Hair Loss Glossary

Alopecia

A general term for hair loss that manifests in various forms:

Localized: Common male and female pattern baldness.

Alopecia Areata: Patchy hair loss.

Alopecia Totalis: Complete baldness across the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis: Hair loss over the entire body.

Causes include genetics, age, stress, dietary deficiencies, iron deficiency, diseases, or medications.

Anagen

The active growing phase of the hair cycle, lasting 2–7 years, influenced by genetics and other factors.

Bonding

A technique where additional synthetic or human hair is fixed to natural hair or the scalp to enhance volume or coverage.

Catagen

The transitional phase between the anagen (growth) and telogen (resting) stages.

Cortex

The primary structure of the hair shaft, accounting for 90% of the hair's weight and determining its color, texture, and thickness.

DHT (Dihydro-testosterone)

A hormone derived from testosterone by 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Responsible for 95% of male pattern baldness due to genetic predisposition.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB)

A slower, evenly distributed thinning of hair on the top and crown, with the hairline generally intact.

Frontal Alopecia

Hair loss concentrated at the front of the head.

Hypothyroid

A condition caused by low thyroid hormone levels, leading to hair thinning, texture changes, or loss.

Male Pattern Baldness

Characterized by receding hairline or thinning crown, resulting in a U-shaped pattern. Triggered by hormones, genetics, and age.

Senescent Alopecia (Involutional Alopecia)

Age-related hair thinning, affecting hair diameter and density in both men and women.

Telogen

The resting phase of the hair cycle, typically lasting around 3 months.

Telogen Loss (Telogen Effluvium)

Hair loss during the resting phase, often triggered by stress, eating disorders, illness, or major surgeries.

Temporal Recession

Hair loss in the temple region, often stubborn to treat and prevalent in men.

Traction Alopecia

Hair loss due to excessive tension on the scalp, commonly caused by tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails.

Vellus Hair