A Comprehensive Glossary of Hair Loss Terms
1. Alopecia: Hair loss that occurs in various forms, such as male/female pattern baldness (localized), alopecia areata (patchy), alopecia totalis (total head balding), or alopecia universalis (total body balding). Causes include genetics, age, stress, diet, iron deficiency, disease, or medication.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia: Both men and women can experience this common hair loss disorder brought on by a combination of hereditary and hormonal causes.
3. Anagen: The two to seven-year active phase of hair growth, depending on genetics and other factors.
4. Bonding: Adding extra (human or synthetic) hair strands to the scalp or natural hair.
5. Catagen: The stage between anagen and telogen signifies active hair growth completion.
6. Cortex: 90% of the weight of the hair shaft is made up of this primary structure, which also affects the color, texture, and thickness of the hair.
7. Diffuse Hair Loss: Decreased total hair density due to widespread scalp hair thinning.
8. Dermal Papilla: A group of cells that nourish and aid in hair growth at the hair follicle’s base.
9. DHI Transplant (Direct Hair Implantation): Hair transplantation involves directly implanting extracted hair follicles into the recipient area using specialized tools, leaving little scarring and a natural hairline.
10. DHT (Dihydro-testosterone): A hormone produced by the enzyme 5-Alpha-reductase in genetically susceptible people from testosterone. DHT causes male pattern baldness and hair loss.
11. Female Pattern Baldness (FPB): Progressive female hair loss brought on by hormones, aging, and heredity; frequently occurs without a receding hairline.
12. Follicle Miniaturization: Hormone-induced hair follicle shrinkage over time, which causes hair to become weaker and thinner.
13. Frontal Alopecia: The front of the head is losing hair.
14. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): A technique for hair transplantation that allows for precision placement and a faster recovery period than conventional methods by removing and transplanting hair follicles one at a time from the donor area to the recipient area.
15. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): A hair transplantation method wherein a tissue strip from the donor area is removed, dissected into individual hair follicles, and then transplanted to the recipient area. This method frequently leaves a linear scar at the donor location.
16. Hair Care Regimen: A customized regimen that combines style, conditioning, and cleansing methods to keep hair healthy and stop hair loss.
17. Hair Cloning: An experimental method designed to increase the number of hair follicles in a lab environment to provide an endless supply of hair for transplanting.
18. Hair Density: The number of distinct hair strands in a scalp region.
19. Hair Extensions: To add length, volume, or the desired hairstyles, synthetic or natural strands are glued to the current hair.
20. Hair Follicle: The tiny opening in the skin where hair roots and sebaceous glands are located.
21. Hair Growth Cycle: The ongoing cycle that all hair follicles undergo during which they grow, change and rest.
22. Hairline Reconstruction: Utilising surgical or non-surgical methods to reshape and redesign the hairline’s position and contour.
23. Hair Loss Prevention: Methods, remedies, and lifestyle changes intended to lessen or delay the pace at which hair loss progresses.
24. Hair Shaft: Hair’s visible, above-the-scalp portion comprises defunct, keratinized cells.
25. Hypothyroidism: Hair loss, thinning, or texture changes (dry and brittle) brought on by hypothyroidism.
26. Laser Hair Therapy: Low laser treatment (LLLT) uses specific light wavelengths to activate hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
27. Male Pattern Baldness: The most typical cause of androgenic alopecia, i.e., hair loss in men, is characterized by hair loss in the crown and receding hair from the forehead, leaving a U-shaped fringe of remaining hair.
28. Mesotherapy: A procedure that involves injecting the scalp with a particular concoction of medicines, vitamins, and minerals to promote hair growth and stop hair loss.
29. Minoxidil: A topical medication available over the counter that both men and women can use to reduce hair loss and promote growth.
30. Nutrient Deficiency: An inadequate intake or absorption of essential vitamins and minerals is the root cause of hair loss and poor health.
31. Platelet-Rich Plasma: (PRP) Therapy is a regeneration technique that uses the patient’s platelets to thicken hair and promote growth.
32. PRP with Microneedling: a method that uses microneedling and platelet-rich plasma to boost the absorption of growth factors and encourage hair growth.
33. Scalp Cooling: The scalp should be chilled to stop hair loss following chemotherapy. It will also reduce blood flow to the hair follicles.
34. Scalp Exfoliation: Removing excess sebum, dead skin cells, and product buildup from the scalp promotes a healthy hair growth environment.
35. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP): The appearance of hair follicles is reproduced using a non-surgical cosmetic tattooing technique, creating the appearance of a shaven head or denser hair.
36. Scarring Alopecia: The death of hair follicles and associated scarring that results in hair loss are frequently brought on by inflammatory diseases.
37. Sebum: The organic oil that helps hydrate and shield the scalp and hair and is produced by sebaceous glands in the scalp.
38. Stem Cell Therapy: A cutting-edge method of treating hair loss issues that stimulates hair growth and regenerates the scalp.
39. Telogen: The hair growth cycle’s dormant stage normally lasts three months.
40. Telogen Effluvium: A syndrome that causes temporary hair loss and is characterized by excessive shedding due to hair cycle abnormalities. Stress, hormonal changes, or particular drugs can often be the cause.
41. Telogen Loss (Telogen Effluvium): Hair loss or thinning during the resting period, frequently brought on by anxiety, eating disorders, fever, anemia, drugs, or severe surgery.
42. Temporal Recession: Men frequently experience and frequently face hair loss in the temple area.
43. Tinea Capitis: A fungal scalp infection that may result in thinning and scaling.
44. Traction Alopecia: Hair loss brought on by persistent pulling or stress on the hair; frequently a result of tight braids, ponytails, or other hairstyles that traction the scalp. Hair weaves are worn frequently, especially by ladies of color.
45. Trichology: The dermatology branch studies hair and scalp disorders, including hair loss.
46. Trichotillomania: A psychological condition marked by an overwhelming need to pluck off one’s hair, leading to bald spots and hair loss.
47. Vellus Hair: Peach fuzz, or fine, non-pigmented hair that covers the body and usually lacks a central medulla.
48. Vellus-to-Terminal Transformation: The transformation of vellus hair follicles into terminal hair follicles, which leads to the development of thicker, longer, and more colored hair.
49. Wig: A wig or other artificial covering made of synthetic or human hair utilized to mask baldness or create particular hairstyles.
Note that this glossary only provides broad information and should not be used as a substitute for expert guidance. Consult a hair loss expert at Advanced Hair Studio today for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate hair loss treatment options for your specific condition.