Hair Removal, Hair Anatomy, and Hair Growth Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing hair removal methods, hair anatomy, hair growth stages, and waxing procedures based on the lecture material.

Epilation / Depilation

Terms used to refer to the process of hair removal.

Depilation creams

The cheapest temporary hair removal method, where a cream is applied directly to the hair to be removed.

Shaving

A temporary hair removal method using blades to trim or cut hair without affecting overall hair growth.

Tweezing

A hair removal technique using a pair of tweezers to pull out individual hair at the root level.

Waxing

A temporary hair removal method using warm wax applied directly to the skin and removed after cooling, removing hair from the root with results lasting $2-8$ weeks.

Laser treatment

A hair reduction treatment that helps achieve an $80\text{\%}$ improvement in permanent hair reduction.

Electrolysis

The only permanent hair removal method available, which works by destroying the hair follicle.

Bleaching

A procedure that uses chemical agents to discolour hair, rather than removing it.

Scalp hair

Hair located on the head that acts as a heat insulator and protects the head.

Eyelashes

Hair present on the eyelids that prevents dust particles from entering the eye.

Body hair

Hair located across the body that acts as a heat insulator.

Underarm and pubic hair

Hair that provides a cushion against friction caused by movement.

Hair shaft

A single strand of hair, consisting of three main structural layers: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla.

Cuticle

The outermost layer of the hair shaft, made up of many layers of overlapping scales that protect the structures underneath.

Cortex

The structural layer of the hair shaft that lies underneath the cuticle and is made up of many twisted strands.

Medulla

The centre part of the hair shaft containing colour pigments that determine the actual colour of the hair.

Anagen

The active growth phase of the hair growth cycle, during which the hair follicle is active and hair grows continuously at an average rate of $1.25\,cm$ ($\frac{1}{2}\,inch$) per month.

Catagen

The transition phase of the hair growth cycle lasting about $2$ weeks, where hair follicles undergo a period of change and stop growing, affecting about $1\text{\%}$ of follicles at any time.

Telogen

The resting period for hair follicles lasting about $3-4$ months, during which approximately $13\text{\%}$ of follicles are in this state at any one time.

Exogen

The phase following the resting period where hair follicles lengthen to full length and a new hair begins to grow.

Ingrown hair care

The practice of regularly exfoliating and applying an astringent or an astringent and oil solution to reduce ingrown hairs, red bumps, and minor bleeding after waxing.