Blonde Streak

Do you remember the white streak on the hair of Sweeny Todd, Cruela Devil, and Bonnie Raitt? The truth is, their hair isn’t artificially highlighted or dyed; they have a rare medical condition called poliosis. This rare hair condition is marked by the absence of melanin in the eyebrows, hair, and eyelashes. Poliosis, otherwise known as a “Mallen Streak,” is hereditary.

Throughout history, the streak has become a trend – think the Bride of Frankenstein or X Men’s Rogue. The term “Mallen streak” first came into common parlance in the ’70s. Originating from the Latin word “malignus,” the term was credited to author Catherine Cookson in her Mallen trilogy. The plot follows the lives of a family who all have a blonde/white streak in their hair. Other famous personalities with “Mallen streak” include TV presenter George Lamb, public servant Ed Milliband, and author Caitlin Moran.