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What is the circle in your hair called?

Published in Hair Anatomy 2 mins read

The circle in your hair is called a hair whorl.

Understanding Hair Whorls

A hair whorl is a patch of hair that grows in a circular pattern around a central point. It's a common feature found not only on human heads but also on most hairy animals, occurring on both the body and the head.

Other Names for Hair Whorls

Hair whorls are also known by several other names:

  • Crowns
  • Swirls
  • Trichoglyphs

Direction of Growth

The hair in a whorl can grow in different directions:

  • Clockwise
  • Counterclockwise
  • Diffuse (a less defined direction)

Location

While most commonly found on the head, hair whorls can also appear on other parts of the body.

Key Characteristics of Hair Whorls

Here's a table summarizing the key features of hair whorls:

Feature Description
Shape Circular pattern
Location Typically on the head, but can be anywhere on the body
Direction Clockwise, counterclockwise, or diffuse
Other Names Crowns, swirls, trichoglyphs
Prevalence Common in humans and most hairy animals

Conclusion

In summary, that circle of hair growing in a circular pattern on your head is known as a hair whorl. It's a natural and common feature, also called a crown, swirl, or trichoglyph. These whorls can grow clockwise, counterclockwise, or even in a diffuse pattern.

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