Glossary of Hair Loss Terms
There are 174 entries in this glossary.All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Dermatologist |
A doctor who specializes in conditions of the skin and scalp. He or she can diagnose hair loss conditions and prescribe approved medications. |
| DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) |
A normal male hormone (androgen) produced in men and women as they age, depending on genetics, that attacks healthy follicles, causing them to shrink and die, which results in hair loss and thinning. The drug Propecia works to block this action, when taken daily (for men only), and many hair loss care and styling products claim to remove DHT topically from accumulating on the follicles. |
| DHT-Blockers |
Any treatment that blocks DHT from attacking healthy follicles, such as the oral Propecia or hair care products that remove and inhibit DHT from sitting on follicles. Also called Anti-Androgen |
| Diffuse Alopecia |
When hair thinning occurs all over your head with no general pattern. Also called Diffuse Thinning |
| Donor Area |
A stable area of healthy hair follicles for use in a hair transplant surgery. A suitable donor area is the most important criterion for a successful transplant; without it, the transplanted hair will continue to fall out and degenerate in the new area. |
| Double-Blind Study |
A scientific study, usually required for FDA approval, where neither the subjects nor the researchers know who is actually receiving the drug of treatment being studied |
| Endocrinologist |
A medical doctor who specializes in hormonal abnormalities and can provide testing, diagnosis and treatment. If you aware of any hormonal abnormalities or you are already on any medication for hormonal issues, check in with an endocrinologist regarding any hair loss issues. |
| Essential Fatty Acids |
Elements that are not produced within the human body and must be taken from your daily diet of foods such as canola oil, fish, meat and flax seed or oil, which are essential to shiny, vibrant, healthy hair and the cellular function necessary for hair growth |
| European Virgin Human Hair |
The highest-quality, most expensive human hair type for the creation of any type of non-surgical hair replacement, such as a wig or hairpiece. Available in any color, with a finer texture, more body and more wave choices than any other type of replacement hair available. Jewish women choose this type for religious reasons. |
| Exogen |
The hair-shedding stage of the hair growth cycle when old hair becomes dislodged by new ones, which usually takes place at the onset of a new anagen phase |
| Female-Pattern Baldness |
The progressive, diffuse thinning of hair in females caused by genetics, age and hormones. It usually develops at a much slower rate than male-pattern baldness. |
| Finasteride |
The generic drug name of the prescription-only, FDA-approved brand-name drug Propecia, manufactured by Merck as the only oral, daily DHT-blocker treatment for hair loss in men only. See Propecia |
| Fine Hair |
Determined by heredity, measured by the actual diameter of one strand. Very often missing the medulla. |
| Follicular Degeneration Syndrome |
Also called Hot Comb Alopecia. See CCCA |
| Follicular Unit |
Each follicle is a self-contained unit containing two to four hairs, each with its own root system that will regenerate and continue to grow when inserted into the new location. |