What is the technical term for gray hair?

The technical term for gray hair is canities. This term refers specifically to the natural graying of hair, which occurs when the pigment cells in the hair follicles stop producing melanin, the substance responsible for hair color. As these cells diminish in function with age or due to certain conditions, hair loses its pigment and appears gray or white.

Leucotrichia is also related to hair color, specifically denoting white or gray hair due to loss of pigment; however, canities is the more commonly used term for the general phenomenon of gray hair. Alopecia refers to hair loss, not specifically to gray hair. Lanugo is the fine, soft hair that is typically found on fetuses and newborns, not related to adult hair color changes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for cosmetologists when discussing hair types and conditions with clients.