What is a characteristic of vellus hair compared to terminal hair?

Vellus hair is characterized by being less pigmented than terminal hair. Terminal hair is the thicker, longer, and darker hair that typically grows in areas such as the scalp, axillae, and pubic region. In contrast, vellus hair is soft, fine, and usually invisible or barely noticeable on the skin's surface, often found on most of the body except for the palms and soles. The lack of pigmentation in vellus hair contributes to its lighter appearance, making it less visible compared to the more pigmented terminal hair. This distinction in pigmentation is crucial in understanding hair types, particularly in the context of laser hair removal, where the contrast between hair color and skin tone can influence treatment effectiveness.