Hair and Scalp Conditions
Like people, hair comes in various shapes and sizes. And, the condition of our hair varies based on our heritage, genetic make-up and even where and how we live. The glossary will help you to know–what they are, what causes them.

Types of Hair
Dry Hair
Hair that drops below its normal moisture content of 10 percent is considered dry hair. Dry hair may be caused by over processing the hair with chemicals derived from coloring, perms, etc. and heat exposure from blow drying and curling irons.

Oily Hair
Oily hair is a result of excess oil production on the scalp and may be affected by hormone levels. Do not brush the hair too much which contributes the condition by spreading oil from the scalp to the ends of the hair.

Dull Hair
Dull hair is caused by cuticle damage. When damaged, the cuticle layer is raised and tends to break and “Grab” or “Catch on” to other hair shafts, thus leaving the hair “Dull” and lifeless.

Fine Hair
Fine hair refers to the diameter of the single hair strand, rather than the amount of hair on the head, you can have an abundance of “Fine hair”, meaning you have “Fine” or “Thin” hair strands, but many strands per square inch, which may appear thicker and fuller. The opposite is “Fine” hair that is sparse, meaning fewer strands per square inch resulting in hair that appears to be thinning.

Curly Hair
Curly hair is due to a low amount of moisture and protein in the hair.

Medical Conditions
Alopecia
A medical term for baldness–excessive or abnormal loss of hairs.

Alopecia Areata
Round patches of hair are lost rapidly, it can be hereditary. Generally, the hair falls out, then the area of hair loss increases, and finally, new hair grows. This is rarely permanent but, it can take months or years for hair to reappear.

Androgenetic Alopecia
A baldness pattern that slowly occurs over time. The cause is believed to be genetic and not related to stress or foods. For men, the hair loss begins at the temples and spreads to the top of the head. Women experience a general thinning of hair.

Alopecia Totalis
Resembling alopecia areata, but hair loss affects eyebrows and eyelashes as well as scalp.

Alopecia Universalis
Hair loss affects entire body surface, including underarms and pubic hair.

Traction Alopecia
Hair loss which results from tension on the scalp caused by tight braids, winding hair too tightly on curlers, and other hairstyles.

Anagen Effluvium
Hair loss typically caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. These procedures disrupt the anagen cycle. Hair usually breaks off rather than sheds.

Baldness
Baldness stems from a skin condition characterized by and increase in a hormone known as D– H –T. D – H – T sends a chemical message to hair follicles instructing them to contract and stop producing hair.