Hair Loss Glossary: Expert Help & Terminology Guide
Hair loss can occur due to various factors, ranging from genetics and aging to hormonal imbalances and underlying health conditions. It can take the form of thinning hair, bald patches, or complete hair loss. Some common causes of hair loss include androgenetic alopecia (also known as male or female pattern baldness), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, anemia, thyroid problems, and stress. While hair loss can be temporary in some cases, it can also be permanent, affecting a person's physical appearance and confidence. In this glossary, we will go over all the terminology that is used and not always understood. Also check out the other pages on our site for more help and guidance.
Hair Loss Glossary: Expert Help & Terminology Guide on Everything you need to know about Hair
Aldactone is a brand name for spironolactone, a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Additionally, it has also been found to be effective in treating hair loss in women.
Alopecia refers to a medical condition where there is a loss of hair, which can be caused by various factors such as illness, hereditary disposition, or a functional disorder.
Alopecia Areata is a specific type of hair loss where the person experiences smooth, circular patches of hair loss on their scalp. It is believed to occur when the body starts producing antibodies against some hair follicles, and can be triggered by stress, genetics, or other factors.
Alopecia Totalis is a condition in which there is complete hair loss on the scalp. This can occur as a result of Alopecia Areata or some other underlying cause.
Alopecia Universalis is a more severe form of Alopecia Totalis, where there is complete hair loss on any part of the body, including the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Like Alopecia Totalis, this condition can develop as a result of Alopecia Areata or some other underlying cause.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in hair growth. A deficiency of amino acids can have a negative impact on hair growth.
Amortization is the process of converting one enzyme into another, such as converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
Anagen refers to the growing phase of hair, which usually lasts between two and six years.
Anagen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when hair that is supposed to be in its growing phase (anagen phase) falls out. This type of hair loss is often associated with chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Androgens are a group of hormones that are commonly referred to as male hormones. The most prominent androgen is testosterone.
Androgenetic Alopecia is a genetic condition that causes hair loss as a result of the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on hair follicles. It is also known by other names such as male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, hereditary alopecia, and common baldness.
Anterior refers to the front portion of an object or body.
Antiandrogens are agents that block the action of androgens by preventing their attachment to receptor cells, interfering with their metabolism, or decreasing their production in the body.
Aromatase is an enzyme involved in the production of estrogen. It acts by converting testosterone (an androgen) into estradiol (an estrogen). Aromatase is found in various parts of the body such as the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose (fat) tissue, and brain.
An Autograft is a type of graft that is taken from the patient's own body.
Azelaic Acid is a substance that is commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. It works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which is involved in the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Biopsy: A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from a patient's body and examined under a microscope to help diagnose a medical condition. The tissue can be taken from any part of the body and is typically removed using a needle or surgical knife.
Bonding: Bonding is a hair restoration technique that involves using a special adhesive to attach a hairpiece to a person's scalp. The hairpiece is made from either synthetic or real hair and is designed to cover areas of hair loss. The bonding process can be done at a salon or at home and typically takes several hours to complete.
Catagen: The catagen phase is a transitional stage in the hair growth cycle that occurs between the anagen (growth) phase and the telogen (resting) phase. During this stage, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, causing the hair to stop growing. This stage usually lasts for 2-3 weeks and is followed by the telogen phase.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of medical treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs are usually administered intravenously and are designed to target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. While chemotherapy is highly effective in treating cancer, it can also cause hair loss due to the drugs' high level of toxicity. This type of hair loss is typically temporary and the hair will grow back once the treatment has been completed.
Club Hair: Club hair is a type of hair that has stopped growing and is no longer in the anagen phase. The hair is anchored to the skin with a "club-like" root and will eventually be pushed out and replaced by a new growing hair. Club hair is often a sign of a hair growth cycle that has completed its cycle and is preparing to restart.
Cobblestoning: Cobblestoning is a condition that occurs when hair transplant "plugs" have not healed properly and have left the scalp lumpy. This is because the "plugs" do not usually heal flush with the skin and instead create a cobblestone-like appearance. This condition is common in hair transplant procedures and can often be corrected with a secondary procedure.
Cortex: The cortex is the main structural layer of a hair shaft. It surrounds the medulla and is filled with keratin fibers that give the hair its size and strength. The cortex is also responsible for most of the hair's luster and shine.
Crown: The crown is the highest part of the head, typically located above the temples and forehead. It is the area where the hair naturally grows and can be a common site for hair loss in both men and women.
Cuticle: The cuticle is the outermost layer of a hair shaft and is composed of overlapping scales made of colorless keratin protein. The cuticle provides the hair with its luster and shine, as well as some of its strength. The cuticle also protects the hair from damage and helps to prevent breakage.
Dermal Papilla: The dermal papilla is a small structure located at the base of the hair follicle. It contains nerves and blood vessels that supply the hair follicle with glucose and amino acids needed for hair growth. The dermal papilla is critical in regulating hair growth because it has receptors for both androgens (male hormones) and hair-promoting agents.
Dermis: The dermis is one of the two layers of skin and is the innermost layer. It contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands, and provides structural support for the skin.
Diazoxide: Diazoxide is a drug that works by dilating blood vessels
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): It is a male hormone that is considered to be the primary cause of miniaturization of hair follicles and hair loss. This hormone is produced when testosterone, the male sex hormone, interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Donor Site: This is the area from where pieces of skin containing hair are taken during a hair transplant surgery.
Double Blind Study: This is a type of scientific study where neither the participants nor the researchers are aware of who is receiving the treatment or drug being studied. This is done to eliminate any biases that might affect the outcome of the study.
Dutasteride: It is a medication developed by GlaxoSmithKline that acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Unlike other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, Dutasteride inhibits both type-I and type-II forms of the enzyme.
Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as a protective barrier for the body. It is a non-vascular layer, meaning it does not contain any blood vessels.
Estrogen: This is a female hormone produced primarily by the ovaries. It plays a crucial role in regulating a woman's menstrual cycle, maintaining bone density, and promoting the growth of certain tissues.
Female Pattern Baldness (FPB): It is a condition in which a woman's hair progressively thins over the entire scalp, resulting in hair loss. It is caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and aging. It usually develops at a slower rate compared to male pattern baldness.
5-Alpha-Reductase: This is an enzyme that is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: These medications prevent the body from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone by blocking the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Finasteride: This is the generic name of the brand name drug Proscar. It is manufactured by Merck and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. In the form of 1mg tablets, it is marketed under the brand name Propecia as a treatment for hair loss. Finasteride is an antiandrogen that blocks the formation of dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.
Flap: This is a surgical procedure in which a piece of hair-bearing scalp is cut and transplanted onto bald areas of the scalp. The scalp is cut on three or four sides to facilitate the transplant.
Follicle: This is a small, sac-like structure found just below the surface of the scalp. It contains the hair root and is responsible for hair growth.
Follicular Unit: This is a group of hair that grows together and shares a common blood supply. These units are naturally occurring in the scalp.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): This is a modification of the standard follicular unit transplantation procedure, where follicular units are removed individually from the donor area.
Follicular Unit Transplantation: This is an advanced form of hair transplantation where the surgeon harvests hair in naturally occurring follicular units and transplants them to the balding areas of the scalp.
Free Flap: This is a surgical procedure in which a wide strip of scalp from the side or back of the head is excised and transferred to the frontal area of the scalp to form a hairline.
Frontal Alopecia: This refers to hair loss at the front of the head.
Gene Therapy: A medical intervention that involves modifying an individual's genetic material to treat or cure a disease caused by a faulty or mutated gene. This approach seeks to repair the abnormal gene, which is responsible for the onset of the disease.
Genetics: Refers to the study of genes, their functions, and their effects on the traits that are inherited from our parents. Genes are the basic units of heredity and are responsible for determining the characteristics and traits that we pass on to our offspring.
Grafting: A surgical technique for transplanting hair from one area of the scalp to another. It involves removing hair-bearing skin from the back of the head and transferring it to a bald or thinning area. There are several types of grafting techniques, including slit grafts, micrografting, and minigrafting (all outdated). Grafts refer to the individual hair strands that are transplanted.
Gynecomastia: A medical condition characterized by the overdevelopment of male breasts.
Hair Lift: A surgical procedure that aims to remove large bald patches by lifting and relocating the entire hair-bearing scalp in an upward and forward direction.
Hair Cloning: A theoretical approach to hair transplantation that seeks to create an unlimited supply of donor hair by duplicating individual hair strands. This technology is currently not available.
Hair Integration: A term used to describe hair weaving, a process of attaching a hairpiece (either synthetic or human hair) to existing hair on the scalp through braiding or interweaving.
Hair Intensification: A term used to describe hair weaving, a process of attaching a hairpiece (either synthetic or human hair) to existing hair on the scalp through braiding or interweaving.
Hair Matrix: The region of the hair follicle where the hair and its components (cortex, cuticle, and medulla) are produced.
Hair Multiplication: A theoretical approach to hair transplantation that seeks to create an unlimited supply of donor hair by duplicating individual hair strands. This technology is currently not available.
Hair Shaft: The filament that extends from the epidermis and serves as a protective and insulating layer.
Hair Weaving: A process of attaching a hairpiece (either synthetic or human hair) to existing hair on the scalp through braiding or interweaving.
Hamilton Scale: A classification system used to measure the extent of hair loss. It is also known as the Norwood Scale.
Hirsutism: A medical condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas where it is normally not present or in an abnormal distribution.
Hormonal: Referring to hormones, which are chemical messengers that are secreted into the bloodstream and regulate various physiological processes.
Hypertrichosis: A medical condition characterized by excessive hair growth all over the body.
Hypothyroid: A medical condition characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland located in the front of the neck. This condition can lead to hair loss.
Inflammatory: Referring to inflammation, a physiological response to injury or harmful stimuli that is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain.
Infundibulum: The uppermost part of the hair follicle.
Intermediate Hairs: Hairs that are in a stage of growth between vellus (baby or immature) hair, such as on the face, and mature hair, such as on the scalp.
Isthmus: The middle portion of the hair follicle that typically contains the sebaceous gland.
The Juri Flap :surgical procedure is a hair restoration technique that involves the transfer of a generous section of hair-bearing scalp from the side of the head to the front. The relocated scalp is then meticulously rotated 180 degrees to form a new hairline, providing an aesthetic improvement to the overall appearance of the head. This procedure is commonly utilized to correct hair loss, especially in areas of the scalp that are thinning or balding.
Before the procedure, the surgeon carefully selects the portion of scalp to be relocated based on its hair density, texture, and growth patterns to ensure that the final result will be natural-looking. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours, depending on the extent of the work being done.
Once the Juri Flap is securely in place, the incision sites are closed, and the patient is allowed to rest and recover. The healing process typically takes several weeks, and during this time, the patient may experience some swelling and discomfort. However, once fully healed, the patient can enjoy a fuller head of hair, increased self-esteem, and an overall improvement in their appearance. The Juri Flap surgical procedure is a highly effective solution for those seeking to restore their hairline and regain their confidence.
Keratin: It is a type of protein that is known for its tough and fibrous nature. This protein is the primary component of hair and nails, providing them with structural strength and stability. Keratin is insoluble, meaning it does not dissolve in water, making it difficult to damage or break.
Ketoconazole: It is a widely used antifungal agent that is known to have anti-androgenetic properties. This ingredient is the active component in the popular shampoo Nizoral and is used to treat a variety of fungal infections.
Lanugo Hair: This type of hair is found on the body of fetuses and newborn babies. Lanugo hair is soft and unpigmented, resembling vellus hair. This hair type helps to regulate body temperature in the womb and is usually shed before birth or shortly thereafter.
Linear Graft: This term refers to an outdated surgical procedure used for hair restoration. In this procedure, a row of hair and skin was transplanted onto the bald regions to provide coverage. However, this method is no longer used due to advancements in hair transplant techniques.
Male Pattern Baldness (MPB): MPB is the most common form of hair loss and is caused by a combination of hormones, genes, and aging. It is a progressive condition that affects the central and frontal region of the scalp, resulting in a noticeable U-shape pattern.
Medulla: This is the central zone of cells found in thick and large hairs. The medulla is responsible for providing structural support to the hair shaft.
Melanin: It is the pigmenting granule within the keratin fibers of the hair that determines hair color. The amount of melanin in the hair decreases with age, resulting in gray or white hair.
Melanocyte: These are specialized cells that contain pigment called melanin. Melanocytes are responsible for determining the color of hair by depositing melanin in the hair shaft.
Menopause: It is a natural process that occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen and she permanently stops menstruating. This typically occurs in women between the ages of 45-55.
Micrograft: This type of hair graft consists of one or two hair follicles and is used in hair transplant procedures. Micrografts are used to provide natural-looking coverage in areas of hair loss.
Midline: The midline refers to the region toward the center of the scalp.
Miniaturization: This is a destructive process in which dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks the hair follicles. Miniaturization is a key marker of androgenetic alopecia and is a leading cause of hair loss.
Minigraft: This type of hair graft consists of three to eight hair follicles and is used in hair transplant procedures. Minigrafts are used to provide natural-looking coverage in areas of hair loss.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a prescription medication that can be taken orally to treat high blood pressure or applied topically to the scalp to encourage hair growth and/or slow down hair loss. It is the generic name for the popular brand Rogaine.
Nonscarring Alopecia: This is a broad category of hair loss that includes androgenetic alopecia. Nonscarring alopecia refers to hair loss that does not result in scarring of the scalp, and there is a higher likelihood that hair loss can be reversed.
Norwood Scale: The Norwood Scale is a commonly used tool for classifying hair loss. The scale ranges from Stage 1 to Stage 7
Papilla: The small, rounded structure located at the base of a hair follicle that contains the blood vessels responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to the hair. This allows for healthy hair growth and maintenance.
Placebo: A treatment or medication that appears to be identical to a real treatment or medication but does not contain any active ingredients. Placebos are often used in medical research studies to determine the effectiveness of a new drug or treatment by comparing the results of the experimental group with the results of a group that receives a placebo.
Polysorbate 80: An emulsifying agent commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to help stabilize and mix ingredients. Some companies claim that it has hair growth promoting properties, although there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
Postauricular Flap: A surgical procedure in which a portion of hair-bearing scalp from the area behind the ear is relocated to the front of the head, forming a new hairline. This procedure involves rotating the flap 90 degrees and securing it into place.
Posterior Scalp: Refers to the back of the head, including the occipital area.
Preauricular Flap: A surgical procedure in which a portion of hair-bearing scalp from the temple area is relocated to the front of the head, forming a new hairline. This procedure involves rotating the flap about 90 degrees and securing it into place.
Progesterone: A hormone that plays a critical role in the female reproductive system, particularly in regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Synthetic compounds with progesterone-like effects are also used in oral contraceptives to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy.
Propecia: A brand name for finasteride, a medication used for the prevention and treatment of male pattern baldness. The recommended dose is 1mg per day.
Prosthetic: A man-made device used to replace a missing or non-functional body part, such as an artificial limb or hair prosthesis.
Punch Graft: A surgical hair transplantation technique in which a small circular section of hair-bearing scalp, containing 10-20 hair follicles, is removed and relocated to a bald or thinning area.
Recipient Site: The area of the scalp where hair transplantation procedures are performed, often in a bald or thinning area.
Rejection: A medical condition in which the body's immune system recognizes a transplanted tissue as foreign and attacks it, causing it to die. This can occur with hair transplants if the transplanted follicles are not compatible with the recipient's tissue.
Retin-A: A prescription acne medication sold under the brand name Retin-A. It has been shown in some cases to be effective against hair loss when combined with minoxidil, although it can also cause extreme irritation of the scalp and worsen hair loss.
Retroauricular Area: The area behind the ear, including the mastoid process.
Rogaine: A brand name for minoxidil, an over-the-counter topical solution used for the treatment of hair loss. It is available in 2% and 5% solutions.
Rotational Flap Surgery: A hair transplantation technique in which a triangular piece of scalp with hair follicles is carefully lifted from a donor area, usually on the back or side of the head, and repositioned over a bald area. The flap is rotated and secured into place, typically by sutures, providing a permanent and natural-looking hairline. This procedure involves rotating the flap of hair-bearing tissue by 90 to 180 degrees, depending on the extent of balding, in order to cover the recipient site and restore hair growth.
Scalp Reduction: A surgical procedure that involves removing a section of bald scalp and bringing the surrounding hair-bearing scalp together to reduce the size of the bald area. The two edges of the hair-bearing scalp are then sutured closed.
Scarring Alopecia: A type of hair loss that is characterized by patchy hair loss and visible signs of scalp inflammation.
Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and connective tissues and can cause hair loss in the affected areas.
Sebaceous Glands: Tiny glands found in hair follicles throughout the body that secrete an oily substance called sebum, which helps keep the hair and surrounding skin lubricated and shiny.
Seborrheic Dermatitis: A skin condition marked by oily, scaly patches or spots on the face and scalp, among other areas.
Sebum: An oily secretion produced by sebaceous glands near hair follicles that helps keep the hair lubricated and shiny.
Senescent Alopecia: A type of hair loss that occurs naturally with age, characterized by a decrease in the duration of hair growth and the diameter of hair follicles.
Shock Fallout: A condition that occurs when hair transplantation is performed on men with a significant amount of existing hair. The trauma of the procedure can induce a telogen phase for much of the hair around the transplanted grafts, potentially leading to temporary hair loss.
Slit Graft: A graft consisting of three to four hairs that are inserted into a slit rather than a round hole.
SOD: Short for Superoxide Dismutase, which are enzymes that destroy harmful free radicals and protect cells from damage. Some studies have found that SODases also stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Spironolactone: A diuretic drug that acts as an antiandrogen, used in the treatment of conditions related to androgens such as female pattern baldness and hirsutism. It is sold under the brand name Aldactone.
Stretch Back: A condition that can occur after a scalp reduction procedure due to the elasticity of the skin. The bald area that was not fully eliminated during the procedure may increase in width, reducing the effectiveness of the procedure.
Suture: A stitch used in medical procedures to close wounds or hold tissue together.
Suture Implants: A method of attaching a hairpiece that involves sewing stitches into the scalp and securing the hairpiece to them.
Systemic Side Effects: Negative effects that occur throughout the body as a result of a medication or procedure. For example, some antiandrogens can cause decreased sexual desire and breast enlargement in men.
Telogen: The telogen stage is the final phase of the hair growth cycle, lasting about 3 months. During this phase, hair stops growing and rests before it falls out to make room for new hair growth.
Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is the second most common type of hair loss, after androgenetic alopecia. It is characterized by an increased number of hairs entering the telogen phase, resulting in increased hair shedding. This condition can be triggered by various stressors such as emotional trauma, post-pregnancy, illness, major surgery, and certain medications. Telogen effluvium can be delayed, appearing a few months after the stressful incident, or chronic, if the underlying cause is unresolved.
Telogen Loss: Telogen loss refers to hair shedding that occurs naturally during the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle.
Temporal Recession: Temporal recession refers to hair loss in the temples, which is a common sign of male pattern baldness.
Terminal Hair: Terminal hair is the type of hair that is coarser, thicker, and more pigmented compared to vellus hair. It is found on the scalp, face, armpits, and pubic areas.
Testosterone: Testosterone is the primary male hormone, produced by the adrenal gland and testicles. It is responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics.
Theory of Donor Dominance: The theory of donor dominance is a scientific principle that states that the genetic information responsible for hair growth is stored within the hair follicle and not in the area where the hair is transplanted. This theory forms the basis of hair transplantation procedures.
Tinea Capitis: Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a contagious skin condition caused by several types of fungi. It is characterized by ring-shaped, scaly, itchy patches on the scalp.
Tissue Expansion: Tissue expansion is a surgical technique used in hair restoration procedures to increase the effectiveness of the surgery. This involves the insertion of a balloon-like device under the scalp, which is gradually inflated over several weeks with saline to stretch the skin.
Topically: Topically refers to the application of a substance directly onto the skin.
Traction Alopecia: Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs due to excessive tension placed on the hair, such as through braids, ponytails, and other tight hairstyles.
Tretinoin: Tretinoin is the generic name for the medication Retin-A, which is commonly prescribed for acne.
Trichotillomania: Trichotillomania is a type of alopecia caused by repetitive pulling or twisting of hair from a specific area of the scalp. Although hair growth may improve once the habit is stopped, in severe cases it may result in permanent hair loss.
Tunnel Graft: Tunnel graft is a method used in hair restoration procedures to attach a hairpiece. This involves taking skin grafts from behind the ear or hip and attaching them to the scalp, allowing the hairpiece to be secured in place with clips.
Vasodilator: A vasodilator is a type of medication designed to dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
Vellus Hair: Vellus hair is the type of fine, soft, and translucent hair that covers most of the body. It is less visible than terminal hair and does not contain a central medulla, which is present in terminal hairs.
Vertex: The vertex is the top or crown
