ABRASION~The process of scraping or wearing hair away.
ACCELERATED VELLUS SYNDROME~The anagen phase of cyclic follicular activity is extended resulting in hairs gaining greater length.
ACCELERATOR~A product that works under the surface of the skin and provides the necessary ingredients for melanin production.
ACCENT COLOR~Usually a sharp, intense color used as a contrast or pickup for color scheme.
ACETONE~A chemical formed in the blood when the body uses fat instead of glucose (sugar) for energy.
ACID~A liquid, usually corrosive with a pH lower than 7, opposite of an alkali.
ACID MANTLE~The combination of sweat and sebum that provides the skin\'s protective coating.
ACID PERM~A perm producing permanent hair waves with curls with a pH from 6.5 to 8.0.
ACNE~An inflammation of the skin, a result of over production of oil and bacteria.
ACNE KELOIDALIS NUCHAE~A skin condition commonly affecting curly haired Afro-males which presents as itchy follicular papules which enlarge and become keloidal.
ACTINIC KERATOSIS~A small rough spot on skin chronically exposed to the sun, occurs most frequently in fair skinned people.
ACTIVATOR~A chemical ingredients that is specifically added to hair bleach to speed up the action of the bleach without unnecessarily damaging the hair.
ACTIVE INGREDIENT~The substance which, contained in a product, actually does the main part of the work that the product is used for.
ACUPRESSURE~A method of relieving pain by pressing down on an area of the body.
ACUPUNCTURE~A method of relieving pain by inserting needles into the skin.
ADRENAL~A gland that affects certain types of hair growth.
AFRO HAIRSTYLE~A rounded, thick, tightly curled hair style.
ALBINISM~A recessive hereditary trait which presents as white hair due to defective melanin production thought to be caused by a mutation within genes.
ALCOHOL~A liquid sometimes used for disinfecting skin before and after treatment. ethyl grain isopropyl.
ALEXANDRITE~Laser at 755nm used for hair removal.
A-LINE BOB~An A-line Bob is a geometric bob with a straight fringe, so called because of the resemblance to the capital A.
ALKALI~A liquid with a pH higher than 7 used in depilatory creams that dissolve hair, and galvanic electrolysis produces alkalis which can destroy a hair follicle.
ALKALINE~A substance with a pH greater than 7
ALKALINE PERM~A chemically based permanent waving product that has a pH from 7.5 to 9.5 designed to produce tight, firm, springy curls. perms.
ALLERGEN~Allergen is a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
ALLERGY~A bodily reaction to an irritant. Skin allergies can be exacerbated by solutions put on the skin.
ALOE VERA~It is a water/gel-like substance that is known for its ability to soothe irritated skin, especially sunburned skin.
ALOPECIA~Loss of hair, especially from the head, which either happens naturally or is caused by disease
ALOPECIA ADNATA~Congenital baldness or baldness at birth.
ALOPECIA ANDROGENETIC~The common name for male or female pattern baldness which depends on the genetic predisposition of the hair follicles and the levels of DHT in the body.
ALOPECIA AREATA~The medical term for hairloss which occurs in patches on the scalp.
ALOPECIA FOLLICULARIS~Hair loss due to inflammation of hair follicles.
ALOPECIA NEUROTICA~Baldness following a nervous disorder or injury to the nervous system.
ALOPECIA SENILIS~Alopecia senilis is baldness due to old age.
ALOPECIA TOTALIS~This is the complete loss of scalp hair often combined with the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS~Alopecia Universalis is the term for hairloss which occurs over the entire body.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACID~Known as AHA, these solutions are used as exfoliants. They can help reduce ingrown hairs and improve the look of skin.
ALTERNATING CURRENT~The type of electricity that comes from a wall outlet (AC), as opposed to direct current (DC).
AMINO ACID~A chemical substance found in plants and animals. The building blocks of hair.
AMINOPHENOLS~Phenol derivatives used in combination with other chemicals in permanent (two step) hair dyes.
AMMONIA~An alkaline ingredient used in some permanent hair color.
AMMONIUM THIOGLYCOLATE~A common ingredient in chemical depilatories.
AMORTIZATION~The process of converting one enzyme to another.
AMPERE~A measurement of electrical current.
AMPHOTERIC~A mild nonirritating surfactant often used in shampoos that leaves hair manageable and is gentle enough for chemically treated hair.
ANAESTHETIC~A substance used to relieve all feeling.
ANAGEN~This is the growing phase of the hair cycle which lasts about seven years in a healthy person. The active stage in a hair growth cycle.
ANAGEN CYCLE~The active stage in a hair growth cycle.
ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM~Hairshafts are produced by follicles within the skin in all but few locations
ANALGESIC~A substance used to relieve pain.
ANAPHORESIS~The forcing of liquids into skin from the negative to the positive pole.
ANDROGEN~Hormone that causes masculine characteristics and affects hair growth.
ANDROGEN~often referred to as a male hormone.
ANODE~A positive electrode.
ANTIANDROGEN~An antiandrogen blocks the effects of androgens, normally by blocking the receptor sites.
ANTI-ANDROGEN~A drug or product that limited the effects of androgens (male hormones)
ANTIBIOTIC~A drug or preparation used to prevent and treat infection.
ANTISEPTIC~A chemical agent that prevent the growth of bacteria.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR~A natural solvent in oils and creams used in shampoos and rinses to separate individual hairs so they can be thoroughly cleansed.
AREOLA~The pigmented area surrounding the nipple. A very common area for hair growth.
ARRECTOR PILI MUSCLES~A microscopic band of muscle tissue which connects a hair follicle to the dermis.
ATOPIC DERMATITIS~also known as eczema.
AUTOCLAVE~A machine used to sterilize medical utensils and some hair removal devices.
AXILLA~The medical term for armpit, a common place for gonadal hair after puberty.
AZELAIC ACID~commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.
B5~Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life.
BACTERIA~An organism responsible for infection.
BARBA~the medical term for beard.
BASIC SHADE~A natural or neutral colour.
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA~Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate gland.
BETAINE~A natural conditioning substance.
BIOPSY~A section of skin tissue removed for clinical observation.
BIRTH CONTROL~Drugs that sometimes cause increased hair growth.
BIRTHMARK~Discoloured skin that should be examined and approved by a physician before hair removal.
BLACK SKIN~the most difficult type of skin from which to remove hair, Type VI on the Fitzpatrick scale.
BLACKHEAD~A type of clogged pore in the skin with a visible black plug.
BLANCHING~A whitening of the skin sometimes caused by some types of hair removal.
BLEACH~A method used to disguise hair by lightening its colour
BLEMISH~Blood or pigment based visible mark
BLEND~A modality of electrolysis which uses both thermolysis and galvanic methods.
BLISTER~A small fluid-filled bubble on the skin caused by heat from over treatment with certain types of hair removal.
BOAR BRISTLE~A bristle commonly used in natural bristle brushes.
BOB~The classic look of the 50s and 60s; the style was short and straight but blow-dried and curled under.
BODY~The volume or springiness of hair.
BONDING~To attach wefted hair to the natural hair with a latex or surgical type adhesive.
BOTANICAL~a product containing plants or ingredients made from plants.
BRAID~To weave strands of hair together.
BRASSY~an unflattering warm tone in hair colour created by chemicals or damage.
BROKEN CAPILLARY~a tiny blood vessel at the surface of the skin that can appear as streaks or blotches.
BRUISE~A discoloration of skin from blood, sometimes caused by electrolysis, plucking, or waxing.
BULB~The root of a hair, so named because it\'s wider at the base.
BULBOUS NEEDLE~A type of electrolysis needle.
BULGE~A point midway up the hair follicle which researchers suspect must be damaged to induce permanent hair removal
BULK HAIR~Loose commercial hair.
CACI~A treatment involving applying a micro-current to your face that tones muscles to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
CAJEPUT~Tea tree oil is an extraction from the Melaleuca tree.
CALAMINE~A pink ointment sometimes used to treat skin irritation
CALCIUM THIOGLYCOLATE~The active dissolving ingredient in many cream depilatories
CANITIES~A pigment deficiency frequently seen in middle-aged people of either sex.
CAPILLARY~A small blood vessel which connect the arteries and veins that feed the hair.
CARBOMER~A polymer on the basis of acrylic acid. Provides a thickening, gelling action and consistency regulator for cosmetic products.
CARBON DIOXIDE LASER~Commonly used to perform skin resurfacing.
CASTRATION~The surgical removal of one or both testicles or overies.
CATAGEN~This is the end of the active growth period, and is marked by changes occurring in the follicle.
CATAPHORESIS~The forcing of substances into the skin from a positive to a negative pole.
CATHODE~A negative electrode in a cell or circuit.
CATIONIC DETERGENT~Often used in shampoos because it can reduce static electricity and leave the hair manageable.
CATIONIC POLYMER~Used to positively charges the hair to provide manageability and reduces static.
CATOGEN~The resting stage of the hair cycle.
CELLULITE~A collection of fat cells resulting from poor lymphatic drainage, fluid retention, poor circulation, not drinking enough water, a sedentary lifestyle and hormones.
CETYL ALCOHOL~A gentle humectant, lather booster, and emulsifier used to smooth and soften the hair cuticle.
CHAMOMILE~Used in many products for blonde hair to enhance color.
CHELATING~A deep cleansing process which strips the hair lightly before a chemical service.
CHEMICAL DEPILATORY~a powder or cream preparations that dissolve hair above the surface of the skin.
CHIGNON~A chignon is a sophisticated, elegant up style, where long hair is twisted (either in a roll or knot) and pinned from the nape of neck.
CHILLTIP~A patented contact cooling device used in laser hair removal.
CHITOSAN~A natural polymer obtained from sea crustaceans protects the hair.
CHROMOPHORE~The substructure that is responsible for the spectral selective absorption of electromagnetic radiation.
CICATRICIAL ALOPECIA~baldness due to scarring.
CILIA~the medical term for eyelashes.
CLARIFIER~A type of shampoo stronger than everyday shampoos and designed to remove products, hard water or chlorine residue that have built-up over time.
CLEARING~A method of hair removal in which all hair in an area is removed at once, as opposed to thinning.
CLIMBAZOLE~Highly effective active anti-dandruff ingredient that combats bacteria on the scalp.
CLONE~A group of genetically identical cells or organisms derived form a single common cell.
CLUB HAIR~A non-living hair in the last stages of the hair growth cycle, it is detached from the follicle but has not yet shed.
COAGULATION~The process by which blood clots, and can be induced by heat or chemicals.
COCAMIDE DEA~made synthetically or derived from the kernel of the coconut, it gives lather and cleans skin and hair.
COHERENT LIGHT~Light that stays focused, a property of lasers.
COLD SORE~A viral infection that appears around the mouth.
COLLAGEN~A protein that holds all connective tissue together under the skin.
COLOGNE~A combination of water containing alcohol and fragrant oils.
COMEDONE~A medical term for blackhead.
CONDITIONER~Creamy hair product meant to be used after shampoo.
CONGENITAL~A condition that is hereditary.
CONTACT COOLING~A method of cooling the epidermis immediately prior to laser irradiation in hopes of reducing or eliminating damage to the skin\'s surface.
CONTINUOUS STIMULATION TECHNIQUE~A pain reduction method in which the client is distracted by something during treatment (music, etc).
CORTEX~The main structure of the hairshaft it determines the colour and texture of the hair.
CORTISONE~An anti-inflammatory sometimes linked to hair growth when taken internally.
COUTURE CUT~A high-fashion cut, which is totally exclusive and specifically tailored to your lifestyle and wardrobe.
CREAM RINSE~A mixture of wax, thickeners, and a group of chemicals used to coat the hair shaft and detangle after shampooing.
CROP~hair that is cut very short with the hair hugging the head.
CROWN~Area at the top of the head.
CRUSTING~Dried fluid that seeps from skin in some clients following hair removal such as laser, electrolysis, and depilatories.
CURRENT~The flow of electricity, either alternating (AC like a wall outlet) or direct (DC like a battery).
CURVED FOLLICLES~A relatively rare condition which makes certain hair removal methods more difficult and can lead to ingrown hairs.
CUSHING SYNDROME~A disease caused by a tumour on the adrenal gland, which can cause excess hair growth.
CUTICLE~The hard outer protective layer of the hair.
CUTTING-IN~used to describe getting a \'hair cut\' and having your new hairpiece styled for the first time when you first receive it.
CYPROTERONE ACETATE~a drug prescribed to treat hirsuitism and androgenetic alopecia in women.
CYST~A closed sac or capsule usually filled with fluid or semisolid material.
DANAZOL~A drug sometimes linked to excess hair growth.
DANDRUFF~a flaking scalp due to excessive cell production.
DEEP PENETRATING TREATMENT~A conditioner for hair meant for occasional use.
DEPILATE~Removal of hair on the surface of the skin.
DEPILATORY~a substance used to dissolve hair above the skin\'s surface.
DEPTH~The darkness or lightness of a colour.
DERMABRASION~A cosmetic procedure used to smooth skin and reduce scars.
DERMAL PAPILLA~the structure that contains nerves and blood vessels which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin.
DERMAL SHEATH~A lining around a hair.
DERMATITIS~also known as Eczema.
DERMATOLOGIST~A doctor specializing in skin and hair conditions.
DERMIS~The deepest layers of the skin, where blood vessels, lymph channels, sebaceous glands, hair follicles and muscles are located.
DEVELOPER~A product which oxidises artificial colour pigment.
DEXAMETHOSONE~A steroid anti-inflammatory which sometimes causes hair growth.
DIABETES~A disease where the body improperly produces insulin, sometimes linked to excess hair growth.
DIAMETER~A measurement across the width of the hair.
DIATHERMY~Another name for thermolysis.
DIAZOXIDE~A drug sometimes linked to excess hair growth.
DIFFUSER~An adapter you put on the end of your hair dryer.
DILANTIN~A drug sometimes linked to excess hair growth.
DIMETHICONE~a detangling aid which conditions, protects against humidity, adds shine.
DIODE~A semiconductive material which mainly lets energy travel one direction and not the other.
DIRECT CURRENT~used in the Galvanic electrolysis method to cause a chemical reaction in the hair follicle.
DISTORTED HAIR FOLLICLES~A relatively rare condition in which the follicle is not straight.
DONOR SITE~a site where hair roots are taken from during transplant surgery.
DOUBLE-BLIND~A clinical testing method in which neither patient nor doctor know what medication or procedure is being used.
DREADLOCKS~A hairstyle in which the hair naturally or through manipulation is encouraged to matte and form a cylindrical, rope-like pattern.
DYNAMIC COOLING~A method of epidermal cooling which cools the skin with supercooled liquid immediately before a laser pulse is applied.
EAR~A common place for hair removal in older males.
ECCRINE GLAND~A medical term for sweat gland. These tiny pores do not contain hair follicles.
ECZEMA~Also called contact dermatitis, it\'s a mild inflammation of the skin.
EDEMA~A medical term for swelling.
EFFICACY~A term meaning how well or effectively a cosmetic device works.
ELASTICITY~The hair\'s ability to stretch without breaking and then return to its original shape.
ELECTROCOAGULATION~The use of heat generated by electricity to change tissue from a fluid to a semi-solid, similar to cooking an egg.
ELECTRODE~a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves the body.
ELECTROLYSIS~the practice of epilation with electrified needles.
EMLA~a prescription topical anaesthetic used by some clients of laser and electrolysis to reduce and eliminate pain.
EMOLLIENT~an ingredient that can soften or smooth.
EMULSIFIER~A thickening agent and/or binding agent added to products to change their physical composition (joins two or more ingredients together).
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM~A group of glands which maintain the body\'s internal environment through the production of hormones.
ENZYME~a protein that catalyze (i.e. accelerate) and control the rates of chemical reactions.
EPIDERMIS~The thin outer layer of skin, on top of the thicker and deeper dermis.
EPILATION~The removal of hair below the skin\'s surface (as opposed to depilation). Epilation methods include plucking, waxing, electrolysis and laser.
ERYTHEMA~A medical term for the redness that sometimes follows hair removal and skin rejuvenation.
ESCHAR~A small temporary scab that occurs sometimes after electrolysis, especially after overtreatment.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID~used to preserve the resilence and flexibility of your hair.
ESSENTIAL OIL~The essence of a plant, removed by compressing, steaming, dissolving or distilling.
OESTROGEN~A female hormone sometimes linked to increased hair growth.
EXFOLIATING~the process of removing the top dead skin layers to reveal healthier, newer skin underneath.
EXFOLIATION~The removal of dead skin cells to reveal softer skin underneath.
EXTENSION~a Hair extension of real or synthetic weaved close to the scalp in order to achieve greater length and/or fullness.
EXTRACT~A herbal concentrate produced by separating the essential or active part of an herb into a solvent material.
EYELASH~protective hair on the eyelid.
FACE LIFT~Surgical procedure that lifts and stretches the patients skin to provide a firmer more youthful look.
FASHION SHADE~A basic colour with added tone.
FEATHERING~a cutting technique hairdressers use to take hard lines out of the hair.
FIBROBLAST~a cell within the the extracellular matrix that produce new collagen molecules when stimulated.
FINISHING SPRAY~A hairspray with medium hold used on a finished style to maintain its shape and hold.
FLY-AWAY HAIR~thin hair that is charged by static and is a particular problem with straight looks as the hair just won\'t lie properly and can spoil your look.
FOLLICLE~A pore in the skin from which a hair grows.
FOLLICLE SHEATH~is used to protect the hair during its growth stage.
FOLLICULAR HAIR TRANSPLANT~One of the latest technique for conducting hair transplants where surgeons harvest hair from naturally growing sections.
FOLLICULAR UNIT~a grouping of hair that grow together and share the same blood supply.
FOLLICULITIS~A common disorder characterised by inflammation of the hair follicle.
FRAGRANCE~Any natural or synthetic substance or substances use solely to impart a sweet or pleasant smell (odor) to a cosmetic product.
FRECKLE~a small clumps of coagulated melanin
FREEZING SPRAY~A hairspray with the firmest hold used to maintain style of hard to hold hair.
FUSION~The process of attaching small pieces of human hair with a special adhesive and a thermal gun.
GEL~a jelly like material formed by the coagulation of a liquid.
GENE THERAPY~a treatment method which involves the manipulation of the genetic makeup.
GLABELLA~The space/area between the eyebrows.
GLYCERIN~A humectant which absorbs moisture from the air to keep hair moist.
GREY HAIR~Hair that has lost its pigment.
GYNECOMASTIA~Excessive development of the male breasts.
HAIR CLONING~A technique under development which could make an unlimited crop of donar hair available for transplanting.
HAIR EXTENSION~is used to add volume or length to your hair by bonding synthetic or real hair at your roots.
HAIR WEAVING~A process by which a hair piece is attached to existing hair on the head through braiding or a weaving process.
HAIR WEFT CLIP~used to attach hair wefts by clips.
HEATCLAMP~A heat gun that is used to seal synthetic hair. Used for creating warlocks and other styles.
HENNA~A vegetable dye made from its leaves and stems into a powder.
HIGHLIGHTS~The subtle lifting of color in specific sections of hair.
HIRSUTISM~Excessive hair growth, accompanied by enlarged hair follicles and increased pigmentation.
HUMECTANT~An ingredient in skin or hair products that draws moisture from the air to moisturize.
HUMIDITY~The amount of moisture available in the air.
HYDRATE~the addition of moisture to the skin.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE~Used to oxidise artificial colour molecules. Can also lighten natural colour pigment.
HYDROLYZED KERATIN~the substance that contains the "structural protein" of hair, repairs damage - active ingredient \'Liquid hair\'.
HYPERPIGMENTATION~An over excitation of melanocytes, darkening of the skin. Can be seen as sun-induced freckles or melasma.
HYPOPIGMENTATION~Caused by an absence of melanocytes, whitening of the skin. Vitiligo is a common medical complaint.
INDENTATION~A hollow or pocket in the skin.
INFUSION~Tea made by steeping an herb\'s leaves or flowers in hot water.
INGROWN HAIR~A hair that does not break the surface of the skin, and grows back inward.
INTERLOCKING~A method in which hair is maintained or tightened using a tool.
IPL INTENSE PULSED LIGHT~A treatment consisting of short pulses of light sent out through an applicator that is gently pressed against the skin.
ISOPROPYL LANOLATE~a synthetic moisturizer.
KANEKALON~A trademark for a Japanese-made synthetic fiber which is used extensively in the manufacture of wigs and hairpieces.
KELOID~A type of raised darkened scar, more common with dark skin. Due to a defect in the healing process.
KERATIN~A fibrous protein found in hair, nails, and skin.
LANUGO HAIR~usually shed during the 7th month of foetal life following primary folliculo-genesis.
LASER~A commonly used tool for cosmetic and surgical procedures.
LAURYLDIMONIUM HYDROXYPROPL HYDROLYZED~A conditioning agent in shampoos, which helps detangle the hair.
LAYERING~a technique used by hairdressers to change the thickness of the hair, creating either a thinning or thicker appearance.
LENTIGO~A flat, discoloured area of skin similar to a freckle.
LEUCOTRICHIA~the congenital absence of pigment in a lock of hairs which will show as grey/white.
LIPID LAYER~is part of the structure of the hair and also form a protective barrier.
LIQUID HAIR~used to strengthen and rebuild the structure of the hair.
LUBRICANT~An oil or oil rich creme or lotion designed to lubricate the skin and slow moisture loss.
LUVIMER~a flexible resin.
MATTE~A non - shiny surface that absorbs light; a dead or dull finish.
MEDULLA~a central zone of cells usually only present in large thick hairs.
MELANIN~a natural substance that gives colour (pigment) to hair and skin.
MELANOMA~A form of skin cancer.
MELASMA~Dark skin discolouration on sun-exposed areas of the face and neck.
METABOLISM~The body transformation of food into energy.
MICRO GRAFT~A very small hair graft usually consisting of one or two hairs.
MICRO LINKING TECHNIQUE~The process of attaching hair wefts without braids.
MICRODERMABRASION~An intensive exfoliation process that rejuvenates the skin by utilizing ultra-fine aluminium oxide crystals to remove the upper layer of the stratum corneum
MINI GRAFT~A small hair graft usually consisting of between three to ten hair roots.
MOISTURIZER~An emollient cream used to hydrate the skin.
MONOFILAMENT~Fine, transparent nylon or silk mesh with hairs individually hand-knotted into the mesh.
MYRISTATE~a synthetic moisturizer.
NERVE ENDING~a receptor which respond to touch, pain, pressure, heat and cold.
NEUTRALISE~To cancel or reduce effect.
NON-INVASIVE~a procedure that does not involve tools that break the skin or physically enter the body.
NORWOOD SCALE~The most commonly used scale for the classification of hair loss.
NUTRIENT~A substance, such as a vitamin, which provides elements for the ongoing functioning of the body\'s metabolic processes.
ORGANIC~a term describing carbon - based compounds produced by living plants, animals or by synthetic processes.
OUTER ROOT SHEATH~A soft thin layer surrounding the lower two-thirds of a hair.
OVERTREATMENT~Overly aggressive treatment to remove hair which leads to temporary or permanent skin damage.
OXIDATION COLOUR~A colour which requires oxygen to make it work.
PABA~an esther found in sunscreen and cosmetic products that can make skin sensitive.
PALM ROLLING~A technique used to smooth out the shaft of a loc by rolling it, with or without product, between the palms of the hands.
PALMITATE~a synthetic moisturizer.
PANTHENOL~an aid to detangling. Provides volume, control and shine.
PANTOTHENIC ACID~also called vitamin B5 (a B vitamin), is a water-soluble vitamin required to sustain life (essential nutrient).
PAPILLA~The small area at the base of the hair root which provides nutrients needed for growth.
PARFUM~The most concentrated and most fragrant scent and therefore the most expensive.
PATCH TEST~A procedure performed (usually with a hair dye or other potential allergen) on the skin 24 hours before its use to determine sensitivity.
PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION~a treatment where the follicle is disabled by the light energy making it unable to support any more hair growth. 
PH~Used to measure acidity in cosmetic preparations.
PIGMENT~another name for Colour.
PIGMENTED LESION~Commonly known as Cafe au Lait stain, birthmark, age spot or freckle.
PORE~A small opening of the sweat glands of the skin.
POROSITY~the ability to absorb moisture.
PROTEIN TREATMENT~A procedure designed to add strength and elasticity to the hair by adding protein to the cortex.
PSORIASIS~Chronic skin inflamation characterised by frequent episodes of redness, itching and thick, dry scales.
PUNCH GRAFT~The old fashioned way of removing grafts for hair transplants, usually carried out using an instrument called a trephine
RECIPIENT SITE~The bald or thinning area where hair grafts or plugs a transplanted.
RELAX~To chemically straighten the hair to gently smooth out curl, reduce frizz, or create a straight style.
RELAXER~A chemical process by which the hair is permanently straightened.
RETIN-A~A compound that is often used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin.
ROSACEA~Also known as Adult Acne. A disorder involving chronic inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead or eyelids.
ROUGH BLOW DRY~A Rough Blow Dry is just to remove the moisture from wet hair, i.e. just to dry the hair without styling.
SACRUM~a bone in the lower back
SAW PALMETTO~a natural herb that has been shown to be an effective antiandrogen.
SCHIZOTRICHIA~another name for Trichoptilosis or split ends.
SCLERODERMA~A disease of the skin and connective tissue that can cause hair loss over the affected areas.
SCRUNCH DRY~A technique for drying your hair using a diffuser and your free hand.
SEBACEOUS~a term for fatty or greasy, usually referring to the oil-secrating glans of the scalp.
SEBACEOUS GLAND~an oil producing gland in the dermis.
SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS~A more extensive and severe form of dandruff.
SEBUM~The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands of the scalp, composed of keratin, fat or cellular debris.
SECTIONING~used to allow you to only pay attention to a particular area or panel of hair.
SELECTIVE PHOTOTHERMOLYSIS~Selectively targeting dermal structures with light energy, without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
SEMI - PERMANENT~A colour which lasts from 6 - 8 shampoos.
SERUM~A serum is a smoothing product to stop your hair from frizzing, keeping it smooth and straight.
SILK PROTEIN~A natural water-soluble source of acid derived from liquid silk; these acids help moisture penetrate the skin and aid in skin healing.
SKIN REJUVENATION~the process of treating the signs of ageing using the latest innovative, non invasive treatments to give you visibly younger, healthy skin
SLOUGH~To shed or cast off  dead tissue from living tissue.
SOAP~a cleansing agent that is a sodium or potassium salt of animal or vegetable fat.
SOLUBLE~Being able to dissolve into, or being compatible with, another substance.
SOOTHING~Reducing skin discomforts from irritation, blemishes, burning skin, etc.
SPF~An acronym for "Sun Protection Factor" ranging from 2 to 45 with 2 being the least protection and 45 the most.
SPLIT END~another name for Trichoptilosis. There is no way to repair split ends; when they occur, the hair must be trimmed.
SPRIONOLACTONE~ a drug used in the treatment of androgen related disorders such as female pattern baldness and hirsuitism.
SPRITZ~a light mist or spray, which when used as verb means to lightly spray your hair.
STEAMING~The process by which most synthetic fiber is curled at the factory.
SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE~The body\'s shock absorber.
SUNBLOCK~a product that reflects all the sun\'s rays, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
SUNSCREEN~a product with ingredients that absorb UVA and UVB rays. Find one labeled "broad spectrum" for maximum protection.
SURFACTANT~an active agent that allows oil to mix with water.
T-ZONE~The forehead, nose and chin areas, which tend to be oilier than the cheeks.
TEA TREE OIL~Tan extraction from the Melaleuca tree.
TELOGEN~The resting phase in the hair cycle.
TEMPORARY COLOR~A hair color formula that lasts only until you shampoo your hair.
TERMINAL HAIR~coarse, pigmented or non-pigmented, that exists on the scalp and grow at a rate of 1-2cm per month for up to 10 years.
TESTOSTERONE~A predominantly male hormone which promotes the development of male characteristics.
TEXTURIZER~a mild relaxing treatment.
THERMAL PROCESS~Temporarily straightening the hair with a heated iron.
TONE~Distribution of ashen and warm pigments, visual effect of gold or ash in the hair.
TOPICALLY~to apply directly onto the scalp.
TOURMALINE~a crystal silicate mineral compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium.
TRACK~a parting or a cornrow that establishes the placement pattern of wefts or strand additions.
TRACTION ALOPECIA~hair loss which occurs due to traction being placed on hair.
TREATMENT~used to put protein back into the hair.
TRICHOPTILOSIS~the splitting of hairs at the ends.
TRICHOTILLOMANIA~hair loss caused by pulling out one\'s own hair, usually without realising it.
TRICLOSAN~effective against most bacteria occurring on the skin.
ULCER~An area of tissue erosion. They are always depressed and are due to irritation.
UV~Ultraviolet radiation. The invisible spectrum of solar radiation.
VELLUS~The soft downy hair found covering the body.
VERTEX~The top of the head towards the posterior position, including the area at which the hair grows in a spiral pattern.
VESICULATION~a blister formation caused by thermal damage.
VIRGIN HAIR~Human hair which is still in its original state and which has not been permed, colored, or chemically processed in any way.
VITILIGO~Loss of pigment at small or large areas of skin/hairs.
WEAVE~A hairpiece with layered gaps made into it.
WEFT~a temporary hair extension which are glued into your hair.
WIG~Any hairpiece with a full cap which covers the hair on the head, or the entire area where hair normally grows, as a substitute for hair.