Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Vellus hair, also known as downy hair, is a type of fine, thin hair that almost completely covers the body. This hair is less noticeable compared to the thicker, pigmented hair we call terminal hair (such as head hair, armpit hair, pubic hair and the hair on the arms and legs).
Over the course of a person’s life, the type of hair on their skin can change. For example, vellus hair can be transformed into terminal hair in certain areas of the body during puberty, which is influenced by hormonal changes. Terminal hairs can also revert to vellus hairs with age or due to certain conditions.
Vellus hairs are also involved when it comes to the phenomenon of “goose bumps”. When we are cold or experiencing a strong emotion, the muscles at the base of each hair (arrector pili muscles) can contract and raise the hair, resulting in the characteristic appearance of goose bumps.
