HairFactz Definitions
Some words have more than one meaning. Only those meanings relating to this site will be used.
All Definitions
Hair
One of the numerous, fine, threadlike structures that grow from the skin of humans or animals. Hair is made up of dead cells filled with proteins, most of which are known as keratins. Hair is dead tissue. Once hair is damaged it cannot be repaired, except by cutting the damaged part off. The only "living part of a hair" is the root, called a follicle. A follicle is a tiny cavity or opening in the skin through which a hair grows.
Hair Cuticular Cast
A freely movable, firm yellowish-white material ensheathing scalp hairs resulting from scalp disorders such as psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Hair Follicle
Pronounced - hair fol-ih-kul
A tiny cavity or opening on the surface of the skin through which a hair grows.
- Alopecia - pronounced al-oh-PEE-shuh, lack of or loss of hair from areas of the body where hair is normally found.
- Alopecia Areata - pronounced al-oh-PEE-shuh ar-ee-AH-tah, is 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.
- Alopecia Areata Totalis - total loss of hair from the scalp and face.
- Alopecia Areata Universalis - hair loss from the entire body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
Hair Peripilar Cast
Hair peripilar cast is a freely movable, firm, yellowish-white material ensheathing scalp hairs resulting from scalp disorders, such as psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Heredity
The transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next.
Hirsutism
Pronounced - HER-suh-tiz-um
Increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes.
Hyperpigmented
Darker skin color than the surrounding skin.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Pronounced - HY-per-THY-ROY-dih-zum
When too much thyroid hormone is made, it is called overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight loss, chest pain, cramps, diarrhea, and nervousness.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Pronounced - HY-poh-THY-ROY-dih-zum
When not enough thyroid hormone is made, it is called underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, constipation, dry skin, and sensitivity to the cold.
Hypertrichosis
Increased growth rate of hair.
Hypotrichosis
Less than the normal amount of scalp and body hair.