Glossary of Hair Loss Terms
There are 174 entries in this glossary.H
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hair Density |
The number of hairs on your head, per square inch. |
| Hair Extensions |
A type of non-surgical hair replacement procedure that lengthens existing hair to cover missing spots. Not recommended for fragile, thinning hair or for those in the midst of a hair loss episode. Can be custom-made and sewn or clipped in place so they are easily customizable and replaceable, or extensions can be premade and attached with glues or adhesives, which most stylists do not recommend because of the stress that extensions can put on existing hair. |
| Hair Follicle |
A self-contained unit with two to four hairs each and its own roots. The irregular shape of the hair follicle determines whether your hair will be curly, kinky or wavy. |
| Hair Graft |
A section or strand of donor hair from your head that is transplanted to a bald area during hair transplant surgery. |
| Hair Growth Cycle |
A single hair's natural life cycle begins as it grows actively for several years (anagen phase), then slows down (catagen phase), then stops growing (telogen phase) and finally the hair falls out (exogen phase), to be replaced by new growth. If hair fall-out exceeds hair growth, then thinning or baldness may become noticeable. Hair growth is a repeating cycle that can be disrupted by genetics, aging, diseases, hormones, stress, trauma, medications and infections. |
| Hair Loss |
When hair falls out and results in bald or thinning patches because it does not grow back due to aging, disease, stress, medications, hormones, chemotherapy or trauma. Because hair is meant to fall out and regrow from the roots, when follicles begin to shrink and degenerate, the hair grows in thinner or weakened or does not grow back at all and hair loss occurs. |
| Hair Replacement |
Any type of non-surgical solution for hair loss, including wigs, hairpieces, extensions and hair systems of any kind |
| Hair Replacement Emergency Kit |
Essentials you should always carry with you to avoid non-surgical hair replacement disasters: the care card for your hairpiece, bobby pins to hold extensions up if one comes loose; tiny rubber bands if braids come undone or to hold extensions in place; adhesive, tape and/or clips in case repairs are necessary. |
| Hair Replacement Specialist |
A person who specializes in non-surgical, nonmedical hair loss treatments, replacements and solutions including permanent and temporary hair systems, pieces, extensions, wigs and wig styling, specialized care products and laser hair therapy |
| Hair Restoration |
Any solution to hair loss including oral medication, topical medication, laser hair therapy, non-surgical hair replacement and hair transplants of any kind |
| Hair Retention |
Products or services aimed at keeping existing hair growing healthy, such as oral Propecia for men only, topical Rogaine, laser hair therapy treatments for both men and women and hair care products aimed at blocking DHT from the outside, massage, acupressure, acupuncture and aromatherapy treatments. |
| Hair Shaft |
The length of the hair strand above the scalp that is visible |
| Hair System |
Any portion of hair that can be made to take the place of any amount of missing hair on your head. Also called a Hairpiece or Wig. See Non-Surgical Hair Replacement |
| Hair Thinning |
The process by which hair grows in smaller in diameter than normal hair over time, usually because of natural aging of hair follicles and male- or female-pattern baldness. |
| Hair Transplant Surgeon |
A medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in removing healthy hair follicles and placing them in balding areas on your head, or elsewhere on your body, through surgical techniques. |