Hypertrichosis is a term used for what condition?

Hypertrichosis refers to an abnormal increase in hair growth, which can occur over the entire body or in localized areas. This condition can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, or can develop later in life due to certain factors such as hormonal changes, medications, or underlying medical conditions. Unlike conditions such as alopecia (hair loss) or normal hair growth (which would involve hair growing at a typical rate), hypertrichosis specifically denotes an excessive amount of hair. This distinction is crucial in cosmetology as it informs treatments and styling choices for clients experiencing this issue. Thus, excessive hair growth is the accurate definition of hypertrichosis, highlighting how important terminology is in the field of cosmetology.