HairFactz Definitions
Some words have more than one meaning. Only those meanings relating to this site will be used.
All Definitions
Albino
Having pale or colorless hair, eyes, and skin because the body does not produce enough pigment. (Pigment is a dyelike material in cells that provides color). More about Albinism.
Alopecia
Pronounced - al-oh-PEE-shuh
The lack of or loss of hair from areas of the body where hair is usually found. Alopecia can be a side effect of some cancer treatments.
Alopecia Areata
Pronounced - al-oh-PEE-shuh ar-ee-AH-tah
An autoimmune, often reversible disease in which loss of hair occurs in sharply defined areas usually involving the scalp or beard, but at times every hair on the body. More about Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia Areata Totalis
A form of alopecia areata characterized by the total loss of hair from the scalp and face.
Alopecia Areata Universalis
A form of alopecia areata in which all hair on the scalp, face, and body is lost.
Amorphous
Without definite form, shape, or character.
Anagen
The anagen phase of the hair growth cycle is when a hair root actively grows. At any given time approximately 80 to 90 percent of our hair is in the anagen phase. The anagen phase lasts approximately 2 to 7 years but may vary from a few months to about 10 years. The root from a pulled anagen hair is elongated, may be covered with a root sheath (protective surrounding), and is usually fully pigmented (colored).
Androgen
Hormones that stimulate sebaceous glands in addition to other effects on the body. Present in both males and females, androgens are responsible for physical maturation in males and therefore occur in much higher levels in males. Males tend to have more severe acne than females. Levels of androgen that are higher than normal can lead to excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and problems with ovulation in females.