A-Z Glossary
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| D DANAZOL A drug sometimes linked to excess hair growth. DANDRUFF Flaking scalp due to excessive cell production. DEEP PENETRATING TREATMENT A conditioner for hair meant for occasional use. Of greater intensity than ordinary conditioners. Formulas usually contain protein, vitamins, and moisture to help dry, damaged hair. DEPILATE Removal of hair on the surface of the skin. Examples include shaving or the use of depilatory creams. DEPILATION The temporary removal of hair. DEPILATORIES Substances used to dissolve hair above the skin’s surface. DEPTH The darkness or lightness of a colour. DERMABRASION A cosmetic procedure used to smooth skin and reduce scars. DERMAL PAPILLA The dermal papilla is situated at the base of the hair follicle. The dermal papilla contains nerves and blood vessels which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin.A tiny bulge at the root of a hair, believed to be one of the primary targets in permanent hair removal. DERMAL SHEATH A lining around a hair. DERMATITIS Atopic Dermatitis is also known as Eczema. Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. DERMATOLOGIST A doctor specializing in skin and hair conditions. DERMIS The deepest layers of the skin, where blood vessels, lymph channels, nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, fat cells, hair follicles and muscles are located. The dermis varies in thickness over different sites of the body. DEVELOPER A product which oxidises artificial colour pigment. DEXAMETHOSONE A steroid anti-inflammatory which sometimes causes hair growth. DHT (DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE) DHT is a male hormone that is suggested to be the main cause for the miniaturisation of the hair follicle and for hair loss. DHT is formed when the male hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DIABETES A disease where the body improperly produces insulin, sometimes linked to excess hair growth. DIAMETER A measurement across the width of the hair. DIATHERMY Another name for thermolysis. DIAZOXIDE A drug sometimes linked to excess hair growth. DIET Is sometimes linked to excess hair growth, especially in the extremely obese and extremely anorexic. DIFFUSER "A Diffuser is an adapter you put on the end of your hair dryer; it’s generally circular with a number of pins sticking out from it. DILANTIN A drug sometimes linked to excess hair growth. DIMETHICONE Detangling aid which conditions, protects against humidity, adds shine. DIODE A semiconductive material which mainly lets energy travel one direction and not the other. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used for the numeric displays on microwaves and VCRS as well as for lasers. DIRECT CURRENT Also called DC, it is a type of electrical energy that travels in one direction. The other type is alternating current (AC). Direct current is used in the Galvanic electrolysis method to cause a chemical reaction in the hair follicle. DISCOMFORT Varies greatly by individual and body area. Electrolysis is generally considered most painful, followed by laser, plucking, waxing and finally pulse light sources. Body areas most prone to discomfort are underneath the nostrils, around the lips, and the bikini zone. DISTORTED HAIR FOLLICLES A relatively rare condition in which the follicle is not straight. This condition can make waxing and electrolysis more difficult and can lead to ingrown hairs and is very successfully treated using pulsed light DONOR SITE Site where hair roots are taken from during transplant surgery. DOUBLE-BLIND A clinical testing method in which neither patient nor doctor know what medication or procedure is being used. DREADLOCKS A hairstyle in which the hair naturally or through manipulation is encouraged to matte and form a cylindrical, rope-like pattern. Dreadlocks may take several months to well over a year to form and are considered a permanent style. In order to remove dreadlocks, one must cut them. DRUG TREATMENT Excess hair can be increased or decreased by certain drugs. These drugs often affect hormonal levels. Consult a physician if a drug seems to be causing increased hair growth. DUTASTERIDE A medication under development by Glaxo-Welcome for the treatment of BPH, which is a dual inhibitor of the 5-Alpa Reductase enzymes responsible for converting tostosterone to DHT. DYNAMIC COOLING A method of epidermal cooling which cools the skin with supercooled liquid immediately before a laser pulse is applied. |