nonhairy

Nonhairy is an adjective used to describe the absence of hair on a surface or organism. It is formed from the prefix non- meaning not, combined with hairy. The term is descriptive and not a formal medical diagnosis; it appears in biology, botany, medicine, and everyday language to indicate hairlessness or near hairlessness.

In humans and other mammals, nonhairy can denote hairlessness that is congenital or externally induced. Congenital absence of hair is often referred to as atrichia, while temporary or progressive hair loss is usually described with terms such as alopecia. In medical contexts, more precise terminology is preferred, but nonhairy remains a common everyday descriptor.

In botany and plant sciences, nonhairy is used to describe surfaces that lack trichomes or other epidermal hairs. The standard scientific term for such surfaces is glabrous. Descriptions may note whether leaves, fruits, stems, or seeds are nonhairy, and this trait can be relevant for taxonomy and ecology.

In domesticated animals, several breeds have been developed with reduced or absent fur, producing a nonhairy appearance. Notable examples include the Sphynx cat and the Mexican hairless dog. Hairlessness affects management needs, including skin protection and temperature regulation.