5 Alpha Reductase

5 Alpha Reductase is an enzyme, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the hormone that triggers Androgenetic Alopecia in individuals who are genetically susceptible.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is the medical term for hair loss, which occurs in patches on the scalp.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia Totalis is a term for hair loss, which occurs over the entire scalp.

Alopecia Universalis

Alopecia Universalis is the term for hair loss, which occurs over the entire body.

Anagen

This is the growing phase of the hair cycle, which lasts between two and six years, in a healthy person.

Androgenetic Alopecia

This is the term for male or female pattern baldness, which depends on the genetic predisposition of the hair follicles and the levels of DHT in the body.

Androgens

Androgens are male hormones.

Antiandrogen

An antiandrogen blocks the effects of androgens, normally by blocking the receptor sites.

Catagen

The catagen phase is the resting phase of the hair cycle.

Cortex

The cortex is the main structure of the hair shaft. The cortex determines both the colour and texture of the hair.

Dermal papilla

The dermal papilla is situated at the base of the hair follicle. The dermal papilla contains nerves and blood vessels, which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin used to produce new hair growth

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)

DHT is a male hormone that is suggested to be the main cause for the miniaturisation of the hair follicle and for hair loss. DHT is formed when the male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

Follicle

The hair follicle houses the root of the hair.

Medulla

The medulla is a central zone of cells present only in large thick hairs.

Terminal hair

Large, heavy pigmented hairs with a central medulla.

Testosterone

A predominantly male hormone, which promotes the development of male characteristics.

Traction Alopecia

This refers to hair loss which occurs do to traction place on hair. Traction alopecia is commonly seen with braids, ponytails and other hairstyles, which create traction on the scalp.

Vellous hair

Vellous hair is very short, fine light coloured hairs.