When Emily Turner gave birth to her second son in 2020, little Max was born with her deep brown hair. However, over the next 16 months, Max’s hair transformed from a dark hue with a fine texture to wild, uncontrollable strands of platinum blonde that draws smiles from everyone he meets. “People can’t help but grin when they see Max,” Emily shared with Home Insemination Kit, noting that curious onlookers often ask to touch his hair. This newfound attention began in the summer of 2021 when Max was about 10 months old.
As people took notice of his distinctive hairstyle, Emily and her husband, Jake, from Roswell, Georgia, didn’t initially realize anything was amiss with Max. His hair only began to change from the typical baby locks he was born with at around six months, unlike his older brother, Liam, whose hair remained more conventional. “At first, we thought he might just have curly hair, but then it just kept growing, wild and untamed,” Emily recounted.
By the time Max was nine months old, his soft, white hair had developed a mind of its own, sticking straight up and causing daily challenges during bath time. “It’s tough to get it wet,” she explained. “When it dries, it springs right back up! I only wash it when necessary.” The family quickly learned that outings became a spectacle, as people frequently commented on Max’s unique locks. “We can’t go anywhere without someone saying something, whether we’re at the park or grocery shopping,” Emily noted.
This increased attention led to significant discoveries for the Turner family. “A stranger messaged me on Instagram, asking if Max had been diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome (UHS)—that’s how I first learned about it,” Emily stated. Intrigued but unfamiliar with the rare genetic condition, she started researching and made an appointment with their pediatrician.
Max, however, took the attention in stride. “At the doctor’s office, it felt like an episode of House; there were always a lot of doctors, and he just loved it,” Emily recalled. Eventually, they were referred to a specialist at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where doctors took samples of his hair for analysis. “The dermatologist said she had only seen this condition once in 19 years,” she mentioned. After detailed examinations, Max was officially diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome, joining a select group of only about 100 known cases.
Emily described Max’s condition as a genetic quirk where each hair strand grows outward with a bend, unlike typical hair that has a round root. Initially, she was taken aback by the diagnosis, but she found comfort in the reassurance that Max was developing normally in all other aspects. “The doctors said we didn’t need to worry about anything else, and he’s perfectly healthy,” she shared.
Since the diagnosis, Emily has embraced Max’s unique hair, recognizing that it brings joy to others and often sparks curiosity. “We were at a diner on Thanksgiving, and an older woman said, ‘That baby wakes up with a bad hair day!’ but kids think he has the coolest hair,” she laughed. To celebrate Max’s individuality and raise awareness, Emily created an Instagram account, @maxs_uncombable_hair, inspired by her husband’s creativity. The account has gained popularity, connecting them with other families navigating similar experiences with uncombable hair syndrome.
Emily is grateful for the positive responses they receive, with many parents expressing relief to discover they are not alone. “We get so many comments about Max being a little rock star,” she said, while also noting the comparisons to famous figures like Billy Idol and Albert Einstein. Although there is a possibility that Max may outgrow his distinctive hair during puberty, Emily and Jake choose to celebrate this unique aspect of their son. “We think it’s cool to stand out,” she remarked. “We see it as a blessing.”
Despite occasional negative comments, such as people saying, “I’m sorry you have that hair,” Emily maintains a positive outlook. “We’re not sorry at all!” she proudly asserted.
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Summary
Emily Turner shares the story of her son Max, diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome, to spread joy and awareness about this rare condition. Embracing his unique hair, the family uses social media to connect with others and celebrate individuality.