The mother of a one-year-old boy who suffers from an extremely rare genetic disease known as uncombable hair syndrome is trying to raise awareness about the disease. The fact that her one-year-old kid suffers from uncombable hair syndrome was initially brought to Katelyn Samples’ attention on Instagram by a fan who had spotted a picture of her youngest kid, Lockland. But looking at his cheery pictures on the social media platform, you’d think Locklan Samples was just another typical adorable looking toddler with funky hair.

Lockland Samples with his peach fuzz of a hairstyle was a viral sensation before his Mom learned about her son’s condition

Of course, if you were to look at Locklan, you’d assume that he was born with his curly hair. That is, until Locklan’s mother, Katelyn Samples, received a private Instagram message from someone who knew exactly who she was and why little Locklan’s hair looked the way it did. The stranger inquired if Locklan was diagnosed with “Uncombable Hair Syndrome.” Katelyn’s heart sank when she saw the word “syndrome” in the message.

Img Src: dailystar.co.uk

Katelyn never suspected that Locklan may have had this syndrome since his hair was black when he was a baby

16-month-old Locklan Samples has “uncombable hair syndrome,” an exceedingly rare genetic disorder that affects only 100 people worldwide. When Locklan was a baby, his mother Katelyn Samples said his hair was black; as he grew older, it began to lighten.

Img Src: gospodari.com

Locklin’s elder brother has blonde hair, so Katelyn thought that Locklan’s hair would also turn out blonde eventually

Since Locklan’s older brother Shep has blonde hair, the family didn’t question the transformation. However, it wasn’t until an Instagram follower inquired about the syndrome that Locklan’s parents agreed to have him checked.

She said-“You’re just going about your day thinking everything’s fine and that your kid might have curly hair, which does run in the family. And then to hear that there’s a rare syndrome associated with your kid — it was crazy.”

Img Src: rocketcdn.me

After getting a proper diagnosis, it was confirmed that Locklan’s indeed had uncombable hair syndrome

Katelyn added that Locklan’s hair is affected by the issue, but it hasn’t affected the child’s growth. His hair is often compared to a field of dandelions by those who have seen it. But when Katelyn initially saw the word “syndrome” in her arms, she explained that she did think like- “Oh my gosh! Is there something wrong with my child? Is he in pain or something?”

Img Src: akamaized.net

At first, Katelyn decided not to take the strange question personally

She went online to get some inspiration. Locklin’s pediatrician was the next person she called and inquired about the matter. Uncombable Hair Syndrome, which even Locklan’s pediatrician had never heard of, surprised Katelyn even more. She was then referred to a pediatric dermatologist at Emory in Atlanta, where Locklan could receive the correct diagnosis.

Img Src: nypost.com

What is uncombable hair syndrome?

According to the National Institutes of Health, uncombable hair syndrome (UHS) is a relatively uncommon condition affecting the scalp’s hair follicles. Silvery-blonde or straw-colored hair that is disorganized stands out from the scalp and cannot be combed flat is typical of this condition. It can become apparent from the time a baby is three months old until the age of twelve.

Img Src: mdzol.com

Locklin’s adorable and cuddly hair is the first thing that will catch your eye when you see him

In most cases, it’s an isolated incident, and the child will eventually grow out of it. UHS has been linked to other diseases in some cases, but this is extremely rare. Knowing this, Katelyn has now been spreading awareness about UHS. It’s easier just to assume that your child’s hair is unruly because it’s cute, but getting the child tested is preferable. Through a series of tests, pediatricians or dermatologists can help identify USH in children.

Img Src: the-sun.com

Katelyn still combs Locklan’s hair and still thinks he’s as cute as ever

His mother still manages to comb her son’s hair but not too often, despite Locklan’s syndrome, but most of the time, she just lets it remain the way it is. The perks of having it puffing out in all directions is that it is low-maintenance and adorable so that it won’t get in the way of their daily activities. Moreover, it’s okay if his hair stands on end and because it’s so delicate, they don’t want to comb it.

Locklin’s mother explains, “It can get matted easily. It is very fragile. … It can get tangled, and I do have to be careful. That would be an example of a time I actually would wash it because I very rarely wash his hair. Just doesn’t need to be, it doesn’t really get greasy.”

Img Src: mirror.co.uk

Samples decided to begin raising awareness through social media. There are currently 22.4K followers on Locklan’s Instagram page

To help raise awareness about UHS, Samples began posting Locklan’s story on social media, where she has been able to connect with others who have been affected by this same condition. Samples first resorted to Instagram to post images of her son’s happy face, but she also wanted to be a resource for others with uncombable hair syndrome.

She says- “We were like: ‘Let’s share him, let’s share his story, and kind of be a resource for other parents that might find themselves in the same boat that my husband and I were in. Because there’s just not a lot of information out there.”

Img Src: api.news

Locklin’s Instagram page @uncombable locks has gone from 3,000 to over 17,000 followers in a couple of weeks

Besides learning about uncombable hair syndrome on his Instagram page, Locklan’s fans can’t help but be attracted to his adorableness. They simply can’t get enough of his cute smiles and fuzzy hairdo that resembles a dandelion or a baby chick. People always want to touch Locklan’s hair when they see him outside, and as long as they ask politely, he doesn’t mind.

Img Src: abcnews.com