Cranial hair is simply the hair that grows on the cranium, which is the part of the skull enclosing the brain, essentially meaning the hair on your head.
The term "cranial" relates to the skull or head. So, "cranial hair" refers specifically to the hair covering the scalp. This is distinct from hair found on other parts of the body.
Cranial Prosthesis: A Related Term
While "cranial hair" refers to natural hair on the head, the term "cranial" is often used in a medical context regarding hair loss. A significant related term is cranial prosthesis.
According to medical definitions:
- A hair prosthesis (or cranial prosthesis) is a custom-made wig specifically designed for patients who have lost their hair as a result of medical conditions or treatments, such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, trichotillomania, chemotherapy, or any other clinical disease or treatment resulting in hair loss.
This highlights that "cranial" in this context relates to the head where hair loss has occurred due to medical reasons. A cranial prosthesis is a solution to replace lost cranial hair.
Why is This Distinction Important?
Understanding "cranial hair" in contrast to "cranial prosthesis" helps clarify discussions about hair loss and replacement:
- Cranial Hair: Natural hair on the scalp.
- Cranial Prosthesis: A medical device (wig) designed to replace lost cranial hair.
Medical Conditions Causing Cranial Hair Loss
Various conditions and treatments can lead to the loss of cranial hair, necessitating a cranial prosthesis. These include:
- Alopecia Areata (patchy hair loss)
- Alopecia Totalis (complete scalp hair loss)
- Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)
- Chemotherapy treatments
- Other clinical diseases or treatments resulting in significant hair loss from the head.
In summary, while "cranial hair" is simply hair on the head, the term "cranial" in a medical context is closely associated with hair loss from the head and its replacement using a cranial prosthesis.
