Every term you might hear,
explained in a sentence or two.

Alopecia

Alopecia is the general medical word for hair loss, whatever the cause, and it covers many different conditions.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that usually causes smooth, round patches of hair loss and can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows or lashes.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the common inherited pattern of hair thinning seen in both men and women, often called male or female pattern hair loss.

Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in conditions of the skin, hair and nails, including the scalp.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, and a blood test for it is often used to check iron levels when someone has hair shedding.

Hair growth cycle

The hair growth cycle is the repeating pattern of growing, resting and shedding that every hair follicle goes through.

Head spa

A head spa is a relaxing scalp-care treatment, rooted in Japanese salon practice, that combines scalp cleansing, massage and conditioning.

LED light therapy

LED light therapy uses low-level light, often red, on the scalp, and is offered in some salons and clinics, though evidence for it is still developing.

Scalp microbiome

The scalp microbiome is the community of bacteria, yeasts and other microbes that naturally live on the skin of the scalp.

Scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a long-term immune-related skin condition that causes raised, scaly patches on the scalp, often with itching or soreness.

Scarring alopecia

Scarring alopecia is a group of uncommon conditions in which inflammation destroys hair follicles, so early assessment by a dermatologist really matters.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaking, redness and itching on the scalp and other oily areas of the face and body.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary increase in hair shedding that usually starts two to three months after a trigger such as illness, stress or childbirth.

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair, often from tight braids, ponytails, extensions or weaves.

Trichologist

A trichologist is a specialist in hair and scalp health who assesses hair and scalp concerns and advises on care, but is not usually a medical doctor.

Trichoscopy

Trichoscopy is a painless close-up examination of the scalp and hair using a magnifying device called a dermatoscope.