Glossary
#
620 nm wavelength
Light & Technology
The 620 nm wavelength refers to a specific wavelength of light linked to DHT inhibition. Continue reading
660 nm wavelength
Light & Technology
The 660 nm wavelength refers to a specific red light frequency commonly used in therapeutic devices to stimulate biological processes. Continue reading
A
Alopecia Areata
Clinical Applications
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Continue reading
Anagen phase
Biological Concepts
The anagen phase is the active growth stage of the hair cycle during which hair follicles produce new hair. Continue reading
Androgen Receptors
Mechanisms of Action
Androgen receptors are proteins inside cells that bind to male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), influencing hair follicle behavior and sensitivity. Continue reading
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)
Clinical Applications
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hereditary form of hair loss characterized by gradual thinning of scalp hair. Continue reading
Apoptosis
Mechanisms of Action
Apoptosis is the programmed death of cells, a natural biological process essential for tissue maintenance and health. Continue reading
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
Mechanisms of Action
ATP is the primary energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living organisms. Continue reading
Autoimmune Response
Clinical Applications
An autoimmune response is a malfunction of the immune system in which the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, including hair follicles. Continue reading
B
Balding Pattern
Clinical Applications
A balding pattern refers to the typical progression of hair loss, often influenced by genetics and commonly classified using scales like the Norwood-Hamilton or Ludwig scales. Continue reading
Biotin
Nutritional Factors
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B-vitamin essential for the production of keratin and the maintenance of healthy hair, skin, and nails. Continue reading
C
Caffeine Topicals
Clinical Applications
Caffeine topicals are hair care products infused with caffeine, believed to stimulate hair follicles and counteract the effects of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Continue reading
Catagen phase
Biological Concepts
The catagen phase is a short transitional period in the hair growth cycle when active growth stops and the hair follicle prepares to shed. Continue reading
Chromophore
Light & Technology
A chromophore is a molecule or molecular structure that absorbs specific wavelengths of light. Continue reading
Cicatricial Alopecia
Clinical Applications
Cicatricial alopecia refers to a group of rare hair loss disorders that cause permanent destruction of hair follicles through inflammation and subsequent scarring. Continue reading
Cold Laser Therapy
Light & Technology
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate hair follicles and improve growth. Continue reading
Collagen
Mechanisms of Action
Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength, elasticity, and integrity to the skin and scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair follicles. Continue reading
Collagen production
Clinical Applications
Collagen production refers to the synthesis of collagen, a vital structural protein found in connective tissues throughout the body. Continue reading
Copper Peptides
Clinical Applications
Copper peptides are naturally occurring complexes of copper and amino acids that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and support hair follicle function. Continue reading
Corticosteroids
Clinical Applications
Corticosteroids are a class of anti-inflammatory medications used to suppress immune activity in conditions such as alopecia areata and other autoimmune-related hair loss. Continue reading
Crown Thinning
Clinical Applications
Crown thinning refers to hair loss that occurs at the top rear portion of the scalp, often an early indicator of male pattern baldness. Continue reading
Cytochrome c oxidase (CCO)
Mechanisms of Action
Cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) is a vital enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain that drives ATP production. Continue reading
Cytokines
Mechanisms of Action
Cytokines are small proteins involved in cell signaling that regulate immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair throughout the body. Continue reading
D
Dermal Papilla Cells
Mechanisms of Action
Dermal papilla cells are specialized cells located at the base of each hair follicle that regulate hair growth by interacting with surrounding stem cells and signaling molecules. Continue reading
Dermatitis
Clinical Applications
Dermatitis is a general term for inflammation of the skin, which can include the scalp and often results in itching, redness, and irritation. Continue reading
Diffuse Thinning
Clinical Applications
Diffuse thinning refers to uniform hair loss across the entire scalp rather than in defined patches or regions. Continue reading
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Biological Concepts
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturization and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Continue reading
E
Emu Oil
Clinical Applications
Emu oil is a natural oil derived from the fat of the emu bird, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. Continue reading
Estrogen
Clinical Applications
Estrogen is a hormone that plays a critical role in regulating hair growth in women, particularly by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Continue reading
Exogen phase
Biological Concepts
The exogen phase is the part of the hair growth cycle when hair fibers are shed from the follicle as a natural renewal process. Continue reading
F
Ferritin
Nutritional Factors
Red light therapy may complement ferritin restoration by improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles, creating a more supportive environment for regrowth. Continue reading
Finasteride
Clinical Applications
Finasteride is an oral prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Continue reading
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Clinical Applications
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant method where individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area and implanted into thinning or bald areas of the scalp. Continue reading
Folliculitis
Clinical Applications
Folliculitis is the inflammation or infection of hair follicles, typically caused by bacteria, fungi, or physical irritation. Continue reading
H
Hair cycle
Biological Concepts
The hair cycle refers to the continuous process of hair growth, regression, rest, and shedding through the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases. Continue reading
Hair Cycle Dysregulation
Mechanisms of Action
Hair cycle dysregulation refers to an imbalance in the natural phases of hair growth (anagen, catagen, telogen). Continue reading
Hair Density
Clinical Applications
Hair density refers to the number of individual hair strands per square centimeter of scalp. Continue reading
Hair follicle miniaturization
Biological Concepts
Hair follicle miniaturization is the progressive shrinking of hair follicles, resulting in thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hairs. Continue reading
Hair Follicle Stem Cells
Mechanisms of Action
Hair follicle stem cells are undifferentiated cells located in the bulge region of the follicle. Continue reading
Hair Shaft
Hair Anatomy
The hair shaft is the visible part of the hair that extends above the surface of the skin. Continue reading
Hydration
Scalp Health
Hydration refers to maintaining adequate moisture levels in the body and scalp. Continue reading
Hypertrichosis
Hair Disorders
Hypertrichosis is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas of the body not typically associated with dense or dark hair. Continue reading
I
Inflammatory Alopecia
Clinical Applications
Inflammatory alopecia is hair loss caused by persistent or chronic inflammation that damages or destroys hair follicles. Continue reading
Insulin Resistance
Clinical Applications
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. Continue reading
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Light & Technology
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a broad-spectrum light therapy that emits multiple wavelengths. Continue reading
Intradermal Injections
Clinical Applications
Intradermal injections are a delivery method where substances are injected into the dermal layer. Continue reading
K
Keratinocytes
Mechanisms of Action
Keratinocytes are cells in the epidermis responsible for producing keratin. Continue reading
Ketoconazole
Clinical Applications
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication commonly found in medicated shampoos. Continue reading
L
Laser Diode
Light & Technology
A laser diode is a semiconductor device that emits light at a specific wavelength. Continue reading
LED Therapy
Light & Technology
LED therapy uses light-emitting diodes to deliver low-energy light to the skin or scalp. Continue reading
Lichen Planopilaris
Clinical Applications
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory condition that results in scarring alopecia. Continue reading
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
Light & Technology
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses low-intensity lasers or LEDs to stimulate cellular activity without heating tissues. Continue reading
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Hormonal Factors
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone that helps regulate reproductive hormones. Continue reading
M
Melanin
Light & Technology
Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye color. Continue reading
Microneedling
Clinical Applications
Microneedling is a technique that creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate healing. Continue reading
Minoxidil
Clinical Applications
Minoxidil is a topical medication that promotes hair regrowth by prolonging the growth phase. Continue reading
Mitochondria
Mechanisms of Action
increasing ATP production and supporting improved cellular repair and regeneration.
Because hair follicles are highly energy-dependent Continue reading
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Nutritional Factors
MSM is a sulfur-containing compound believed to support keratin production. Continue reading
N
Nanoparticles
Light & Technology
Nanoparticles are ultra-small particles used to improve delivery of active ingredients. Continue reading
Nitric oxide (NO) release
Mechanisms of Action
Nitric oxide release refers to the production of nitric oxide molecules that help regulate blood flow and cellular communication. Continue reading
Nutritional Deficiency Alopecia
Nutritional Factors
Nutritional deficiency alopecia is hair loss caused by a lack of essential nutrients. Continue reading
P
Parietal Scalp
Anatomy & Physiology
The parietal scalp refers to the side regions of the head above the ears. Continue reading
Photobiomodulation (PBMT)
Mechanisms of Action
Photobiomodulation (PBMT) is a therapeutic technique that uses specific light wavelengths to stimulate biological processes at the cellular level. Continue reading
Photoreceptors
Light & Technology
Photoreceptors are specialized molecules or proteins that detect and respond to light energy. Continue reading
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Clinical Applications
PRP is a regenerative therapy that uses concentrated platelets to stimulate hair growth. Continue reading
Postpartum Alopecia
Hormonal Factors
Postpartum alopecia is temporary hair loss caused by hormonal changes after childbirth. Continue reading
Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)
Mechanisms of Action
PGD2 is a compound believed to inhibit hair follicle growth in bald scalps. Continue reading
R
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Mechanisms of Action
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are unstable molecules containing oxygen that can cause cellular damage at high concentrations. Continue reading
Red Light Therapy
Light & Technology
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses red wavelengths to stimulate cellular repair. Continue reading
Retinoids
Topical Treatments
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives used to improve cell turnover and topical absorption. Continue reading
S
Saw Palmetto
Nutritional Factors
Saw palmetto is a plant extract that may help reduce hair loss by blocking DHT production. Continue reading
Scalp Biome
Anatomy & Physiology
The scalp biome is the community of microorganisms that live on the scalp. Continue reading
Scalp blood flow
Clinical Applications
Scalp blood flow refers to the circulation of blood through the vessels supplying nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles. Continue reading
Scalp Massage
Topical Treatments
Scalp massage is manual stimulation used to increase circulation and reduce tension. Continue reading
Scarring Alopecia
Clinical Applications
Scarring alopecia involves permanent hair loss caused by follicular scarring. Continue reading
Sebum
Anatomy & Physiology
Sebum is an oily substance that helps moisturize and protect the scalp and hair. Continue reading
T
T-Cells
Mechanisms of Action
T-cells are immune cells involved in targeting infected or abnormal tissues. Continue reading
Telangiectasia
Clinical Applications
Telangiectasia refers to small, visible blood vessels near the skin surface. Continue reading
Telogen effluvium
Clinical Applications
Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by diffuse hair shedding triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Continue reading
Telogen phase
Biological Concepts
The telogen phase is the resting stage of the hair cycle when hair follicles are dormant before shedding and renewing their growth cycle. Continue reading
Therapeutic window
Light & Technology
The therapeutic window in light therapy refers to the optimal dosage range (wavelength, intensity, and duration) that produces biological benefits without causing harm. Continue reading
Trichology
Clinical Applications
Trichology is the branch of dermatology that focuses on the scientific study of hair and scalp health. Continue reading
V
Vasodilation
Mechanisms of Action
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to tissues. Continue reading
Visible light spectrum
Light & Technology
The visible light spectrum is the range of electromagnetic wavelengths that are perceptible to the human eye, typically spanning from about 380 nm to 750 nm. Continue reading
