Definitions For Hair Loss
This glossary explains the common words found when researching the topic of hair loss.
- Androgenic alopecia (also known as alopecia androgenetica and androgenetic alopecia) - this is hereditary baldness which affects both males and females, in males it is called male pattern baldness. The hair is lost in a very specific pattern, in males it starts above the temples and the hair tends to get thinner and the crown of the head. Frequently a small rim of hair is then left around the sides and back of the head, or the hair loss can continue until the head it completely bald. In females the hair tends to get thinner and thinner all over the head, the hairline tends to stay static. It should be noted that in women this hair loss rarely develops into complete baldness.
- Alopecia areata - is where there are round patches of loss of hair on the scalp, note these patches can also be on other parts of the body.[*].
- Alopecia totalis - this is where hair has been lost completely from the scalp.
- Alopecia universalis - where hair loss occurs from all over the body and head, including eye brows.
- Hair follicle - is the skin organ that produces the hair.
- Iron deficiency - (also named sideropenia or hypoferremia) is where there is not enough iron being consumed for the human body to function optimally. It is the most common form of nutritional deficiencies.
- Keratin - is a family of fibrous structural proteins. It is the key structural meterial which makes up the upper most layer of human skin. It is also very important in the structure of nails and hair.
- LaserCap - a cap with laser light shone on the head to reduce hair loss
- LaserCombLaserComb - a comb with directed laser light which is run through the hair to reduce hair loss
- Male pattern baldness - see Androgenic alopecia
- Norwood Hamilton Scale - classification scale for hair loss
- perifollicular fibrosis - scarring of the hair follicles, this may lead to hair loss