Hair Transplant Vocabulary

The medical term for hair loss, which can be classified as diffuse or localized and with or without scarring. The most common surgically treatable type is androgenic alopecia (AGA).

An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body.

A surgical procedure to remove bald areas of the scalp and bring hair-bearing regions closer together.

Complete loss of all scalp hair, often due to autoimmune conditions.

A chemical compound used in hair loss treatments to prevent hardening of collagen around hair follicles.

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, lasting several years in healthy hair.

The structural arrangement that secures follicular units within the scalp.

Male sex hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which play a role in androgenic alopecia.

The most common form of hair loss, caused by genetic sensitivity to DHT. Also known as male or female pattern baldness.

Medications that block androgen effects, often used to treat androgenic alopecia.

Small muscles attached to hair follicles that cause hairs to stand upright when contracted (e.g., during goosebumps).

A diagnostic procedure involving the removal of a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope.

A procedure where body hair is transplanted to areas of the scalp experiencing hair loss.

The base of the hair follicle where cells divide to form new hair.

A part of the hair follicle that contains stem cells critical for hair growth and regeneration.

A compound believed to stimulate hair growth by counteracting DHT’s effects on follicles.

The number of hairs per square centimeter, used to assess hair restoration outcomes.

Techniques or products used to conceal thinning or balding areas (e.g., fibers or sprays).

The transitional phase in the hair cycle when growth stops, lasting a few weeks.

A type of scarring alopecia common in women of African descent, causing progressive baldness from the crown outward. This format can be expanded further for additional terms upon request. Let me know if you’d like more terms explained!

A descriptive term for a specific pattern of hair loss, often seen in women with diffuse thinning, where the widest part of thinning is at the crown and narrows towards the front, resembling a Christmas tree shape.

A group of hair loss disorders characterized by permanent destruction of hair follicles due to inflammation and scarring, leading to irreversible hair loss.

A textured appearance of the scalp after hair transplant surgery, caused by uneven skin healing or improper graft placement.

A scale used to measure and classify the extent of hair loss in individuals.

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of overlapping cells that protect the inner structure of the hair.

An antiandrogen medication used to treat androgenic alopecia by blocking the effects of male hormones on hair follicles.

A technique in hair transplantation where grafts are placed very close together to achieve high-density coverage in a specific area.

A device used to magnify and analyze scalp and hair density, helping assess hair loss and plan treatments.

The number of hairs per unit area on the scalp, critical for assessing and achieving natural-looking results in hair restoration.

The precision in determining how deep hair grafts are inserted during transplantation to ensure proper growth and avoid complications.

A structure at the base of the hair follicle that contains blood vessels and plays a key role in regulating hair growth.

Inflammation of the skin that can affect the scalp, potentially causing itching, redness, and flaking.

A type of androgenic alopecia characterized by diffuse thinning across the scalp but with a preserved frontal hairline.

A form of diffuse thinning that lacks a specific pattern and affects both donor and recipient areas, making surgical restoration challenging.

A hormone derived from testosterone that contributes to androgenic alopecia by shrinking susceptible hair follicles.

An autoimmune condition causing scarring alopecia and red, scaly patches on the scalp or other areas of skin.

The region of the scalp (usually at the back or sides) where healthy follicles are harvested for transplantation.

The number of follicular units available per square centimeter in the donor area, important for planning transplants.

The measurement of hair density (hairs per square centimeter) to evaluate thinning or treatment success.

Stress on the donor area during or after harvesting grafts, which can lead to complications like scarring or reduced healing.

Hair loss caused by medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or certain antidepressants, which disrupt normal hair growth cycles.

A medication that inhibits DHT production by blocking 5-alpha reductase enzymes, used for treating androgenic alopecia.

A method used during follicular unit extraction (FUE) where blunt instruments are employed to minimize follicle damage during harvesting.

Swelling caused by fluid accumulation, which can occur temporarily after hair transplant surgery around the forehead or eyes.

Excessive shedding of hairs due to disruption in the normal growth cycle; includes telogen effluvium (temporary shedding) and anagen effluvium (shedding during growth phase).

The outermost layer of skin that protects underlying tissues; it also houses part of the hair follicle’s structure.

The phase in the hair cycle when mature hairs are shed from follicles as new hairs begin to grow underneath.

The process of isolating follicular units from surrounding tissue during FUE or strip harvesting procedures.

A common form of androgenic alopecia in women characterized by diffuse thinning over the crown while maintaining a frontal fringe.

Physical changes in follicle shape caused by trauma or improper extraction during FUE procedures, potentially affecting regrowth.

An experimental regenerative treatment for hair loss that uses cultured hair follicle cells, such as dermal papilla cells, to stimulate new follicle formation. Cells are harvested from the scalp, multiplied in a lab, and re-implanted to rejuvenate dormant follicles or create new ones[2][3][11].

Also known as Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA), this is a scarring alopecia caused by inflammation and fibrosis of hair follicles. It often starts at the crown and progresses outward, leading to permanent hair loss if untreated. Common causes include physical, chemical, or thermal trauma and genetic predisposition[5][6].

The number of follicular units per square centimeter on the scalp. It is a key factor in assessing hair health and planning hair transplants, with natural density averaging 100 follicular units/cm²[7].

A technique in hair transplantation where two follicular units are placed together to increase density and improve aesthetic results.

The smallest naturally occurring grouping of 1-4 terminal hairs, along with associated structures like sebaceous glands and arrector pili muscles.

The process of isolating individual follicular units from a donor strip during Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).

A minimally invasive hair transplant method where individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area using a micro-punch tool[2].

A technique where very small grafts containing 1-2 hairs are transplanted for precise placement in areas like the hairline.

A rare inflammatory scalp disorder classified as primary neutrophilic cicatricial alopecia. It causes pustules, redness, scarring, and permanent hair loss, often due to Staphylococcus aureus infection[8].

The region of the scalp at the front of the head, including the hairline and forehead.

A type of scarring alopecia seen mostly in postmenopausal women. It causes progressive frontotemporal hairline recession and eyebrow loss due to inflammation and fibrosis around follicles[9][10].

A small grouping of hairs at the center of the frontal hairline that may persist despite surrounding hair loss.

The receding of hair at the temples and frontal areas, a common pattern in androgenic alopecia.

A surgical hair restoration procedure where a strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, dissected into individual follicular units, and transplanted into balding areas.

A tough connective tissue layer beneath the scalp that plays a role in anchoring skin and influencing blood supply to follicles.

The process of inserting harvested follicular unit grafts into recipient sites during a hair transplant procedure.

A protein filament composed primarily of keratin that grows from follicles located in the dermis. It plays roles in protection, thermoregulation, and aesthetics.

Artificial or natural extensions or wigs used to enhance or replace lost hair for cosmetic purposes.

The channel within the skin through which a hair shaft emerges from its follicle.

The visible density or distribution of hairs across the scalp, influenced by both follicle density and shaft thickness.

The natural growth phases of hair: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding).

The number of individual hairs per square centimeter on the scalp. It varies by genetics, age, and ethnicity but typically ranges between 100-150 hairs/cm².

The study and analysis of the cost-effectiveness, demand, and market trends in hair restoration treatments, including transplants, hair products, and therapies.

Products made from keratin or plant-based materials that add volume to thinning hair by adhering to existing strands, creating a fuller appearance.

A surgical technique where a section of scalp with hair is moved to a balding area. Examples include the Juri flap procedure, which relocates large sections of dense hair to create a new hairline.

A microscopic structure in the skin responsible for producing and growing hair. It includes components like the bulb, dermal papilla, and sebaceous gland.

Clusters of hair follicles (usually 1-4 hairs per graft) harvested from donor areas during hair transplantation procedures.

The overall volume or bulk of hair on the scalp, influenced by factors like density, shaft thickness, and follicular health.

A technique used to analyze individual hairs under a microscope for diagnostic purposes.

An outdated method of hair transplantation involving large, round grafts that often resulted in unnatural-looking hairlines.

The visible part of the hair that extends above the scalp, composed of keratin layers (cuticle, cortex, and medulla).

A non-surgical solution for hair loss that includes wigs, toupees, or extensions designed to mimic natural hair.

A surgical procedure where hair follicles are removed from a donor area and implanted into balding or thinning areas.

A measurement used to assess the overall volume of hair on the scalp by combining density and shaft thickness metrics.

A diagnostic tool used to measure changes in hair density and mass over time to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

A genetic test that predicts an individual’s likelihood of developing androgenic alopecia based on DNA analysis.

The edge where the forehead meets the scalp. It is often reshaped or restored during hair transplant procedures for aesthetic purposes.

The process of improving or reshaping a hairline through precise placement of grafts for a natural appearance.

The process of extracting follicular units from donor areas during a hair transplant procedure. Methods include strip harvesting (FUT) or individual extraction (FUE).

Refers to biological processes studied outside a living organism, such as in a laboratory setting (e.g., cell culture).

The body’s response to injury or infection, often characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Inflammation can affect scalp health and contribute to conditions like alopecia.

The upper part of the follicle where the sebaceous gland connects and through which the hair shaft emerges onto the skin surface.

A layer inside the follicle that surrounds and supports the growing hair shaft during its development.

Refers to biological processes occurring within a living organism (e.g., studying follicle behavior directly on the scalp).

The middle portion of the hair follicle located between the infundibulum (upper part) and bulb (lower part). It contains stem cells critical for regeneration.

A surgical technique developed by Dr. Juri that relocates large sections of dense scalp hair to balding areas. It is primarily used for rapid reconstruction but has largely been replaced by modern grafting methods.

Thickened scar tissue that forms due to excessive collagen production during healing. Keloids can occur after scalp surgery or trauma.

An antifungal medication often used in shampoos to treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. It also has anti-androgenic properties that may help reduce hair loss caused by DHT.

Fine, soft, and unpigmented hair that covers the body of a fetus and is usually shed before birth. It may reappear in adults with certain medical conditions like anorexia nervosa.

A technique used in hair transplantation where incisions are made perpendicular to the scalp to ensure natural hair direction and density.

A type of scarring alopecia caused by inflammation around hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss. It is often associated with itching and redness.

A compound used in hair treatments to improve follicle health and stimulate hair growth by delivering energy directly to cells.

A condition where hair is loosely anchored in the follicle and easily pulled out. It commonly affects children and results in diffuse thinning.

A non-invasive treatment that uses laser or LED light to stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth and reducing hair loss.

A classification system used to measure the severity of female pattern baldness, ranging from mild thinning to severe hair loss.

A large-scale hair transplant procedure involving the transplantation of 3,000 or more grafts in a single session.

A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and has antioxidant properties. It is sometimes used topically to promote hair growth by reducing oxidative stress on follicles.

A minimally invasive treatment involving microinjections of vitamins, enzymes, or medications into the scalp to improve hair health and stimulate growth.

The central region of the scalp located between the frontal area and the crown (vertex), often targeted in hair restoration procedures.

A small graft containing 2-4 hairs used in older transplant techniques, now largely replaced by follicular unit grafting for more natural results.

The process where hair follicles shrink due to androgenic alopecia, producing thinner, shorter hairs over time.

An FDA-approved topical medication that stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. It is commonly used for androgenic alopecia.

A technique where multiple follicular units are transplanted together to provide greater coverage in areas of significant thinning or baldness.

Clusters of multiple follicular units transplanted as a single graft for high-density results in large balding areas.

A brand offering cosmetic products like keratin-based fibers designed to thicken the appearance of thinning hair instantly.

The band of dense, permanent hair at the back and sides of the scalp, often used as the donor area for hair transplants due to its resistance to DHT.

A method used during FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) where a rotating tool extracts follicular units with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

The outermost layer of cells surrounding a hair follicle that provides structural support during growth.

The area on the sides of the head above the ears where permanent hair is often preserved even in advanced stages of baldness.

A technique where only part of a follicular unit is harvested, leaving some hairs behind to maintain donor area density.

The anatomical structure consisting of a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and arrector pili muscle responsible for producing and supporting hair growth.

An inactive substance or treatment given during clinical trials to test the effectiveness of a new medication or therapy by comparing its results with those from an active treatment.

The phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived or actual improvement in their condition after receiving a treatment with no therapeutic value, due to psychological or contextual factors such as expectations and the therapeutic environment.

A regenerative treatment derived from a patient’s own blood, PRP is rich in growth factors that stimulate healing and hair follicle activity. It is used in hair restoration to enhance hair growth, improve follicle health, and promote healing after hair transplantation.

The act of manually removing a hair from its follicle. Plucking can stimulate new hair growth by triggering follicular activity, although it may shorten the hair’s growth phase.

A condition where multiple hairs (five or more) emerge from a single follicular opening, often associated with scarring alopecias like folliculitis decalvans. It results from fibrosis and clustering of adjacent follicles.

A group of inflammatory scalp disorders that destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. Examples include lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus.

Lipid compounds involved in various body processes, including inflammation and hair growth regulation. Certain prostaglandin analogs are used to promote eyelash and scalp hair growth.

A rare form of scarring alopecia characterized by asymptomatic, irregularly shaped bald patches on the scalp. Often described as “footprints in the snow,” it may represent the end stage of other cicatricial alopecias.

A diagnostic procedure for assessing hair loss by gently pulling on a small section of hair (40-60 strands) to determine the amount of shedding. A positive test indicates active shedding or an underlying condition.

The act of forcefully removing hairs, which can indicate conditions like trichotillomania or be part of diagnostic tests like the pull test.

A cylindrical surgical tool used to extract tissue samples or individual follicular units during procedures like scalp biopsies or FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). 

The area on the scalp where transplanted hair grafts are implanted during a hair restoration procedure. Proper planning and precise graft placement are crucial for natural-looking results.

The principle that transplanted hairs adapt to the characteristics of the recipient site rather than retaining those of the donor area.

An enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which contributes to androgenic alopecia by shrinking susceptible hair follicles.

Advanced techniques used in FUE procedures to extract follicular units with minimal trauma. Rotating punches delicately separate grafts from surrounding tissue for higher precision and better graft quality.

A type of graft used in older transplantation techniques, harvested with circular punches and containing multiple hairs. Modern methods have largely replaced round grafts with smaller, more natural-looking units.

A method of creating incisions for graft placement during hair transplantation that runs parallel to existing hairs. This minimizes damage to surrounding follicles and ensures natural growth patterns.

A botanical extract with antiandrogenic properties used as a natural remedy for androgenic alopecia. It inhibits DHT production and has been shown to improve hair density and quality in some studies.

A diagnostic procedure where a small sample of scalp tissue is removed for examination under a microscope. It helps identify causes of hair loss, such as scarring alopecias or autoimmune conditions.

A surgical technique used to stretch areas of healthy scalp over balding regions, often combined with other procedures like scalp reduction.

A non-invasive cosmetic procedure where pigment is applied to the scalp to mimic the appearance of shaved or closely cropped hair, enhancing the look of density.

A surgical procedure where bald portions of the scalp are removed, and areas with healthy hair are stretched upward to cover the bald spot. It is often combined with hair transplantation for better results.

A surgical technique where sections of scalp with healthy hair are rotated into balding areas to provide coverage. This method is less commonly used today due to advancements in transplantation techniques.

The process of making shallow incisions or marks on tissue during surgical procedures, such as preparing recipient sites for graft placement in hair transplants.

Oil-producing glands attached to hair follicles that secrete sebum, which helps lubricate both skin and hair. Overactivity can contribute to conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

A chronic skin condition characterized by flaky, scaly, greasy, and itchy skin, commonly affecting areas rich in sebaceous glands like the scalp, face, and chest. It can cause dandruff and temporary hair loss during flare-ups.

Age-related hair thinning that occurs due to a natural decrease in hair growth rate and strand diameter. It is distinct from androgenic alopecia and typically affects individuals over 50 without a predictable pattern.

Single-hair grafts placed slightly in front of the main hairline during hair transplantation to soften the hairline and create a natural appearance.

A technique used in hair transplantation or surgery that involves step-by-step dissection or preparation of tissue to ensure precision and minimize damage.

A surgical technique involving precise cutting along tissue planes using sharp instruments to reduce trauma and bleeding. It is commonly used in various surgical procedures, including hair restoration.

The process of making small incisions in the recipient area during hair transplantation to insert grafts. Slits are designed to match the angle, depth, and direction of natural hair growth for optimal results.

A type of graft used in older transplant techniques where multiple hairs are transplanted into slit-shaped incisions. Modern methods now focus on follicular unit grafting for better aesthetics.

The process of cutting thin strips of donor tissue into smaller sections containing follicular units during FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). It ensures precision in isolating grafts while preserving follicle integrity.

A medication with anti-androgenic properties used to treat female pattern hair loss by blocking DHT effects on hair follicles. It is also prescribed for conditions like acne and hypertension.

The divergence or spreading of hairs within a follicular unit, often considered when planning hair transplant density to achieve natural-looking results.

The division of follicular units into smaller grafts during preparation for transplantation. This technique is used to create single-hair grafts for delicate areas like the hairline.

Undifferentiated cells capable of regenerating various cell types. In hair restoration, stem cell therapy is being explored for its potential to stimulate dormant follicles and promote new growth.

Techniques used in surgical procedures or transplant planning that involve gradual steps to ensure precision and minimize errors.

A method used in FUT where a strip of scalp tissue is removed from the donor area, dissected into individual follicular units, and transplanted to balding areas.

A graft containing part of a follicular unit, often created by trimming larger units into smaller sections for specific placement needs.

The area at the upper sides of the scalp near the temples where permanent hair often remains even in advanced baldness.

The resting phase of the hair cycle when growth stops, and old hairs are shed to make way for new ones. Normally, 10-15% of hairs are in this phase at any given time.

A temporary condition causing excessive shedding due to stress, hormonal changes, or illness. It occurs when more hairs enter the telogen phase prematurely but is usually reversible.

The regions on either side of the forehead where recession often occurs first in male pattern baldness.

Thick, pigmented hair found on the scalp, face (in men), armpits, and pubic areas. It replaces vellus hair during puberty.

The anchoring or restriction of movement caused by scar tissue or tight skin around transplanted grafts.

A fungal infection (scalp ringworm) affecting the scalp and hair shafts. It causes patchy hair loss, inflammation, scaling, and itching. Commonly affects children but is rare in adults.

A device placed under the skin to stretch it over time. In scalp surgeries, it can be used to prepare areas for grafting or reconstruction.

Similar to a tissue expander but designed for immediate stretching during surgery rather than gradual expansion over time.

A cosmetic product made of keratin fibers that adhere to existing hairs to create the appearance of thicker hair instantly.

Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the scalp from tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails. Early intervention can reverse it; however, long-term traction may cause permanent damage.

A rare condition characterized by triangular patches of permanent baldness on the temples present from birth or early childhood.

A surgical technique used after strip harvesting (FUT) where edges of the donor wound are overlapped slightly to minimize visible scarring.

A non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses magnification to evaluate scalp conditions and hair disorders by examining follicles and shafts closely.

The process of preparing follicular unit grafts by trimming away excess tissue while preserving follicle integrity before transplantation.

A diagnostic test where small sections of hair are gently pulled to assess shedding severity or identify conditions like telogen effluvium.

The act of injecting fluid into tissues (e.g., scalp) during surgery to create firmness and reduce bleeding for easier graft placement.

Fine, soft, non-pigmented hairs that cover most body parts. They are less visible than terminal hairs and do not grow as long.

The top back part of the scalp where circular patterns of hair growth occur. This area is often affected by androgenic alopecia.

The area where the mid-scalp transitions into the vertex region. Proper design here is crucial for natural-looking results in transplants.

A circular pattern formed by hairs growing from a central point on the scalp, typically located at the vertex region.

A signaling pathway involved in regulating cell growth and development. It plays a critical role in stimulating stem cells for hair follicle regeneration.

An essential mineral that supports healthy hair growth by aiding cell reproduction, tissue repair, and maintaining oil glands around follicles.