Glossary of
Hair Loss Related Terms
Estrogen
One of a group of hormonal steroid compounds that promote the development of
female secondary sex characteristics.
Finasteride
Finasteride is the generic name of the brand name drug Proscar. A drug that
binds with the type 2 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme to reduce the amount of DHT in
the prostate and serum. Proscar is
manufactured by Merck and is FDA approved for the treatment of benign prostate
enlargement. More recently 1mg tablets of finasteride have been marketed under
the brand name Propecia as a treatment for hairloss.
Follicle
The hair follicle houses the root of the hair.
Follicular Unit
Groupings of hair that grow together and share the same blood supply.
Follicular Hair Transplants
One of the latest technique for conducting hair transplants where surgeons
harvest hair from naturally growing sections.
Generic
Pertaining to a substance, product or drug that is not protected by trademark.
It is identical in chemical composition but not necessarily equivalent in
therapeutic effect.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a treatment method which involves the manipulation of the genetic makeup.
Gynecomastia
Excessive development of the male breasts.
Hair Cloning
A technique under development which could make an unlimited crop of donar
hair available for transplanting.
Keratin
Keratin is a type of protein that is present in the hair and nails.
Hair Integration
A modern term used to describe hair weaving.
Hair Weaving
A process by which a hair piece is attached to existing hair on the head
through braiding or a weaving process.
Hirsutism
Excessive body or facial hair.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the generic name of the brand name drug Rogaine. Rogaine is
manufactured by Upjohn.
Minoxidil is available in the form of a topical lotion with varying strength
from 2% to 5%. Minoxidil was the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the
treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Micro Graft
A very small hair graft usually consisting of one or two hairs.
Mini Graft
A small hair graft usually consisting of between three to ten hair roots.
Medulla
The medulla is a central zone of cells usually only present in large thick hairs.
Norwood Scale
The most commonly used scale for the classification of hair loss.
Papilla
The small area at the base of the hair root which provides nutrients needed for
growth.
Propecia
The brand name for finestaride. The only drug approved by the FDA to treat
hair loss.
Proprietary
Pertaining to a drug that is produced for profit.
Proscar
The brand name for finestaride approved for the treatment of BPH.
Punch Graft
The old fashioned way of removing grafts for hair transplants, usually
carried out using an instrument called a trephine
Recipient Site
The bald or thinning area where hair grafts or plugs a transplanted.
Retin-A or Tretinoin
Retin-A is a brand name for a topical gel or cream normally used in the
treatment if acne.
Rogaine/Regaine
The brand name for minoxidil. A topical hair growth solution for hair loss.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a natural herb that has been shown to be an effective
antiandrogen.
Scleroderma
A disease of the skin and connective tissue that can cause hair loss over the
affected areas.
Sebaceous
Fatty or greasy, usually referring to the oil-secrating glans of the scalp.
Sebum
The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands of the scalp, composed of keratin, fat
or cellular debris.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis has been called a more
extensive and severe form of dandruff.
Sprionolactone
This is a drug normally used to treat high blood pressure, however is also acts
as an antiandrogen and is used in the treatment of androgen related disorders
such as female pattern baldness and hirsuitism.
Telogen
The resting phase in the hair cycle.
Testosterone
A predominantly male hormone which promotes the development of male
characteristics.
Topically
Means to apply directly onto the scalp.
Traction Alopecia
This refers to hair loss which occurs due to traction being placed on hair. Traction
alopecia is commonly seen with braids, pony tails and other hairstyles which
cause tension on the scalp.
Trichotillomania
This form of hair loss is caused by pulling out one's own
hair, usually without realising it.
Vellus
The soft downy hair found covering the body.
Vertex
The top of the head towards the posterior position, including the area at which
the hair grows in a spiral pattern.
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