changes
Melanocytes in the hair follicle produce hair pigment. When these cells are affected, the hair shaft grows white.
Meaning for treatment
White hair can indicate a reduced follicular pigment reservoir and may be associated with a lower chance of repigmentation in that area, though individual outcomes vary.
Editorial basis: current AWMF S2k guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo, register 013-093, version 2.0 dated 27 July 2026. Reviewed on 2 September 2026.
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