A to Z Glossary of Hair Loss and Trichology Terms
Welcome to our A to Z Glossary of Hair Loss and Trichology Terms, your go-to resource for understanding the intricate world of hair health. With over 150 terms covering everything from common conditions like alopecia to essential nutrients for hair growth, this guide is perfect for professionals, students, or anyone passionate about hair care.
Start exploring now to expand your knowledge of the terms and science that underpin healthy, strong hair.
A
General term for hair loss, which can occur on the scalp or body. Causes include genetics, autoimmune conditions, and hormonal changes.
An autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss on the scalp or body. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
Also known as male or female pattern baldness, it is caused by genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Rapid hair loss during the growth (anagen) phase, often caused by chemotherapy or toxic exposure.
The active growth phase in the hair cycle, lasting 2–6 years.
Hair loss caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles, such as in alopecia areata or lupus.
B
A B-vitamin essential for keratin production. Biotin deficiencies can lead to brittle hair and hair loss.
Weak, fragile hair prone to breakage. Often linked to over-styling, poor nutrition, or environmental damage.
The rounded base of a hair follicle where cells divide to create the hair strand.
The accumulation of hair products or natural oils on the scalp. It can block follicles and hinder hair growth.
The complete absence of hair in a particular area, often genetic or hormonal.
Inflammation caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles, often resulting in redness and bumps.
C
The transitional phase of the hair cycle lasting 2–3 weeks when hair stops growing.
A scarring condition causing hair loss at the crown that spreads outward.
Hair loss caused by permanent scarring of hair follicles due to inflammation or trauma.
A protein that supports the skin and scalp. Collagen supplements may improve hair strength and elasticity.
The outermost layer of the hair shaft that protects inner layers from damage.
Damage caused by hair dyes, perms, or relaxers. It weakens the hair shaft and leads to breakage.
D
Flaking of the scalp due to overproduction of skin cells or yeast growth.
Inflammation of the skin, including the scalp, often resulting in redness, itching, and flaking.
Fungi that cause infections like ringworm, affecting the scalp and hair.
A hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia, causing hair follicles to shrink.
Thinning hair that affects the entire scalp, rather than specific areas.
A condition where the scalp lacks moisture, leading to itching and flaking.
E
A skin condition causing irritation, dryness, and itching on the scalp.
A general term for excessive hair shedding. Common types include telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.
The shedding phase of the hair cycle when hair naturally falls out.
When hair loss exceeds 50–100 strands per day.
F
An oral medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. It reduces the impact of DHT on hair follicles.
The tiny structure within the skin from which hair grows.
Inflammation or infection of hair follicles, often resulting in redness and bumps.
A type of scarring alopecia that causes the hairline to recede.
Conditions like tinea capitis (ringworm) that can lead to hair loss.
G
Hair loss passed down through family traits, commonly seen in androgenetic alopecia.
Hair that has lost its natural pigment, typically due to ageing or stress.
The four stages of hair growth: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.
H
The middle layer of the hair shaft that provides strength, colour, and texture.
The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original shape, indicating hair health.
The natural process of hair follicles shifting through growth, resting, and shedding phases.
The shrinking of hair follicles, often seen in androgenetic alopecia, leading to finer and shorter hair strands.
Damage caused by excessive use of styling tools like flat irons or blow dryers.
Thinning or shedding caused by hormonal imbalances, such as those from menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid conditions.
I
Conditions like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis that cause irritation and potential hair loss.
A condition that can lead to diffuse hair loss due to insufficient iron levels.
Often caused by dandruff, psoriasis, or fungal infections, leading to irritation and discomfort.
J
A natural oil used in scalp treatments to moisturise and soothe irritation, mimicking the scalp’s natural sebum.
The natural hairline shape and fullness observed during childhood or early adolescence.
K
A protein that forms the structure of hair, nails, and skin, critical for strength and elasticity.
Salon procedures that smooth and strengthen hair by applying keratin.
Small, rough bumps on the skin, including the scalp, caused by excess keratin.
L
An inflammatory scalp condition causing scarring and hair loss.
A non-invasive treatment using light to stimulate hair growth.
Fine, soft hair that develops on the body during foetal development.
M
The pigment responsible for hair and skin colour; its reduction leads to greying.
A scalp treatment that stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow and collagen production.
Hair that has become finer and shorter due to shrinking follicles, often seen in androgenetic alopecia.
N
Thinning caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals essential for hair health.
Hair loss that does not cause permanent damage to hair follicles, such as telogen effluvium.
Sebum produced by the scalp to protect and moisturise hair.
O
A hormone that supports hair growth; a drop in levels can cause thinning or shedding.
An overproduction of sebum that can lead to dandruff and clogged follicles.
Damage to hair follicles caused by free radicals, which can accelerate hair loss and greying.
P
Localised areas of baldness, often caused by alopecia areata.
Temporary shedding after pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Excess protein in hair products that can make hair brittle and prone to breakage.
A skin condition causing scaly patches on the scalp, often accompanied by shedding.
Q
A dormant hair follicle that has stopped producing hair but is not permanently damaged.
R
A form of hair loss where the hairline moves backward, exposing the forehead.
A fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair, leading to patchy hair loss.
A layer of cells surrounding the hair follicle, aiding in hair growth and protection.
S
Hair loss caused by permanent damage to hair follicles.
A scalp condition causing dandruff, redness, and irritation.
The fraying of hair strands, often caused by damage to the cuticle.
T
Temporary hair shedding caused by stress, illness, or hormonal fluctuations.
A psychological disorder where individuals compulsively pull out their hair, leading to bald patches.
A fungal scalp infection that can cause patchy hair loss and brittle hair.
U
Damage to hair and scalp caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Medical issues such as thyroid disorders or anaemia that can cause hair loss.
V
Can contribute to hair loss and poor follicle health.
Short, fine, non-pigmented hair found on the body, which can sometimes replace terminal hair in hair loss.
W
Hair is more fragile when wet, making it prone to breakage during combing or styling.
Non-surgical hair replacement solutions for covering hair loss.
X
Extreme dryness of the scalp, often leading to itching and flaking.
Y
Overgrowth of yeast, like Malassezia, contributing to dandruff and irritation.
Z
A lack of zinc can lead to hair thinning and slow growth.
An active ingredient in many dandruff shampoos that fights fungal infections.
