Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Terminal hair refers to the thick, pigmented hair that is typically found on the scalp, face (in men as a beard), armpits and genital area. This type of hair differs from vellus hair, which is finer, shorter and often barely visible. Terminal hair is the result of a natural development process in which vellus hair is transformed into terminal hair during puberty through the action of androgens (male sex hormones found in both men and women).
This transformation leads to the characteristic secondary sexual characteristics, such as denser beard growth in men or more hair in the armpit and genital regions in both sexes. Terminal hairs are not only thicker and longer than vellus hairs, but are also anchored deeper in the skin, which makes them more robust. Terminal hairs owe their pigmentation to the melanin produced in the hair follicles, which is also responsible for the color of the skin and eyes. The exact color, density and distribution of terminal hair is determined by genetic factors and can vary greatly between different individuals and ethnicities.
