Alpha Reductase
Alpha Reductase is the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) the hormone that triggers Androgenetic Alopecia in genetically susceptible individuals. Type 1 5-Alpha Reductase is found in the skin and Type 2 is found at the inner sheath of the hair follicle and prostate.

Acne
Acne is an inflammatory disease which affects the sebaceous glands of the skin.

Alopecia
A complete or partial hair loss, which can result from various conditions.

Alopecia Adnata
Congenital baldness or baldness at birth.

Alopecia Androgenetic
Alopecia Androgenetic is the condition commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. This condition depends on the genetic predisposition of the hair follicles and levels of DHT

Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is the medical term for hair loss in patches.

Alopecia Follicularis
Alopecia Follicularis is hair loss that results from inflammation of the follicles.

Alopecia Neurotica
Alopecia Neurotica is baldness that follows a nervous disorder or nervous system injury.

Alopecia Senilis
Alopecia Senilis is baldness due to old age.

Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is the complete loss of hair, not only on the head but often includes the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is hair loss that includes the hair on the entire body.

Anagen
Anagen is the growing phase of the hair cycle, which lasts about seven years on average.

Androgens
Androgens are referred to as male hormones.

Antiandrogen
Blocks the effect of androgens by blocking the receptor site, and often used in hair loss solutions.

Azelaic Acid
Commonly used in the treatment of acne.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a non cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. As the prostate gland swells, the flow of urine is reduced and prevents the emptying of the bladder.

Catagen
Catagen is the end of the active growth phase and changes occur in the follicle at this time.

Cicatricial Alopecia
Cicatricial Alopecia is baldness that is due to scarring and the follicles are absent in scar tissue.

Clone
Clone is a group of genetically identical cells or organisms that have been derived from a single common cell.

Cortex
Cortex is the main structure of the hair shaft. The color and texture of the hair are determined by the cortex.

Crown
Crown is the area at the top of the head.

Cyproterone Acetate
A drug used to reduce sex drive in men and used for hirsuitism and androgenetic alopecia in women.

Dermal papilla
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.

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
DHT is a male hormone that has been connected with the miniaturization of the hair follicle, which contributes to thinning and hair loss. DHT is formed when the male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. Natural hair products that are effective thinning hair solutions break the DHT bonds.

Donor Site
Donor Site is the site where the roots are taken for hair transplant surgery.

Dutasteride
Dutasteride is a medication that was developed by Glaxo-Welcome for the treatment of BPH, a dual inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase enzymes that are responsible for converting testosterone to DHT.

Estrogen
Estrogen is one of a group of hormones that promotes the development of secondary sex characteristics in women.

Finasteride
The generic name for the drug Proscar. This is a drug that binds with the type 2 5 alpha reductase enzyme to reduce the amount of DHT. Proscar is manufactured by Merck and approved for treating benign prostate enlargement and 1 mg tablets of the same drug are marketed under the name Propecia as a hair loss treatment.

Follicle
Follicle is the place where the root of the hair rests.

Follicular Unit
Follicular Unit is a grouping of hairs that share a common blood supply.

Follicular Hair Transplants
one of the latest hair loss solutions that involves a surgeon harvesting healthy follicles and transplanting them to areas where more growth is needed.

Generic
A drug or product that is not trademarked, but is identical in chemical composition to a brand name drug or product.

Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy is a treatment method that involves manipulation of genetics to treat a variety of conditions.

Gynecomastia
The excessive development of male breasts.

Hair Cloning
Hair Cloning is a technique that is being developed for hair loss treatment, which would create a crop of donor hair to be used in transplants.

Keratin
Keratin is a protein that makes up the hair and nails and is commonly used in hair scalp treatment and natural hair care products.

Hair Integration
Hair Integration is a modern term for hair weaving.

Hair Weaving
Hair Weaving is a process that is used to attach a hair piece to existing hair through braiding or weaving.

Hirsutism
Excessive body or facial hair.

Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the generic name for the drug Rogaine that is manufactured by Upjohn and was the first FDA approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil is available in topical lotion in 2% or 5% strength.

Micro Graft
Micro Graft is a small hair graft of one or two hairs. .

Mini Graft
Mini Graft is a small hair graft of between three and ten hairs.

Medulla
Medulla is the central part of cells that are only present in thick hairs.

Norwood Scale
Norwood Scale is the scale most commonly used to classify hair loss and is used in evaluating hair loss for hair loss treatment.

Papilla
Papilla is the small area at the base of the root. The papilla provides the nutrients required for hair growth.

Propecia
Propecia is the brand name for finestaride, which is the only FDA approved drug specifically for weight loss.

Proscar
Proscar is the brand name for finestaride, which is approved for the treatment of BPH.

Punch
Punch is the old fashioned way to remove grafts for transplants and is done using an instrument known as a trephine.

Recipient Site
Recipient Site is the area where donor hair is transplanted.

Retin-A or Tretinoin
Retin-A or Tretinoin is a topical gel or cream used for acne treatment.

Rogaine
Rogaine is the brand name for the topical hair loss treatment minoxidil.

Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a natural herb that is an effective antiandogen. Saw Palmetto is often used in thinning hair growth products.

Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease of the skin and connective tissue. This condition can result in hair loss.

Sebaceous
Greasy, and usually refers to the oil glands of the scalp.

Sebum
Sebum is the substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a severe form of dandruff.

Sprionolactone
Sprionolactone is a drug that is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure, but also acts as an antiandrogen. The drug is sometimes used to treat female pattern baldness and hirsuitism.

Telogen
Telogen is the resting phase of the hair cycle.

Testosterone
Testosterone is a predominantly male hormone that promotes the development of male characteristics.

Topically
To apply directly to the scalp, a common method for applying hair scalp treatment and hair growth treatment products.

Traction Alopecia
Refers to hair loss that results from traction that is placed on the hair, such as from braids, ponytails and other tight hair styles.

Trichotillomania
A form of hair loss that is caused by pulling out one’s own hair and the person is usually not aware they are pulling out the hair.

Vellus
Vellus is the soft hair covering the body.

Vertex
Vertex is the top of the head at the posterior. It includes the area where hair grows in a spiral pattern.