A-Z Glossary
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| C CACI "This acronym stands for Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument; which is non-surgical face lift. CAJEPUT Tea tree oil is an extraction from the Melaleuca tree. Tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil, the sweet seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of the tea plant (drinking tea) Camellia sinensis or the tea oil plant Camellia oleifera. (Cajeput) CALAMINE A pink ointment sometimes used to treat skin irritation CALCIUM THIOGLYCOLATE The active dissolving ingredient in many cream depilatories CANITIES (The 'greying of hair') - a pigment deficiency frequently seen in middle-aged people of either sex. Close examination of greying hair confirms that it is an illusion caused by the presence of white hairs among a percentage of normal dark pigmented hairs. CAPILLARIES Small blood vessels which connect the arteries and veins that feed the hair. CAPILLARIES Tiny hair-like blood vessels, some of which carry nutrient to the hair growth matrix. CARBOMER A polymer on the basis of acrylic acid. Provides a thickening, gelling action and consistency regulator for cosmetic products. CARBON DIOXIDE LASER Also known as a CO2 laser, these are 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. CATAGEN A brief middle stage in the hair growth cycle, between active (anagen) and inactive (telogen) stages. CATAPHORESIS The forcing of substances into the skin from a positive to a negative pole. It is sometimes used after electrolysis to firm skin and reduce redness. CATHODE A negative electrode in a cell or circuit. CATIONIC Possessing a positive electrical charge. Cationic detergents are often used in shampoos because they reduce static electricity and leave the hair manageable. CATIONIC POLYMER 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. (cellulite, cellulight, cellulite) CELLULITE REDUCTION Clinic based method of reducing the appearance of cellulite (Celulite Reduction, Cellulight Reduction, Cellulite Removal) CETYL ALCOHOL (FATTY ALCOHOL) A gentle humectant, lather booster, and emulsifier. In hair products, it is 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. Also known as clarifying. CHEMICAL DEPILATORIES Powder or cream preparations that dissolve hair above the surface of the skin. Some find these products very irritating to 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 This is baldness due to scarring. The follicles are absent in scar tissue. CILIA Medical term for eyelashes. Ingrown eyelashes should never be removed except under the supervision of a trained medical specialist CLARIFIER A clarifying shampoo is slightly stronger than everyday shampoos and is designed to remove products, hard water or chlorine residue that have built-up over time. These types of shampoos usually have a higher pH level and therefore should not be used regularly as they may dry out the hair and scalp. Use every 2-4 shampoos or the week before a chemical treatment. Always finish with a conditioner. 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. 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. COARSE A classification for stronger, thicker types of hair. COCAMIDE DEA Either 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. Hair removal, especially electrolysis and lasers, should not be performed around visible cold sores. COLLAGEN A protein that holds all connective tissue together under the skin. Collagen is sometimes damaged by plucking or electrolysis, which can lead to dimpling on the skin. Collagen, from a plant, is also used to fill in scars and augment lips, often with temporary results. COLOGNE A combination of water containing alcohol and fragrant oils. Not to be confused with a concentrated perfume. COMEDOGENIC Causes blackheads (Comedones). COMEDONES A medical term for blackheads. CONDITIONER Creamy hair product meant to be used after shampoo. Moisturizes and detangles hair. CONGENITAL A condition that is hereditary. Excess hair often runs in the family. 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). CORNROW Term used to describe an on the scalp braid. These braids can be used to form a track for the cornrow weaving method. CORTEX The cortex is the main structure of the hairshaft. The cortex determines the colour and texture of the hair.The largest section of a single hair, containing the main bulk of the hair. CORTISONE An anti-inflammatory sometimes linked to hair growth when taken internally. COSMETICS certain types of cosmetics (especially liquid foundations and powders) can be used to conceal but not remove hair. Some women and men use this method in conjunction with a hair removal method. Some methods of hair removal require you not use cosmetics immediately after in speed skin recovery. COUTURE CUT A couture cut is 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 "Originally the word crop as an alternative to haircut, without any specific meaning to the style of the cut. 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. It’s best to keep these crusts clean and not pick them to avoid infection and scarring. These crusts are also called eschars. 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. CUTANEOUS Relating to the skin. CUTICLE The hard outer protective layer of the hair. Healthy cuticles impart sheen to the hair. CUTICLES "The hair cuticles form a protective layer which covers the shaft of hair. If your hair is coloured or bleached they can spread out, split or become bloated due to over processing. CUTTING-IN The term used to describe getting a ’hair cut’ and having your new hairpiece styled for the first time when you first receive it. It involves a simple hair cut and blending in of the hairpiece with your existing hair. A regular hair dresser can do this although it is sometimes recommended that a stylist familiar with hairpieces does it. CYCLODEXTRINS "Cyclodextrins are produced from starch by means of enzymatic conversion. Over the last few years they have found a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries as well as agriculture and environmental engineering. It is also the chief active compound found in Procter and Gamble's deodorizing product ""Febreze""." CYPROTERONE ACETATE This drug is normally used to reduce sex drive in men who have an excessive sex drive. It is also prescribed to treat hirsuitism and androgenetic alopecia in women. CYST A closed sac or capsule usually filled with fluid or semisolid material. |