Imitations (cont'd): "Einstein Hair"

Tempted to let my hair grow like Einstein's—

Not pretending to any scientific emulation,

But simply because it's more convenient

And might even look better—

I find that I have a genetic condition

Called Uncombable Hair Syndrome (UHS),

Cheveux incoiffables (in French), or "spun-glass hair":

"While sometimes observed with other disorders,

it is believed [to be] an isolated disease."†

There's no treatment, just use soft brushes and gentle conditioners.

I guess I'll do as I please!

Heinrich Hoffman's "Struwwelpeter"(1845/61)

† Ü. Basmanav, F. Buket; Cau, Laura; Tafazzoli, Aylar; et al. (December 2016). "Mutations in Three Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Hair Shaft Formation Cause Uncombable Hair Syndrome". American Journal of Human Genetics. 99 (6): 1292–1304.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025