Terminaaliihiuksilla

Terminaaliihiuksilla is a Finnish term that translates to "terminal hair" in English. Terminal hair refers to the longer, thicker, and darker hair that grows on the human body after puberty. This type of hair is distinct from vellus hair, which is fine, short, and lighter, often referred to as "peach fuzz."

The growth of terminal hair is influenced by androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone. During puberty, increased androgen levels stimulate the follicles in specific areas of the body to produce terminal hair. These areas typically include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, pubic region, chest, and face in males. The distribution and density of terminal hair can vary significantly between individuals and are influenced by genetics and sex.

In males, androgen stimulation leads to the characteristic development of facial hair, chest hair, and thicker body hair. In females, while androgens are also present, their levels are generally lower, resulting in less prominent facial and body hair compared to males. However, hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, can sometimes lead to an increase in terminal hair growth in women. The presence and pattern of terminal hair are considered secondary sexual characteristics.