What does excessive growth of hair on parts of the body normally bearing only downy hair indicate?

Excessive hair growth on areas of the body that typically only have fine, downy hair is referred to as hirsutism. This condition is characterized by an increase in thick, dark hair in areas where men usually grow hair, which can be a result of various hormonal imbalances or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), among others. Hirsutism usually indicates an underlying health issue that can affect a person's self-esteem and overall well-being, making it an important aspect of cosmetology and beauty practices.

The other options pertain to different hair and skin conditions. Trichoptilosis refers to split ends in hair, a different issue from hirsutism. Split ends are a sign of hair damage, rather than excess hair growth. Normal growth simply refers to the typical presence of hair on the body that is not excessive or abnormal, which does not apply in this context. Understanding these different terms and their implications can help in providing a more comprehensive approach to hair and skin care in the field of cosmetology.