unexplained small white segments in my hair

For about a month, in my dark brown, color treated, hair, I have had small white segments along the hair shaft.  There are many of these small segments and they seem only to be in the bang section of my hair.  My hair is wavy and I dry the bangs out straight.  The white segments are in the part I dry out straight. They are small and you must be close to actually see them, but there are MANY of these small segments.  The segments are very difficult to remove, but will come out with a nit comb.  Once removed and looked at with magnification, they are irregular in shape, but the majority are long and thin.  Originally I thought I had small drops of white paint in my hair.  But when it would not come out, I thought they might be nits.  However, I find no evidence of lice.  My scalp is normal in color, no redness as I am told could be the case with lice and no itch.  Also no white segments around my ears and neck, where I am told lice usually are found.  My scalp is not flaky.  These segments are only on the hair shaft, not near the scalp.  In my effort to remedy this, I have changed all of my hair care products, have tried not putting any products (other than shampoo and conditioner) on my hair, have thoroughly cleaned all brushes and combs and even used a new brush.  I have also colored my hair since this began, thinking maybe it was white hair that had, for some reason, not been properly colored.  This was not effective and the segments will comb out (with much work), so that isn't it.  Nothing works.  What could this be and how would I treat it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These white segments can be due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin. Try medicated shampoos for dandruff. There are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available that can help. The most effective ingredients -- antimicrobials -- to look for are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole (also available by prescription). If your hair is colored, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulfur.

If the symptoms persist please consult a trichologist for the confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.