Alopecia: Hair loss in areas where hair normally grows (e.g. scalp, arms, etc)
Anagen: The growing phase of hair, where hair follicles connect directly to the papilla and are nourished through the blood supply. Hairs must be in the anagen phase for electrolysis and laser hair removal to work.
Androgens: Male sex hormones found in both men and women (where it is produced in the ovaries). Androgenic hair appears on the arms, legs and pubic area for both men and women. For men, it also grows on the chest, face and back.
Examples of androgenic hair growth on men and women.
Axillary hair: Coarse hair found around the nipples and underarm area.
Catagen: The transition phase of hair growth, where follicles detach from the papilla (and blood supply) and shrink upward towards the sin’s surface.
Contact dermatitis: common skin irritation or inflammation due to contact with certain hair removal creams.
Corticosteriods: a treatment to reduce excessive hair growth (known as “hirsutism”) by preventing the adrenal gland from producing androgens.
CPE (Certified Professional Electrologist): A voluntary certification course offered by the American Electrologist Association. Electrologists must pass an exam and take continuing education courses to keep their status in good standing.
Cushing’s disease (also known as “Cushing’s syndrome” or “Cushingoid”): A disease where the pituitary glands produce excess adrenocorticotropic hormone; hirsutism is a common manifestation of Cushing’s disease.
Depilatories: Technical term for hair removal creams.
Dermis: The second layer of skin (just below the epidermis). The dermis is where shallow hair follicles and blood supply exist.
Diuretic: Drug that induces the need to urinate. Commonly used in treatments for hirsutism (e.g. spironolactone).
Electrologist: Certified professional who provides electrolysis.
Electrolysis: A method of hair removal where a small needle – sometimes called a “probe” – sends electrical current down the hair follicle and destroys its root. If done effectively, the blood supply dries up and prevents future hair regrowth. Electrolysis is the only form of permanent hair removal recognized by the Food and Drug Administration and American Medical Association.
Endocrinologist: A doctor specializing in hormonal disorders in the endocrine system. Endocrinologists often treat patients with hirsutism.
Epidermis: The outer layer of skin, which grows thickest in hairless regions like the hands, feet and lips.
Skin and Hair Terminology
Folliculitis: A condition where hair follicles become inflamed. A common side effect of shaving (also known as “razor burn”) and waxing.
Follicle: Gland which produces hair.
Galvanic electrolysis: The “true” method of electrolysis first discovered by Dr. Charles Michel in 1875. One of three methods of electrolysis (Thermolysis and Blend are the other two), galvanic electrolysis uses alternate current on hair follicles, which produces lye in the body. This newly produced lye destroys the hair follicle and dries up blood supply, preventing regrowth.
Hair root: Part of the hair located under the epidermis and inside the hair follicle (see above picture).
Hair shaft: Visible part of hair which emerges from the epidermis.
Hirsutism: Excess hair growth in women caused by increased production of androgens (a male hormone produced in the ovaries). See Figure 1 for examples of androgenic hair growth.
Hyperthyroidism (or “Hyperthyroid”): Condition where thyroid gland is over-productive. This can lead to excess androgens, which cause hirsutism.
Informed consent: A common legal form patients may sign before starting electrolysis or laser hair removal. Informed consent means the patient understands the process, the practitioner has disclosed all necessary information, and both parties agree to proceed.
Ingrown hair: A hair which has curled around and grown back into the skin. A common side effect of shaving, waxing and tweezing.
Keratin: Protein which holds the hair shaft together. Depilatories (hair removal creams) break down keratin so hair can be wiped away after just a few minutes. Keratin is found only above the skin; destroying keratin will not prevent regrowth.
Laser hair removal: Laser is an acronym for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. It is a common form of long-term hair reduction (3 – 6 months). Contrary to popular belief, laser hair removal is FDA approved as a form of hair reduction, not removal. Lasers emit radiation, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft. As it absorbs the light, heat is created which destroys the hair follicle.
Melanin: A dark pigment found in the skin, hair and eyes (iris). Melanin absorbs lasers, which is why laser treatment should not be used on the face near the eyes without proper eye protection.
Mena: Small patch of dark hair found on the upper abdomen.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A condition where cysts appear in the ovaries and interfere with proper hormone production. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) is a common indication of PCOS.
Sebaceous glands: Glands which produce an oily, waxy material which lubricate and protect skin and hair (see Figure 2).
Subcutaneous tissue: Layer of skin below the dermis. Deep rooted hair follicles grow here.
Sugaring: A process of hair removal similar to waxing. Sugar paste is spread across the skin and removed in a single stroke. Certain sugaring pastes are 100% natural and do not require heat (like waxing).
Telogen: The third and final phase of hair growth. Telogen hair is considered “dead” as it no longer connects to the papilla and blood supply in the dermis. Telogen hair remains on the skin, until it is pushed out.
Terminal hair: Visible, dark hair which begins growth at birth. Examples are hair along the scalp and above the eyes.
Thermolysis: The second form of electrolysis. Thermolysis uses direct current to heat hair follicles. It is faster than galvanic electrolysis, though less effective.
Threading: Hair removal technique used for thousands of years, where a a thin thread is used to group unwanted hair together, then removed. Unlike tweezing – which pulls hair out one at a time – threading removes multiple hairs at once. (See Figure 3)
Threading
Topical anesthetic: Drug applied to prevent pain during hair removal. Electrolysis and laser treatment patients routinely use topical anesthetic prior to treatment.
Vellus hair: Body hair; usually finer and lighter than terminal hair.
Waxing: Method of hair removal where wax is applied to skin and quickly removed. There are two types of wax: “hard wax”; which is used for smaller areas (or areas where hair grows in multiple directions) and “strip wax” which is used on larger areas for efficiency. Strip wax can be more painful than hard wax.
