Nearly all skin has hair.
Hair follicles, which produce hair, are skin appendages found on almost every part of the body. Exceptions include the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, lips, and urogenital orifices. While the hair might be fine or vellus hair (unpigmented, downy hair), it’s still present. Even areas that appear hairless often have tiny, barely visible hairs.
The amount and type of hair vary greatly depending on factors such as genetics, hormones, age, and body location. For instance, the hair on the scalp is significantly different from the fine hair found on the arms or legs. Furthermore, hair density and growth patterns change throughout life, with aging often leading to hair thinning or graying. Conditions like mange can also cause significant hair loss in various areas of the body.
- Key areas with noticeable hair: Scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, pubic region.
- Key areas with fine or vellus hair: Most of the body surface, including arms, legs, and torso.
- Hairless areas: Palms, soles, lips, and urogenital orifices.
This information is supported by various sources, including medical websites and research papers discussing skin anatomy, hair growth, and related conditions. The presence of hair follicles themselves is a defining characteristic of much of the skin's structure.
