Vellus hair is also known as __________.

Vellus hair is commonly referred to as lanugo. This type of hair is fine, soft, and usually unpigmented, often found on the bodies of infants and in certain areas of adults, such as the face and arms. Vellus hair plays an important role in thermoregulation and the overall appearance of the skin.

Lanugo specifically denotes the fine, downy hair that covers the fetus in the womb, which is similar to how vellus hair behaves. Since both terms describe the same kind of fine, light hair that is not typically associated with significant pigmentation or density, recognizing this connection is crucial in understanding hair types in cosmetology.

The other terms relate to different types of hair. Terminal hair refers to the thicker, darker hair that develops on the scalp, face, and body after puberty, while intermediate hair is somewhat between vellus and terminal. Cortex hair is not a classification of hair but rather the middle layer of the hair shaft that provides strength and color to the hair. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique characteristics and roles of different hair types in cosmetology.