A

5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: Prevent the body from converting testosterone to DHT by blocking the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

5-Alpha-Reductase: The chemical that is responsible for transforming testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Acne Keloidalis: Firm, red brown papules (small bumps) and plaques on the back of the scalp at the nape of the neck of unknown etiology. It has a genetic predisposition and occurs more commonly in persons of African descent. It is treated with local injections of corticosteroids, antibiotics, and surgery. Because these lesions occur in the donor area, its presence is a relative contraindication for hair restoration surgery.
Aldactone: Brand name for spirolactone, a prescription high blood pressure medication that is also prescribed to treat women's hair loss.
Alopecia : Loss of hair as a result of illness, functional disorder, or hereditary disposition. The medical term for hair loss.

Alopecia Areata − A condition caused when the body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles and disrupts normal hair formation and growth. What causes this is unknown, but it appears to be an abnormality in which the immune system attacks particular tissues of the body. Biopsies of affected skin show immune cells inside of the hair follicles, where they are not normally present. Alopecia areata is sometimes associated with other autoimmune conditions such as allergic disorders, thyroid disease, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Alopecia areata sometimes occurs in multiple family members, suggesting a role of genes and heredity.

Alopecia Marginalis: Hair loss primarily at the hairline and temples which is usually caused by continued traction from braids or hair extensions. If condition persists over a length of time, hair loss may become permanent even when braiding is discontinued. Other causes of hair loss in men occurring in this distribution include a hereditary thinning in the area (unrelated to trauma) and follicular degeneration syndrome.

Alopecia Totalis − The complete loss of all scalp hair.

Alopecia Universalis: The complete loss of hair on any part of the body, this includes eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp hair. It may develop as alopecia areata or result from another cause

Alopecia: The medical term for hair loss of any type. It can result from illness, functional disorder, or a hereditary predisposition. Also known as androgenetic alopecia or common baldness. This is the most common type of hair loss, caused by the affects of DHT on susceptible hair follicles. It mainly affects the frontal, top and crown of the scalp and can result in a pronounced horseshoe pattern.

Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein. A deficiency of amino acids may adversely affect hair growth.

Amortization: The process of converting one enzyme to another, such as Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone.

Anagen Effluvium: Extensive hair shedding that results from damage to the hair follicles. It appears soon after exposure to the offending agent. One can see broken hair shafts and tapered, irregular hair roots.

Anagen: The growing phase of the hair follicle, usually lasting between one and seven years.

Androgen: general term referring to any male hormone. The major androgen is testosterone.

Androgenic (Androgenetic) Alopecia − A common form of hair loss in both men and women. For men, it’s also referred to as male pattern baldness, characterized by the thinning or loss of hair on the crown of the head or receding from the temples. A horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head usually remains or hair may continue to fall out, resulting in total baldness over time.

Anterior: Front

Antiandrogen: An agent that blocks the action of androgens by preventing their attachment to receptor cells, interfering with their metabolism, or decreasing their production in the body.
Aromatase: An enzyme (actually an enzyme complex) involved in the production of estrogen that acts by catalyzing the conversion of testosterone (an androgen) to estradiol (an estrogen). Aromatase is located in estrogen-producing cells in the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose (fat) tissue, and brain.

Autograft: A graft taken from your own body

Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid like Retin-A is more commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. It inhibits the activity of the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, involved in the conversion of testosterone to DHT .

B

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH): A noncancerous condition related to aging in men whereby the prostate gland swells, usually to a size that reduces the urine flow and prevents the bladder from emptying completely, causing frequent and difficult urination.

Biopsy: Piece of tissue cut out for microscopic examination

Bonding: A term used to describe the simple act of gluing a hairpiece onto the scalp.

C

Cancer Treatment / Chemo: Traumas such as radiation or chemotherapy (as a treatment for Cancer) have been known to cause severe hair loss.

Catagen: The intermittent stage between the growing ( anagen ) and resting ( telogen ) phases of the hair's growth cycle.

Chignon Alopecia:  A form of traction alopecia in which hair loss occurs at the crown. It commonly occurs when hair is styled in a tight bun over long periods of time. Ballet dancers can often suffer from this.

Chronic Telogen Effluvium (CTE): CTE is marked by increased shedding of telogen hairs and diffuse thinning especially at the temples. It affects women age 30-60 and can start abruptly with, or without, an initiating factor. It usually does not lead to complete baldness and can resolve in 6 months to 6 years. It typically has a long, fluctuating course with patients losing up to 50-400 hairs/day. Patients with CTE complain of excessive hair shedding whereas those with androgenetic alopecia complain of gradual thinning. The mechanism of CTE is felt to be a shorted anagen (growth) cycle. Unlike androgenetic alopecia, chronic telogen effluvium is not characterized by miniaturized hair follicles. Hair transplants are not indicated in CTE as the hair loss tends to be diffuse and patients should get better over time without treatment.
Classification of female pattern hair loss. It encompasses three stages: Mild (type 1), Moderate (type II) and Extensive (type III). In all three stages, there is loss on the front and top of the scalp with preservation of the frontal hairline. If the person’s donor hair is stable at the back and sides of the scalp, women of all three types of Ludwig Classification may be candidates for hair transplantation.

Club Hair: A hair that has stopped growing or is no longer in the anagen phase. It is anchored to the skin with its "club-like" root, but will eventually be pushed out and replaced by a growing hair.

Cobblestoning: "Plugs" that have not healed flush with the skin and therefore have left the scalp lumpy." Plugs" seldom heal flush with the skin. Cobblestoning occurs in almost all "plug" procedures.

Cortex: The layer of the hair shaft that surrounds the medulla and is filled with keratin fibers. The main structural part of the hair fiber that accounts for most of its size and strength.

Crown: The highest part of the head

Cuticle: The outer surface of hair, composed of overlapping scales made of colorless keratin protein. It gives hair luster and shine and also provides some of its strength.

D

Densitometry: Densitometry is a technique to help evaluate a patient’s candidacy for hair transplantation and predict future hair loss. It analyzes the scalp under high-power magnification to give information on hair density, follicular unit composition and degree of miniaturization.

Density: The number of hairs in a specific area. The average hair density on the scalp is 2.25 hairs/cm2.

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. This structure is extremely important in the regulation of hair growth since it has receptors for both androgens and hair-promoting agents.

Dermis: one of the two layers of cells that form skin. Specifically, it is the innermost layer.

Diazoxide: A drug that dilates blood vessels by opening potassium channels and also promotes hair growth.

Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA): Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) is a type of androgenetic hair loss characterized by diffuse thinning in the front, top, and vertex of the scalp. It is usually associated with a stable permanent zone.

Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA): A type of androgenetic hair loss that occurs over the entire scalp so that there is no permanent zone of hair normally present in the back and sides of the scalp. The progression of hair loss is often rapid and can result in an almost transparent look due to the low density. Diagnosing DUPA is imperative, as most patients with diffuse unpatterned alopecia should not have a surgical hair restoration, as the transplanted hair will not be permanent. DUPA is a pattern more commonly seen in women. The use of densitometry is very helpful in diagnosing this condition.

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

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): An auto-immune disease characterized by scaly red plaques with telangiectasia (fine blood vessels), plugged follicles, atrophy (thinning of the skin) and pigmentary changes. DLE often leads to local areas of scarring and permanent localized hair loss.

Donor Site: Area where pieces of hair-bearing skin are taken from during a hair transplant.

Double Blind Study: A scientific study where neither the subjects nor the researchers know who specifically is receiving the drug of treatment under study.

Dutasteride: A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor medication by GlaxoSmithKline. Dutasteride inhibits both type-I and type-II 5-alpha reductase.

E

Epidermis: The outer protective, nonvascular layer of the skin

Estrogen: The female hormone secreted primarily by the ovaries.

F

Female Pattern Alopecia: Female pattern hair loss is characterized by a gradual thinning of the front and/or top of the scalp with relative preservation of the frontal hairline. Although the areas on the top of the scalp are affected the most, the process tends to be diffuse involving the entire scalp to some degree. In female alopecia, the genetics seem to be more complicated than a simple response to androgens. Women with female alopecia are candidates for hair transplantation only if the back and sides of the scalp are stable.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB): Progressive thinning of hair throughout the entire head caused by genes, age and hormones. It usually develops at a much slower rate than male pattern baldness.
Finasteride: The generic name of the brand name drug Proscar. Proscar is manufactured by Merck and is FDA approved for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. 1mg tablets of finasteride have been marketed under the brand name Propecia as a treatment for hair loss. It is an antiandrogen that blocks the formation of dihydrotestosterone by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase.

Flap: A type of hair replacement surgery in which a piece of hair bearing scalp is cut on three or four sides and transplanted onto bald areas of the scalp.

Follicle: A saclike structure just below the surface of your scalp. The sheath within which hair grows.

Follicular Degeneration Syndrome: A form of scarring alopecia caused by the premature shedding of the inner root sheath of the hair follicle. It eventually results in complete follicular destruction. Because it occurs in a band around the frontal part of the scalp it had been felt that the condition was due to traction. It is now felt that the condition is idiopathic and unrelated to mechanical trauma or that it can be caused by a hot comb.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Modification of the standard follicular unit transplant where follicular units are removed individually from the donor area.

Follicular Unit Transplantation: An advanced form of hair transplantation in which the surgeon harvests hair in naturally occurring follicular units and grafts them to balding sections of the scalp.

Follicular Unit: Natural groupings of hair that grow together as a group in the scalp and share the same blood supply.

Folliculitis:  This bacterial condition irritates hair follicles and is one of the most common types of skin infection. Although usually trivial, it can produce extensive disease. It may be superficial or deep, and causes the formation of a pustule or inflammatory nodule surrounding the hair. Infected hairs may be easily removed.

Free Flap: A surgical procedure in which a wide strip of scalp from the side/back of the head is excised and then transferred to the frontal area of the scalp to form a hairline.

Frontal Alopecia : Hair loss at the front of the head

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: More common in post-menopausal women, the front part of the scalp appears shiny, smooth and devoid of hair follicles. This pattern can mimic androgenetic alopecia but, on close inspection one notes scarring and the absence of hair follicle openings.There may be signs of inflammation including redness and scaling. The condition may be a variant of Lichen Planopilaris.

G

Gene Therapy : Is a treatment method that involves the manipulation of an individual's genetic makeup. A form of therapy that attempts to fix the defective gene which is causing the disease.

Genetic: pertaining to genes or any of their effects. A gene is the smallest physical piece of heredity. It determines what features we will pass on to our children as well as which ones we have gained from our biological parents.

Grafting: A variety of procedures describing the removal of hair bearing scalp from the back of the head to a recipient site. The most widely used types of grafting are slit grafts, micrografting and minigrafting (All outdated).

Grafts: Transplanted hair

Gynecomastia: Excessive development of the male breasts.

H

Hair Additions: Any external hair bearing device added to existing hair or scalp to give one the appearance of a fuller head of hair. i.e. Hair weaves, hair extensions, hair pieces, toupees, non-surgical hair replacements, partial hair prostheses, hair wefts, etc. Devices may consist of human hair, synthetic fiber or a combination of both.

Hair Cloning: Currently not available, but cloning hair may make it possible for you to have an unlimited crop of donor hair for a hair transplant.

Hair Integration : Hair Additions: Any external hair bearing device added to existing hair or scalp to give one the appearance of a fuller head of hair. i.e. Hair weaves, hair extensions, hair pieces, toupees, non-surgical hair replacements, partial hair prostheses, hair wefts, etc. Devices may consist of human hair, synthetic fiber or a combination of both.

Hair Intensification: Hair Additions: Any external hair bearing device added to existing hair or scalp to give one the appearance of a fuller head of hair. i.e. Hair weaves, hair extensions, hair pieces, toupees, non-surgical hair replacements, partial hair prostheses, hair wefts, etc. Devices may consist of human hair, synthetic fiber or a combination of both.

Hair loss: Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Alopecia can be temporary or permanent. The most common form of hair loss occurs gradually and is referred to as "androgenetic alopecia," meaning that a combination of hormones (androgens are male hormones) and heredity (genetics) is needed to develop the condition. Other types of hair loss include alopecia areata (patches of baldness that usually grow back), telogen effluvium (rapid shedding after childbirth, fever, or sudden weight loss); and traction alopecia (thinning from tight braids or ponytails).

Hair Matrix: Region where hair and the structures that compose it ( cortex , cuticle and medulla ) are made.

Hair Max Laser Comb: Only Laser Comb approved by the FDA.  The FDA marketing clearance of the HairMax LaserComb® has significant implications for the Hair Loss Treatment industry. Currently, there are only two other FDA approved hair loss treatments available, but with the addition of the HairMax, there is now a viable drug free, topical free alternative to these methods. The HairMax, has an excellent safety record, with no serious side effects. It is a one time purchase, with no ongoing costs.Hair Multiplication: Currently not available, same theory as hair cloning, individual hair strands will be multiplied or duplicated to create more available donor area for transplantation.

Hair Shaft: Filament projecting from the epidermis that provides protection and warmth (Hair).

Hair Weaving : A process by which a hair piece (synthetic or human hair) is attached to existing hair on scalp through braiding or another interweaving process.

Hairlift®: Surgical procedure used to eliminate large areas of bald scalp by lifting and advancing the entire hair-bearing scalp in an upward and forward direction (considered to be a barbaric procedure by most ethical physicians).

(Norwood) - Hamilton Scale: (as seen below) The progression of male pattern baldness is generally classified on the Hamilton–Norwood scale, which ranges from stages I to VII

• Class I represents an adolescent or juvenile hairline and it not actually balding. The adolescent hairline generally rests on the upper brow crease.
• Class II indicates a progression to the adult or mature hairline which sits a finger breath (1.5cm) above the upper brow crease, with some temporal recession. This also does not represent balding.
• Class III is the earliest stage of male hair loss. It is characterized by a deepening temporal recession.
• Class III Vertex represents early hair loss in the crown (vertex).
• Class IV Is characterized by further frontal hair loss and enlargement of vertex, but there is still a solid band of hair across top separating front and vertex.
• Class V the bald areas in the front and crown continue to enlarge and the bridge of hair separating the two areas begins to break down.
• Class VI occurs when the connecting bridge of hair disappears leaving a single large bald area on the front and top of the scalp. The hair on the sides of the scalp remains relatively high.
• Class VII patients have extensive hair loss with only a wreath of hair remaining in the back and sides of the scalp.

Hirsutism: Excessive growth of hair of normal or abnormal distribution

Hormonal: Pertaining to hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that are usually carried by the bloodstream. They exert their effects on specific target organs.

Hypertrichosis: Excessive growth of hair all over the body.

Hypothyroid: Deficiency: of thyroid hormone which is normally made by the thyroid gland which is located in the front of the neck. Hypothyroidism can result in hair loss.

Hypotrichosis − A condition in which there is no hair growth. Unlike alopecia, which describes hair loss where formerly there was hair growth, hypotrichosis describes a situation where there was no hair growth in the first place.

I

Inflammatory: pertaining to inflammation. Inflammation is the process whereby the body reacts to injury or abnormal stimulants.

Infundibulum: the superior, or highest portion, of the hair follicle.

Inhibitory Protein: protein found in healthy scalps (without hair loss) that appears to inhibit the binding of dihydrotestosterone to its receptor. This protein appears to be absent in androgenetic alopecia.

Intermediate Hairs: hairs which demonstrate characteristic between vellus and terminal hairs. They contain a moderate amount of pigment and are medullated.

Isthmus: the middle region of the hair follicle which usually contans the sebaceous gland.

J

Juri Flap: Surgical procedure during which a large section of hair bearing scalp is taken from the side of the scalp and rotated 180 degrees to the front, forming a hairline.

K

Keratin: A tough, fibrous, insoluble protein forming hair and finger nails.

Ketoconazole: An antifungal agent that has antiandrogenetic properties. Active ingredient in the shampoo Nizoral.

L

Lanugo Hair: The downy hair on the body of the fetus and newborn baby. Resembles vellus hair, soft and unpigmented.

Laser Hair Therapy: The Laser stimulates the scalp and energizes follicles in the Catagen or Telogen phase causing a new Anagen hair to be formed. These new Anagen hairs cause the old Catagen and Telogen hairs to shed now as opposed to being shed at a later time. This increase in Anagen hair activity results in a slight increase in shedding, but should not be a cause for concern. The hairs being shed during this time are being replaced by new healthier hairs. Supporting this hypothesis are user reports of increased hair shedding during the onset of treatment. This is a positive sign and, in-line with the Anagen induction hypothesis, indicates that hairs in the Catagen and Telogen phases are being stimulated to fall out in order to be replaced by healthier, thicker hair

Lichen Planopilaris − A disease that generally affects the skin and mouth. It can cause redness, irritation, and in some cases, permanent hair loss.
Linear Graft: A row of hair and skin that is transplanted onto bald regions (outdated).

Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome: This is a very rare condition but seen more often in females than males, presenting early in childhood, usually between the ages of 2 and 9 as diffuse patches of hair loss. This syndrome is characterized by a defective inner root sheath (abnormal keratinization) that prevents it from grasping the hair shaft cuticle. As a result the newly growing hair shaft falls out. The hair is usually blonde, feels matted or sticky, lusterless and does not require cutting. A hair-pull test is positive for anagen hairs. No systemic abnormality is associated with it. With adolescence the hair grows longer, denser and darker, but the hair pull remains positive.

Ludwig Classification:  The Ludwig Classification (as seen below) uses three stages to describe female pattern genetic hair loss:

• Type I (mild)
• Type II (moderate)
• Type III (extensive)

In all three Ludwig stages, there is hair loss on the front and top of the scalp with relative preservation of the frontal hairline. The back and sides may or may not be involved. Regardless of the extent of hair loss, only women with stable hair on the back and sides of the scalp are candidates for hair transplant surgery.

M

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB): The most common type of hair loss that is caused by hormones, genes and age, and is usually progressive in nature. It affects the central and frontal area of the scalp and often results in a pronounced U-Shape configuration.

Marginal Alopecia:  Another name for and regularly associated with Alopecia Areata.

Medulla: A central zone of cells present only in large, thick hairs.

Melanin : Pigmenting granules within the keratin fibers of the hair shaft that determine hair color. They usually decrease with age, resulting in gray or white hair.

Melanocyte : A specialized cell containing pigment (melanin), which determines hair color.

Menopause : The permanent cessation of menstruation and estrogen secretion from a woman's ovaries.

Merck & Co., Inc.: the manufacturer of Proscar and Propecia (finasteride).

Micrograft : A very small hair graft consisting of one or two hairs.

Midline : Region towards the middle of the scalp

Miniaturization : The destructive process by which DHT shinks hair follicles, key marker of androgenetic alopecia.

Minigraft : A small hair graft consisting of three to eight follicles each.

Minoxidil : A prescription medication taken orally for the treatment of high blood pressure and used topically to retard hair loss and/ or encourage hair growth. Generic name for Rogaine .

N

Nonscarring Alopecia: A broad category of different types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia. The hair follicle remains intact, thus increasing the likelihood that hair loss can be reversed.

Norwood Classification: Published by Dr. O’tar Norwood in 1975, this is the most common classification for describing genetic hair loss in men. The regular Norwood pattern has seven stages that begin with recession at the temples and thinning in the crown. The Norwood Class A pattern has five stages and is characterized by a predominantly front to back progression of hair loss.

Norwood Scale : a scale for the classification of hair loss

• Class I represents an adolescent or juvenile hairline and it not actually balding. The adolescent hairline generally rests on the upper brow crease.
• Class II indicates a progression to the adult or mature hairline which sits a finger breath (1.5cm) above the upper brow crease, with some temporal recession. This also does not represent balding.
• Class III is the earliest stage of male hair loss. It is characterized by a deepening temporal recession.
• Class III Vertex represents early hair loss in the crown (vertex).
• Class IV Is characterized by further frontal hair loss and enlargement of vertex, but there is still a solid band of hair across top separating front and vertex.
• Class V the bald areas in the front and crown continue to enlarge and the bridge of hair separating the two areas begins to break down.
• Class VI occurs when the connecting bridge of hair disappears leaving a single large bald area on the front and top of the scalp. The hair on the sides of the scalp remains relatively high.
• Class VII patients have extensive hair loss with only a wreath of hair remaining in the back and sides of the scalp.

O

Ophiasis:  A form of alopecia areata in which hair loss occurs in a wave-like pattern encircling the head.

P

Papilla : The small root area at the base of hair, which receives the nutrients from the follicle needed for hair growth.

Placebo: a pill, topical, or injection made to appear exactly like a test medication, but without any of its active ingredients.

Polysorbate 80: an emulsifying agent that has been marketed extensively by "private" companies as a hair growth promoting agent.

Postauricular Flap: Surgical procedure during which a strip of hair-bearing scalp is taken from the area behind the ear and is rotated 90 degrees to the front, forming a hairline.

Posterior Scalp: Back of the head.

Preauricular Flap: Surgical procedure during which a strip of hair-bearing scalp is taken from the temple area and is rotated about 90 degrees to the front, forming a hairline.

Progesterone: Female sex hormone that induces secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Synthetic compounds with progesterone like activity have been developed that, along with estrogen , are used in oral contraceptives.

Propecia: The brand name for 1mg dose of finasteride , approved for the prevention and treatment of male pattern baldness.

Proscar : finasteride as an FDA approved treatment for BPH .

Prosthetic : An artificial replacement

Pseudo Palade of Braque: A non-specific scarring alopecia of unknown cause. It also may represent the end stage of other inflammatory scalp conditions. It presents with white or flesh-colored atrophic plaques, without active inflammation.

Punch Graft: A group of ten to twenty hairs in a circular graft.

R

Recipient Site: Bald area which hair grafts are transplanted.

Rejection: Tissue not accepted by the body and which, therefore dies

Retin-A: A brand name for a prescription acne medication. Has in some cases shown to be effective against hair loss, particularly when combined with minoxidil, however, can cause extreme scalp irritation that can make hair loss worse.

Retroauricular Area: Area behind the ear

Rogaine: The brand name for minoxidil topical hair growth solution, available over the counter in 2% solution and 5% extra strength solution.

Rotational Flap: A surgical procedure which involves lifting a three-sided area of hair-bearing scalp and pivoting it 90 to 180 degrees into the balding area.

S

Saw Palmetto: A natural herb that has been shown to be an effective antiandrogen

Scalp Reduction: Surgical procedure in which an ellipse of bald scalp is removed from a small midline bald spot and the hair-bearing scalp between the ears is pulled together and sutured closed. This reduces the bald area.

Scarring Alopecia: Patchy hair loss with obvious sign of scalp inflammation.

Scleroderma : A disease of the skin and connective tissue that can cause hair loss over the affected areas.

Sebaceous Glands: Fatty glands found in hair follicles throughout the body that secrete an oil into the hair and surrounding skin.

Seborrheic Dermatitis : A condition marked by small discolored patches or spots on the skin and frequently occurs on the face and scalp.

Sebum: An oily secretion manufactured by tiny sebaceous glands near the follicles that keeps your hair lubricated and shiny.

Senescent Alopecia: the type of hair loss that naturally occurs with age. During the process of aging, both the duration of hair growth and the diameter of the hair follicle decrease.

Shock Fallout: The condition that occurs when hair transplantation is performed on men with a significant amount of naturally occurring hair left on their head. Trauma due to the procedure itself induces a telogen phase for much of the hair around the implanted grafts. Hair lost due to shock fallout returns in some cases.

Slit Graft: A graft of three to four hairs inserted into a slit rather than a round hole.

SOD: Also known as Superoxide Dismutase, are enzymes which destroy superoxide free radicals and prevent the cellular damage that free radicals cause. Researchers have discovered that SODases also stimulate hair growth and decrease hair loss.

Sprionolactone: A diuretic drug that acts as an antiandrogen. Used in the treatment of androgen related disorders such as female pattern baldness and hirsuitism . Brand name is Aldactone.

Stretch Back: A condition that occurs after a scalp reduction procedure due to the elastic characteristic of the skin. The bald area that could not be eliminated totally during a scalp reduction, increases in width three months after the procedure, thus reducing the procedure's effectiveness.

Suture Implants: A method of attaching a hairpiece that involves sewing stitches in the scalp and securing the hairpiece to them.

Suture: Stitch.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE): An auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own cells, resulting in inflammation and tissue destruction. SLE can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects the skin, joints, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of flares and remissions. Lupus can occur at any age and is more common in women. The skin manifestations are quite varied and can present with localized lesions (DLE), diffuse hair loss and sensitivity to the sun. The name comes from the fact that the photo-sensitive rash that occurs on the face resembles that of a wolf.

Systemic Side Effects: undesirable effects produced throughout the body. For example, some antiandrogens will cause decreased sex drive and breast enlargement in men.

T

Telogen Effluvium: The second most common form of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia is the first). Hair loss that happens when follicles are prematurely pushed into the “resting stage” of growth. The additional shedding usually occurs in response to various stresses such as emotional trauma, post-pregnancy and illness, major surgery, certain medications. Telogen effluvium can be delayed (occurring a few months after the stressful incident) or chronic (unresolved). This condition has its onset 2-3 months after stress or insult to the scalp. Generally 35-50% of hair is affected. One can see over 300 hairs shed per day. The hairs are characteristically “club” hairs, i.e. telogen hairs that have a small bulb at the end. Telogen effluvium is much more common in women than men.

Telogen Loss: Loss of hair during resting phase of hair or "natural" loss. In this period a new hair begins to grow and the old hair is gradually forced out of the follicle and shed. The resting phase of the hair cycle which usually lasts approximately three months.

Temporal Recession: Hair loss in the temple region

Terminal Hair: The coarser, pigmented hair that appears on the scalp, face, armpits, and pubic areas.

Testosterone: The male hormone which is released by both the adrenal gland and the testicles, promotes the development of male characteristics.

Theory of Donor Dominance: Scientific basis for hair transplantation stating that hair's genetic code resides within the hair follicle and not in the recipient site into which it is transplanted.

Tinea Capitis: A fungal infection of the hair follicles of the scalp characterized by the formation of small crusts at the base of the follicles. It is also referred to as ringworm of the scalp. It can result in small patches of permanent hair loss. It can be diagnosed by a scalp scraping and a hair pull tested for fungus on a KOH prep and a fungal culture. The most common organism producing this condition is Tinea

Tissue Expansion: A method used to increase the effectiveness of surgical hair restoration. A balloon-like device is inserted under the scalp several weeks before the procedure and is gradually inflated weekly with saline.

Topically: directly applied on the skin

Traction Alopecia: This refers to hair loss which occurs do to traction placed on hair from constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs in people who wear tight braids − especially “cornrows” − that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair. It can also result from cosmetic surgery that creates hair tension, such as facelifts. It can be seen with hair systems and corn-row hair styles braids, pony tails and other hairstyles which create traction on the scalp. It is common

Tretinoin: The generic term for the medication Retin-A, which is most commonly prescribed for acne.

Triangular Alopecia: A triangular shaped area devoid of hair that most commonly occurs in the temples. The apex of the triangle often points towards the vertex of the scalp. It can be unilateral or bilateral. Fine, vellus hairs can be seen in the bald patch. The condition appears at birth or in early childhood and is stable. The early, stable appearance, fine vellus hair and characteristic location, help to differentiate it from alopecia areata. Hair transplantation is the treatment of choice.

Trichorrhexis nodosa: A defect in hair fiber characterized by fraying and swelling nodes in particular spots along the length of the hair fiber caused by the absence of a cuticle layer.

TrichotillomaniaL  A disorder in which a person compulsively pulls or twirls out their own hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. The most common area is scalp hair causing patchy areas of hair loss with broken hairs of varying lengths. Most commonly seen in females ages 6 to 30. This condition can also involve the eyebrows or upper eyelashes (upper lashes are easier to grab). The diagnosis can be made by cutting or shaving the hair so that it is

Tunnel Graft: A method of attaching a hairpiece that involves taking skin grafts from behind the ear or from the hip and attaching them to the scalp. Hairpiece clips can be fastened to them, thus, securing the hairpiece in place.

V

Vasodilator: a medication designed to dilate blood vessels.

Vellus Hair: Fine baby peach-fuzz hair that is not easily visible to the naked eye. They lack a central medulla , which is present in thick terminal hairs.

Vertex: The crown area of the scalp