Terminal hairs

Terminal hairs are the long, thick, pigmented hairs that grow on the scalp, face, armpits, and pubic area. They are different from vellus hairs, which are short, fine, and unpigmented hairs that cover most of the rest of the body.

Characteristics of Terminal Hairs:

1. Length and Diameter: Terminal hairs are significantly longer and thicker than vellus hairs, with a diameter of around 60-100 micrometers. The length of terminal hairs varies depending on their location on the body, with scalp hair typically being the longest.
2. Color: Terminal hairs are pigmented due to the presence of melanin, which gives hair its color. The specific shade of hair varies between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as genetics, age, and hormones.
3. Texture: Terminal hairs can have a range of textures, including straight, wavy, curly, or coily, which are determined by the shape of the hair follicle and the distribution of keratin within the hair shaft.
4. Distribution: Terminal hairs are primarily found on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic area. They can also be present on the face, chest, legs, and underarms, particularly in males and during puberty when hormonal changes can cause vellus hairs to transform into terminal hairs.

Terminal hairs have a longer growth cycle compared to vellus hairs. The cycle consists of three main stages:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): During this phase, the hair follicle actively produces new hair cells. The anagen phase can last anywhere from 2-7 years for scalp hair, with shorter durations for body hair.
2. Catagen (Regression Phase): This transitional phase lasts for about 2-3 weeks, during which the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla, cutting off the supply of nutrients to the hair shaft.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): The final phase lasts for approximately 3-4 months, during which the hair follicle remains inactive, and the hair strand eventually falls out. A new hair will eventually grow from the same follicle, beginning a new anagen phase.

Terminal hairs are thought to be influenced by a number of factors, including:

• Genetics: Genetics plays a role in determining how much terminal hair a person has. Some people are naturally more hirsute than others.
• Hormones: Hormones, such as testosterone, can also play a role in the growth of terminal hair.
• Age: Terminal hair growth increases during puberty, as hormone levels rise.
• Pregnancy and menopause: Pregnancy and menopause can also cause changes in terminal hair growth.

Terminal hair can be a challenge to remove. There are a number of methods available, including:

• Shaving: Shaving is the most common method of removing terminal hair. It is quick and easy, but it does not last long.
• Waxing: Waxing is another popular method of removing terminal hair. It is more effective than shaving, but it can be painful.
• Sugaring: Sugaring is a similar to waxing, but it uses a sugar paste instead of hot wax. It is less painful than waxing, but it can be more difficult to learn how to do.
• Epilation: Epilation is a method of removing terminal hair by using a device to pluck the hair out at the root. It is more effective than shaving or waxing, but it can be painful.
• Laser hair removal: Laser hair removal is a permanent method of removing terminal hair. It works by using a laser to heat up the hair follicles, which destroys them. Laser hair removal is effective, but it can be expensive and it may require multiple treatments.