Vellus hair refers to a type of fine, thin and often barely visible hair that covers almost the entire human body, with the exception of the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and some other specific areas. In contrast to the thicker, pigmented terminal hairs found on the scalp, face, armpits and genital region after puberty grow, vellus hairs remain fine and short.
Properties and functions of vellus hair
- Fineness and colorlessness : Vellus hairs are so fine and soft that they are often referred to as “down.” They are usually colorless or very light, making them difficult to see on the skin.
- Thermoregulation : One of their main functions is to help thermoregulate the body. They support sweat evaporation and help regulate body temperature.
- Protection : They provide some protection to the skin by creating a barrier against external influences such as friction.
Changes in the course of life
- Puberty : During puberty, some vellus hairs are converted into thicker, pigmented terminal hairs by hormonal changes, particularly in areas such as the face (beards in men), armpits, and genital region.
- Aging : As we age, some terminal hairs may revert to vellus hairs, especially on the head, which can result in hair thinning or hair loss.
- Health Conditions : Certain health conditions and hormonal imbalances, such as alopecia areata or hormonal changes in postmenopausal women, can also cause changes in vellus hair.
Differences from other hair types
Compared to terminal and lanugo hairs (the fine hairs that cover the fetus in the womb and usually fall out shortly before or after birth), vellus hairs are thinner, shorter, and less pigmented. While terminal hairs play an important role in physical appearance and protection of certain areas of the body, vellus hairs primarily serve finer, regulatory functions.
Care and treatment
As a rule, vellus hair does not require any special care or treatment. For cosmetic concerns, such as a desire to remove visible vellus hair in certain areas, methods such as shaving, Grow or laser treatments can be used. However, it is important to exercise caution when removing body hair to avoid skin irritation or damage.
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