Vellus hair is short, fine, "peach fuzz" body hair. Vellus hair is a very soft and short hair that grows in most places on the human body in both sexes. It is usually less than 2cm long, and the growth of vellus hair is not affected by hormones. In Caucasians it is often colourless, or blonde. It is best seen in women and children, as they have less terminal hair to obscure it. Vellus hair is also found in pre-adolescents (Tanner stage 1) as well as in male pattern baldness. Vellus hair follicles do not have sebaceous glands. It may appear on the bodies of anorexics, as the lack of calories can cause the body to attempt to retain body warmth with vellus hair.

Dermatology | Integumentary system | Hair

Vello corporal