Aavexx: Makes transdermal electrolysis machines and Liquid Electrolysis topical solution
Abdomen: the soft area between the rib cage and the pubic area. A common area for excess hair, often in a line from the belly button to the pubic hair
AC: see alternating current
Acid: a liquid, usually corrosive with a pH lower than 7, opposite of an alkali
Acne: an inflammation of the skin which can make hair removal more difficult
Acupuncture: a method of relieving pain by inserting needles into the skin
Acupressure: a method of relieving pain by pressing down on an area of the body
Adrenal: a gland that affects certain types of hair growth
AHA: see alpha-hydroxy acid
AHRS: see American Hair Removal Systems
AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. No reported cases of AIDS have come from hair removal, although sterile procedures should be used during hair removal to keep risk to a minimum.
Aldactone: a trademarked antiandrogen called spironolactone
Alcohol: a liquid sometimes used for disinfecting skin before and after treatment. ethyl grain isopropyl
Alexandria: a brand of sugaring solution sold on television
Alkali: a liquid with a pH higher than 7. Alkalis are used in depilatory creams that dissolve hair, and galvanic electrolysis produces alkalis which can destroy a hair follicle
Allergy: a bodily reaction to an irritant. Skin allergies can be exacerbated by solutions put on the kin and my metals in some cases.
Alpha hydroxy acid: known as AHA, these solutions are used as exfoliants. They can help reduce ingrown hairs and improve the look of skin.
Alopecia: hair loss induced by biologic or medical means. Male pattern baldness is a type of alopecia
Alternating current: the type of electricity that comes from a wall outlet (AC), as opposed to direct current (DC). It is used in flash thermolysis and certain types of electric tweezers
American Electrology Association: the oldest ad largest national trade organization for electrologists
American Hair Removal Systems: makes transdermal electrolysis machines
Ammonia: a strongly alkaline solution in water
Ammonium thioglycolate: a common ingredient in chemical depilatories
Ampere: a measurement of electrical current
Anagen: the active stage in a hair growth cycle
Analgesic: a substance used to relieve pain
Anaphoresis: the forcing of liquids into skin from the negative to the positive pole. This creates lye. The opposite is cataphoresis.
Androgen: hormone that causes masculine characteristics and affects hair growth. Higher androgen levels can lead to increased amounts of hair.
Anesthetic: a substance used to relieve all feeling
Anode: a positive electrode
Antiandrogen: 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
Apilus: makes a high-tech needle electrolysis machine
Aplon: is a reusable non-wax product
Areola: the pigmented area surrounding the nipple. A very common area for hair growth
A.R. Hinkel: a manufacturer of electrolysis machines
Armpit: see axilla
Arrector pili: a tiny muscle attached to the base of the hair follicle. When this involuntary muscle flexes, it causes the hairs to stand up and causes “goosebumps.”
Aspirin: a drug used as an analgesic, although it can promote bleeding in some hair removal patients
Astringent: a solution used to control bleeding
Atopic dermatitis: also known as eczema
Autoclave: a machine used to sterilize medical utensils and some hair removal devices
Automatic HF: a term for high-frequency thermolysis
Axilla: the medical term for armpit, a common place for gonadal hair after puberty. Armpit hair is referred to medically as axillary hair
