Hair removal terms: A

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

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