EPI307 Electrical Epilation Master Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering hair science, endocrine influences, electro-epilation modalities, and clinical procedures from the EPI307 Master Study Guide.

Superfluous hair

Unwanted or excessive hair growth that may cause cosmetic, emotional or social concern and may require professional hair-removal treatment.

Gender-affirming electro-epilation

Electro-epilation treatment supporting transgender clients, particularly transgender women who require permanent removal of facial hair or surgical preparation hair removal.

Hair shaft

The visible part of the hair above the skin surface that guides the angle and direction of probe insertion.

Hair root

The portion of the hair situated below the skin surface that helps the therapist understand the follicle pathway.

Hair follicle

A tube-like skin structure where the hair grows, serving as the natural opening into which the epilation probe is inserted.

Hair bulb

The enlarged lower part of the hair follicle that acts as an important target during the anagen phase.

Dermal papilla

A vascular structure at the base of the follicle that nourishes and regulates hair growth, serving as a primary target for permanent destruction.

Hair matrix

The active cell division area that produces hair, which must be damaged to achieve permanent hair reduction.

Inner root sheath

The inner layer of the follicle that supports and shapes the growing hair and helps guide the follicle structure.

Outer root sheath

The outer lining of the hair follicle where regenerative cells may be present.

Sebaceous gland

An oil gland opening into the hair follicle that affects the follicle environment and insertion pathway.

Arrector pili muscle

A small muscle attached to the follicle that causes hair to stand upright and serves as an anatomical landmark.

Bulge area

A regenerative stem-cell area of the follicle essential for long-term follicle destruction.

Connective tissue sheath

The tissue surrounding the hair follicle that provides structural support.

Vitreous membrane

The thickened basement membrane surrounding the hair follicle that serves as an important anatomical boundary.

Cuticle

The outer protective layer of the hair shaft composed of overlapping keratinised scales.

Cortex

The middle layer of the hair shaft containing keratin fibres and melanin, providing hair with strength, elasticity, and colour.

Medulla

The central core of the hair shaft, which is often absent in fine hair and more common in terminal hair.

Infundibulum

The upper section of the follicle extending from the skin surface to the opening of the sebaceous gland.

Isthmus

The middle section of the follicle located between the sebaceous gland opening and the insertion of the arrector pili muscle.

Lower follicle

The deeper growth region of the follicle that includes the hair bulb and dermal papilla area.

Lanugo hair

Long, fine, soft, downy hair lacking a medulla and pigment, present during the foetal stage from the 3rd to 5th month.

Vellus hair

Short, fine, soft, downy hair located close to the skin surface, containing little or no pigment and no medulla.

Terminal hair

Deeper, longer, thicker, pigmented hair that is often medullated and found on areas such as the scalp, axilla, and face.

Asexual terminal hair

Genetic terminal hair present from birth on areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

Ambisexual terminal hair

Terminal hair that develops at puberty in both sexes due to androgenic hormones, such as in the axilla, pubis, lower legs, and arms.

Sexual terminal hair

Terminal hair strongly influenced by androgens, located on areas such as the beard, moustache, chest, back, ears, and nasal area.

Anagen phase

The active growing phase of the hair growth cycle where the follicle is deepest, matrix cells are active, and the dark bulb is closely connected to the dermal papilla.

Catagen phase

The transitional phase of the hair cycle where growth slows, the dermal papilla separates, and the follicle shrinks to approximately one-third of its size.

Telogen phase

The dormant or resting phase of the hair growth cycle characterized by a shrunken follicle, a white club hair, and a separated dermal papilla.

Exogen phase

The shedding phase of the hair cycle where the hair is released from the follicle.

Topical causes of hair growth

External mechanical or thermal factors, such as friction, plaster casts, or repeated tweezing/waxing, that locally increase blood circulation or disturb the lower follicle to stimulate regrowth.

Ingrown hair

A hair condition where the hair shaft grows under or into the skin instead of emerging normally from the follicle opening.

Compound follicle

A condition in which more than one hair emerges from a single follicle opening.

Hypothalamus

The neural and endocrine structure that coordinates the autonomic nervous system and controls pituitary hormone secretion.

Pituitary gland

Known as the master gland, it secretes vital hormones including STH, ACTH, TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, MSH, ADH, and oxytocin.

Hirsutism

Androgen-dependent excessive terminal hair growth in a masculine pattern, usually affecting women.

Primary hirsutism

A form of hirsutism caused by increased sensitivity of hair follicle receptors to normal levels of circulating androgens.

Secondary hirsutism

A form of hirsutism caused by abnormally increased androgen production by the adrenal glands or ovaries.

Hypertrichosis

Generalized excessive hair growth that is non-androgen-dependent and can affect both males and females over the body surface.

Adreno-genital syndrome

A group of inherited adrenal gland disorders characterized by an enzyme deficiency leading to excessive secretion of androgenic hormones.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

A common endocrine cause of hirsutism where the ovaries produce elevated levels of androgens, often leading to irregular menstrual cycles, cystic follicles, and weight gain.

Cushing's syndrome

A hormonal disorder characterized by cortisol and androgen imbalance, excess weight gain, and a rounded face.

Archard-Thiers syndrome

An endocrine disorder affecting postmenopausal women associated with excess androgens and type 2 diabetes, historically termed 'diabetes in bearded women'.

Electrical epilation

A method of permanent hair removal where a sterile probe is inserted into the follicle opening and electrical current is applied to destroy growth cells.

Thermolysis

An electrical epilation method using high-frequency alternating current (AC/HF/RF) to destroy follicular tissue through molecular vibration, friction, heat, and protein coagulation.

Galvanic electrolysis

An electrical epilation method using direct current (DC) to split tissue moisture and salts, producing caustic sodium hydroxide (lye) to chemically destroy the follicle.

Blend method

An electrical epilation technique combining direct current (galvanic) chemical destruction with high-frequency (thermolysis) heat to accelerate lye production inside the follicle.

Cathode

The negative active electrode (probe/needle) in galvanic electrolysis where sodium hydroxide (lye) forms to cause alkaline tissue destruction.

Anode

The positive indifferent electrode in galvanic electrolysis held by the client to complete the circuit, where hydrochloric acid is produced.

Working point

The machine current and timing setting that provides effective hair release without resistance while remaining comfortable and safe for the client's skin.

Moisture gradient

The natural variation of moisture levels in the skin, which increases from the epidermis down to the deeper dermis and follicle base.

Informed consent

An ethical requirement ensuring the client fully understands the procedure, potential risks, expected timeframes, and aftercare instructions prior to treatment.

Erythema

Normal, mild skin redness occurring as a physiological reaction to electrical stimulation during epilation.

Blanching

A concerning skin reaction appearing as white marks caused by overtreatment, excessive current, or improper probe depth.

One-handed method

An epilation technique where one hand controls the probe holder while the therapist's other hand is reserved for stretching or tweezing after current delivery.

Two-handed method

An epilation technique using both hands simultaneously during treatment to maximize stability, control insertion angle, and stretch difficult tissue.