Hair Loss Glossary

Alopecia Areata: Disorder of the immune system that stops production of hairs.

Anagen: Stage in which hair is growing.

Androgens: Male hormones, the most common being testosterone.

Canites: Grey hair.

Catagen: End of growth phase in hair cycle, lasting 2-3 weeks.

Cortex: Middle layer of hair containing pigment.

Cuticle: Outer layer of hair.

Dihydrotestosterone: Also known as DHT, is a hormone that comes from testosterone in the scalp.

Germinal Matrix: The source of growing hair.

Hair bulb: The hair base.

Hair follicle: Opening in the scalp that hair shaft grows through.

Hair root: The part of the hair from under the scalp that goes to the bulb.

Hair shaft: The part of hair above the scalp.

Keratin: The protein in hair.

Male pattern baldness: Natural hair loss in men.

Pigment: The substance that gives hair its color.

Sebum: Oily substance made by the glands.

Telogen: Resting stage of hair growth.

Toxic Alopecia: Rapid hair loss due to chemical or radiation exposure.

Traction Alopecia: Hair loss due to physical stress like pulling.

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