Terminal hair is developed hair, which is generally longer, coarser, thicker, and darker than vellus hair. Phases of growth in terminal hair are more apparent than in vellus hair; terminal hair generally has a longer anagen phase. A terminal hair has associated sebaceous glands, whereas a vellus hair may not. Under certain conditions, such as puberty, some vellus hairs may become androgenic terminal hairs. Under other conditions, such as male pattern baldness, terminal hairs may revert to a vellus-like state.

In humans, terminal hair is generally more abundant on males than females. However, variations exist within populations with some women appearing more hairy than some males.

Integumentary system | Hair