Baby’s 'crazy' sticking up hair delights TikTok users
Watch: 'My baby's 'crazy' hair sticks out in every direction - people even stop me on the street'
A mum has been documenting her baby's "crazy" hair online after her daughter's locks started sticking completely up.
Aliyah Lewis, 20, from Barry Island, Wales gave birth to baby, Arla, 10 weeks ago, and the newborn has gone on to develop a unique hair style, with her hair growing outwards in every direction.
The unusual look means the mum and daughter are often stopped by strangers in the street commenting on the youngster's adorable locks.
Lewis says Arla's hair started growing outwards after her first bath and has continued to grow ever since.
Posting videos of Arla on TikTok, Aliyah said the quirky hairstyle has led some people to question if she has uncombable hair syndrome or a cows protein allergy.
Uncombable (sometimes referred to as 'uncontrollable') hair syndrome, which is caused by mutated genes, is thought to affect around one in 100 people in the world and is a condition which results in uncontrollable frizzy hair that cannot be combed flat.
Read more: Girl with uncontrollable hair syndrome is finally able to have her hair brushed after 9 years
Speaking about her daughter's hair stay-at-home-mum Lewis says it "just doesn't stay down".
"I've tried brushing it and nothing happens," she says.
"When it’s wet it goes down and then two minutes after the bath it goes straight back up.
"She could be wearing a hat for 30 minutes, you take it off and within a couple of minutes it's back up again."
But while some have suggested little Arla may have uncontrollable hair syndrome, her mum isn't convinced.
"I don't think it's uncontrollable hair syndrome as that usually tends to be white, almost silvery hair, and Arla's isn't like that," she explains.
"Some people on TikTok have said it can be a cows milk allergy, but she doesn’t have any other symptoms of that allergy."
Arla's soft and fluffy hair is not only appreciated by her parents, she's also coveting interest from friends and family as well as strangers in person and online.
"Random people have stopped me when I'm out and about, commenting on her hair," Lewis explains.
"Everyone in the family think’s it’s crazy."
Read more: Adorable baby born with mop of blonde hair "looks just like Boris Johnson"
Aliyah, and her partner Adam Evans, 22, are secretly hoping that Arla doesn't grow out of her unique locks.
"To be honest, I quite like it," Lewis says.
"It's almost like her own little personality.
"So I hope it stays that way."
Adam adds: "I think it's really funny. Pretty nuts, isn't it?!"
What is uncombable hair syndrome?
According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Center (GARD), Uncombable Hair Syndrome (UHS) is a rare disorder of the hair shaft of the scalp.
It has been found to be caused by mutations in three genes that are involved in hair shaft formation.
The condition is usually characterised by silvery-blond or straw-coloured hair that is disorderly; stands out from the scalp; and cannot be combed flat, with the signs typically becoming apparent from three months of age to 12 years of age.
Read more: Toddler with uncombable hair syndrome looks like an adorable 'dandelion clock' on windy days
There is no definitive treatment for uncombable hair syndrome, but the condition usually improves or resolves on its own with the onset of puberty.
In order to help manage the condition, the GARD suggests gentle hair care using conditioners and soft brushes, along with avoiding harsh hair treatments such as permanent waves (perms); chemical relaxants; or excessive brushing and blow drying.
People with concerns about symptoms of UHS are encouraged to speak with their GP or dermatologist about being evaluated for the condition.
Additional reporting SWNS.
