Different Types of Hair

Different Types of Hair

Before removing hair, it helps to know about the different types we have on our bodies. All hair is made of keratin, a hard protein also found in fingernails and toenails. Hair growth begins beneath the skin surface at a hair root inside a hair follicle (a small tube in the skin).

You have two types of hair on your body. Vellus hair is soft, fine, and short. Most women have vellus hair on the chest, back, and face. It can be darker and more noticeable in some women than others, especially those with darker complexions. Vellus hair helps the body maintain a steady temperature by providing some insulation.

Terminal hair is coarser, darker, and longer than vellus hair and is the type of hair that grows on your head. Most people get terminal hair in their armpits and pubic region. On guys, terminal hair grows on the face and other parts of the body such as the chest, legs, and back, as well. Terminal hair provides cushioning and protection.

In some cases, excess hair growth, called hirsutism, may be the result of certain medical conditions. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormonal disorders can cause dark, coarse hair to grow on the face, especially the upper lip, and on the arms, chest, and legs. Some medications, like anabolic steroids, can also cause hirsutism.