AGA in men

Vellus Hairs in AGA

This week, we'll start a five day look at androgenetic alopecia in men (also called male pattern balding). The identification of so called "vellus" hairs is important in understanding male balding. Vellus hairs are tiny hairs less than 30 micrometers in diameter. They are present on the normal nonbalding scalp but only in low proportions. In male balding, the proportion of vellus hairs rises considerably as large "terminal" hairs are converted to tiny "vellus" hairs. In advanced balding, the vellus hairs disappear leaving a completely bald scalp in the affected areas.