Anisotrochosis

Diversity in hair shaft diameter

In 2007, the term"Anisotrochosis" was introduced to describe a simple phenomenon - namely the great diversity and variation in the thickness and thinness of hair follicles that is seen in individuals with genetic hair loss.

In male balding and female androgenetic aloepcia, hairs get thinner and thinner over time. When more than 20 % of hairs are displaying this variation in size in an individual with hair loss, there is a good chance that genetic hair loss is present.

Reference
Sewell L et al Anisotrichosis: A novel term to describe pattern alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; 56: 856.