Hair fiber and hair loss glossary

An autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out in round or oval patches, most often on the scalp or beard. It can come and go. Diagnosis and treatment belong with a dermatologist. Fibers can hide small patches if some hair remains.

The most common kind of gradual hair thinning, often called male or female pattern hair loss. It is linked to genetics and hormones. In men it usually affects the hairline and crown; in women it usually widens the parting.

Able to be broken down naturally by micro-organisms over time. Rayon, being plant cellulose, is biodegradable; petroleum-based plastics are not.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, India's national regulator for drugs and cosmetics. Imported cosmetics must be registered with it. Super Million Hair is imported under CDSCO registration RC/COS-004964.

The natural material that makes up the cell walls of plants. Cotton is almost pure cellulose, and rayon is cellulose from wood pulp that has been dissolved and re-formed into fibers.

Hair fibers made from cotton (Gossypium), another plant cellulose. Like rayon, cotton is plant-based; the two differ in how the fiber is produced and cut.

The top-back area of the scalp where hair grows in a swirl. It is a common place for thinning to show as a widening circle.

Thinning spread evenly over the top of the scalp rather than in one patch or line. It often makes the scalp more visible under bright light.

The back and sides of the scalp, where hair is usually most resistant to pattern loss. In a hair transplant, follicles are taken from here.

A hair-transplant method in which individual follicles are taken one by one from the donor area and implanted where hair is thin. It is a surgical procedure; discuss it with a qualified surgeon.

A hair-transplant method in which a thin strip of scalp is removed from the donor area and divided into follicles for implanting. It leaves a linear scar, usually hidden by hair.

Fine, cut fibers, coloured to match hair, that cling to existing hair by static charge so thinning areas look fuller. They are a cosmetic concealer, not a treatment, and wash out with shampoo.

The number of hairs growing in a given area of scalp. Lower density lets more scalp show through; fibers make each strand look thicker, which makes density look higher.

A non-surgical hairpiece of real or synthetic hair on a thin base, fixed to the scalp with tape or adhesive. It covers bald areas that fibers cannot.

A coloured powder that tints the scalp and hair so thinning is less visible. Unlike fibers, it adds colour rather than volume.

A partial hairpiece that clips into existing hair to add volume on top, often used for a widening parting.

The front edge of the hair where it meets the forehead. A receding hairline moves back, often starting at the temples.

Super Million Hair's setting spray for its fibers. A light layer, sprayed from about 15 cm, locks the fibers onto the hair against wind, sweat and rain. Also called a fiber hold spray.

A natural compound found in the wood of Japanese cypress (hinoki) and related trees. It is one of the key ingredients listed for Super Million Hair Hard Hair Mist in India.

The International Contact Dermatitis Research Group, whose criteria are widely used to carry out and read skin patch tests for allergic reactions.

International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients: the standard names used for ingredient lists on cosmetic packs worldwide.

The international good-manufacturing-practice (GMP) standard for cosmetics, covering production, control, storage and shipping. RUAN's Gunma Factory in Japan is certified to it.

The international standard for quality-management systems. RUAN Co., Ltd., the maker of Super Million Hair, has held ISO 9001 certification since 2002.

The tough protein that hair, nails and the outer skin are made of. Some hair fibers are made from keratin; Super Million Hair is not, it uses plant-based rayon.

A three-grade scale used to describe female pattern thinning, from mild widening of the parting (grade I) to extensive thinning on top (grade III).

The gradual shrinking of hair follicles in pattern hair loss, so each new hair grows finer and shorter until it barely shows.

A medicine used for hair loss. Ask your doctor whether it suits you. Fibers can be used alongside it once the hair is fully dry.

The Hamilton–Norwood scale, which describes male pattern hair loss in seven stages, from a slight recession at the temples (stage 1) to only a band of hair around the sides and back (stage 7).

The line where hair is divided and falls to either side. A parting that looks wider over time is a common first sign of thinning, especially in women.

A skin test in which a small amount of a substance is kept against the skin, usually on the back or arm, and checked for a reaction after set times. It shows whether most people react; it cannot rule out every reaction.

A procedure in which a patient's own blood is processed to concentrate platelets and then injected into the scalp. It is a medical procedure; ask a dermatologist.

A regenerated cellulose fiber made from plant (wood) pulp. It is the material used in Super Million Hair fibers.

A hairline that moves backwards over time, often first at the temples, giving an M shape.

The colour of your hair closest to the scalp, before any dye, sun or grey changes further along. Choose a fiber shade to match your root colour.

The colour of the fibers. Super Million Hair comes in four: Black, Dark Brown, Medium Brown and Light Brown.

A cosmetic tattoo of tiny dots on the scalp that imitates short hair stubble or adds density. It is semi-permanent and done by a trained practitioner.

A build-up of electric charge on a surface. Hair fibers carry a static charge that draws them to hair strands, so they cling without glue.

The cleaning agent in shampoo that lifts away oil and dirt. It also cancels the static charge holding fibers, which is why one wash removes them.

Temporary, widespread shedding that often starts two to three months after a trigger such as illness, high fever, surgery, childbirth or severe stress. It often settles on its own, but see a doctor to find the cause.

The areas either side of the forehead, above the outer end of the eyebrows. Recession at the temples is often the first sign of male pattern hair loss.