Have you ever stumbled upon something online that immediately brought a smile to your face? That’s the effect Locklan Samples has on his Instagram followers. This adorable toddler, with his charming dimples, is known for having an unusual condition called uncombable hair syndrome. This rare disorder causes his hair to stick straight up, no matter how much you try to style it. Additionally, the hair is incredibly fragile, making frequent combing risky as it can easily break. Locklan is one of only about 100 people globally diagnosed with this condition.
Locklan's parents recently shared their story with People magazine, revealing how they discovered their son had this extraordinarily rare syndrome. Katelyn Samples, Locklan’s mother, explained that he was born with a full head of jet black hair, which later fell out, making way for fine, peach-fuzz-like strands. It’s common for newborns to experience hair loss, often resulting in bald patches or entirely losing their hair before their permanent hair comes in.
Hair can re-emerge in various textures and colors, and for Locklan, it transitioned from dark to platinum blonde fuzz before evolving into the distinctive upright style he sports today. While the color of his hair resembles that of his older brother, the texture took his parents by surprise.
Katelyn’s journey began when she shared photos of Locklan on Instagram and received a message from a stranger inquiring if he had “uncombable hair syndrome.” This prompted her to investigate the unusual condition and consider whether it posed any health risks. She shared that it sent her into a “tailspin on Google.” After extensive searching, Katelyn decided to consult Locklan’s pediatrician for clarity, which was the first step toward securing an accurate diagnosis.
The pediatrician hadn’t encountered the condition before and referred them to a specialist at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. During the appointment, the doctor acknowledged she had only seen uncombable hair syndrome once in her 19-year career. Initially skeptical, she took hair samples and had a pathologist examine them under a specialized microscope, ultimately confirming the diagnosis.
Now, Locklan is part of an exclusive group of individuals with this syndrome. Fortunately, it only impacts his hair, and he is developing normally in all other areas. Katelyn noted that she rarely needs to wash his hair unless it appears visibly dirty, as it doesn’t accumulate oil at the scalp. Locklan’s unique locks attract attention wherever he goes, with many people fascinated and eager to touch his soft hair.
The family chronicles their experiences on their Instagram account and has also found a supportive community on Facebook. Katelyn enjoys seeing how other kids’ hair evolves over time; for some, the condition persists, while for others, it becomes more manageable. For now, Locklan revels in the attention he receives from strangers, continuing to spread joy and smiles wherever he goes.