What term describes any unwanted hair on the body that is not abnormal and may be removed?

• A. Superfluous hair
• B. Vellus hair
• C. Hirsutism
• D. Hypertrichosis

Answer: (A)

Superfluous hair describes hair that is present but considered extra or undesirable for cosmetic reasons and is not tied to a medical condition. In beauty therapy, this hair is what clients commonly want removed through waxing, shaving, threading, or depilatories. Vellus hair is the soft, fine hair that covers much of the body and is a normal hair type, not something labeled as unwanted. Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth in areas typical of male-pattern distribution and often indicates a hormonal issue. Hypertrichosis is abnormal or excessive hair growth that can occur anywhere on the body, not limited to typical patterns. So, the best term for unwanted body hair that is not abnormal and may be removed is superfluous hair.