The hair and skin glossary will help you understand many commonly used words and phrases. Used to discuss hair loss and restoration.
5-Alpha-reductase
5-alpha-reductase is the enzyme which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hormone that triggers Androgenic Alopecia. Or male and female pattern hair loss.
Acne
Acne is an inflammatory disease which affects the sebaceous glands of the skin.
Alopecia
Complete or partial lack of hair resulting from various conditions
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is a well-used hair and skin glossary term. The medical term for hair loss which occurs in patches on the scalp.
Senilis Alopecia
Alopecia Senilis is baldness due to old age.
Totalis Alopecia
The complete loss of scalp hair often combined with the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
Universalis Alopecia
Alopecia Universalis is the term for hair loss which occurs over the entire body.
Anagen
This is the term for the growing phase of the hair cycle which lasts five-seven years in a healthy person.
Androgenic Alopecia
This is one of the most common hair and skin glossary terms. The common name for male or female pattern baldness. Which depends on the genetic predisposition of the hair follicles. As well as the levels of androgens in the body.
Androgens
Androgens are male sex hormones.
Antiandrogen
An antiandrogen blocks the effects of androgens. Normally by blocking the receptor sites.
Azelaic Acid
Commonly used to treat acne. As well as other skin complaints.
Catagen
The end of the hair growth cycle.
Cicatricial Alopecia
This is baldness due to scarring. The follicles are absent in scar tissue.
Clone
A group of genetically identical cells or organisms. Derived from a single common cell.
Coronal angled grafting (a.k.a. lateral grafts)
Using a rectangular blade that pierces the skin at right angles to the hair direction.
Cortex
The cortex is the principal structural component of the hair shaft.
Crown
The area at the top of the head
Cyproterone Acetate
Cyproterone Acetate is an anti-androgen.
Dermal papilla
The dermal papilla contains nerves and blood vessels. Which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin.
Dihydrotestosterone DHT (5-alpha dihydrotestosterone)
Dihydrotestosterone is a combination of testosterone and 5-alpha-reductase.
Donor Site
This hair and skin glossary term will be well-known. Especially by hair transplant candidates. As it´s where hair follicles are harvested from.
Dutasteride
Medication for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is an inhibitor of type 1 and types 2 5-alpha- reductase. Enzymes were responsible for converting testosterone to DHT.
Finasteride
Commonly called “FIN”. Finasteride is the generic drug name. That binds with type 2 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. To reduce the amount of DHT in the prostate. Finasteride is approved by the FDA. As a treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Called Proscar®. A 5mg daily dose. Jair loss as Propecia®. A 1mg daily dose.
Follicle
The follicle is a tube-like structure in the skin in which develops a hair shaft.
Follicular Unit
Groupings of 1-4 hairs that grow together
Follicular Unit Transplantation
A hair transplant technique. Where the naturally occurring follicular units are removed via a strip. Then implanted.
Generic
Pertaining to a substance, product or drug that is non- proprietary
Hair Cloning
A technique under development. Which could make an unlimited crop of donor hair available.
Hair Integration
A modern term used to describe hair weaving.
Hair weaving
A process by which a hairpiece is attached to existing hair. Through braiding or a weaving process.
Hirsutism
Excessive body or facial hair
Keratin
Keratin is a collective name for a group of proteins. Present in the hair and nails.
Ludwig Scale
Classification of female pattern hair loss.
Medulla
The medulla is a central zone of cells. Usually only present in large, thick hairs.
Micro Graft
A very small hair graft usually consisting of one or two follicles
Mini Graft
A small hair graft usually consisting of between three to ten hair follicles
Minoxidil
The generic name of the brand name drug Rogaine®. Commonly called “Minox”. Minoxidil is a topical lotion. Available over-the-counter in 2% and 5% strength. The first drug to be approved by the FDA. For the treatment of androgenic alopecia.
Norwood/Hamilton Scale
The most commonly used hair loss scale. For the classification of male pattern hair loss.
Oestrogen
One of a group of hormonal steroid compounds. That promotes the development of female secondary sex characteristics.
Papilla
Bulb-like indentation. Found at the bottom of the follicle. They contain a vascular loop for nourishment.
Propecia®
A brand name for the drug finasteride. In a 1mg tablet. FDA approved. For the treatment of male pattern hair loss.
Proprietary
Pertaining to a drug that is produced and still under patent.
Proscar®
The brand name for finasteride 5mg. Approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Punch Graft
The old-fashioned method. Of removing grafts. Typically for hair transplants. Usually carried out using an instrument called a trephine.
Recipient Site
The area of hair loss. where grafts are placed.
Retin-A or Tretinoin
Retin-A is a brand name. For a topical gel or cream. Normally used in the treatment of acne.
Rogaine®
The brand name for minoxidil. A topical lotion or foam. For the treatment of hair loss.
Sagittal Angled Grafting
How grafts are placed into recipient sites. Made with a small rectangular blade. That pierced the skin parallel to the hair direction.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a plant native to North America. An unproven therapeutic treatment. Potential benefits for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It does not lower testosterone levels. Used by many. As a hair loss treatment.
Scleroderma
A disease of the skin and connective tissue. That can cause hair loss over the affected areas.
Sebaceous glands
These are sebum (oil) producing glands. Found in the skin throughout the body. Except in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is an extensive and severe form of dandruff.
Sebum
The oily secretion from the sebaceous glands.
Spironolactone
This drug acts as an antiandrogen. Is used in the treatment of androgen-related disorders. Such as female pattern baldness and hirsutism.
Telogen
The resting phase of the hair cycle
Testosterone
A male hormone. Which promotes the development of male characteristics.
Topically
Means to apply directly onto the skin
Traction Alopecia
This refers to hair loss due to traction on the hair. Traction alopecia is commonly seen with braids and ponytails.
Transection
Describes damage to hair follicles. During a hair transplant.
Trichotillomania
A compulsion to pull out one‟s own hair
Vellus
The soft downy hair found covering the body.