New York State Barber Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber Licensing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "terminal hair" refers to thick, dark hair that typically grows on specific areas of the body such as the scalp, face, underarms, and pubic region. This type of hair is often coarser and more pigmented than other types of hair, such as vellus hair, which is soft and fine. Terminal hair is generally associated with the adult stage of development and tends to increase in density during puberty due to hormonal changes.

In contrast, fine, light hair on the arms and legs is referred to as vellus hair, which is softer and less noticeable than terminal hair. Soft, downy hair found primarily on infants is also considered vellus hair and is not classified as terminal. Additionally, while certain ethnicities may have distinct hair textures, curly, wiry hair does not specifically define terminal hair, as terminal hair can come in various textures and colors. Thus, the defining characteristic of terminal hair is its thickness and darkness, especially in contexts such as beards or scalp hair.