bubble hair deformity bubble hair deformity bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough. bubble hair deformityspecialtydermatologysymptomsshort weak brittle hair, that feels roughcomplicationshair breaks easilycausesexcess heat on wet hair, chemicalsrisk factorshair dryers, hair straighteners, curling tongsdiagnostic methodappearance, microscopypreventionavoiding excessive heat and chemicalsfrequencyfemales>males definition bubble hair deformity is damage of the hair shaft, resulting in patches of short weak brittle hair, that feels rough. cause it is typically caused by chemicals and heat; temperatures greater than 125 °c on wet hair, such as with the use of hair dryers, hair straighteners and curling tongs. mechanism bubble hair is characterized by rows of bubbles seen microscopically within localized areas of the brittle hair. these air-filled spaces occur in the cortex of the hair shaft that correspond to the breakdown of keratin and local air expansion triggered by hot water passing through the shaft. there may be an inherited predisposition. it can be associated with trichorrhexis nodosa and trichoptilosis. diagnosis diagnosis can be confirmed by microscopy. prevention avoiding excessive heat and chemicals can prevent the condition. epidemiology bubble hair is more common in females.