CEICI key terms

The active growth stage of a hair follicle, during which cells divide rapidly and the hair shaft is produced. This is the stage in which electrolysis is most effective.

A short transitional stage between active growth and rest, when the hair stops growing and the follicle begins to shrink and detach from the blood supply.

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle, when the fully formed hair remains in the follicle before being shed and replaced by a new growing hair.

A tube-like pocket in the skin from which a hair grows, containing the hair root, bulb, and associated structures such as the sebaceous gland and arrector pili muscle.

A small cone of connective tissue at the base of the hair follicle containing blood vessels that supply nutrients to the growing hair. It is a key target during electrolysis.

Actively dividing cells in the hair bulb and follicle that produce new hair. Destroying these cells is the goal of permanent hair removal.

A tiny smooth muscle attached to the hair follicle that contracts in response to cold or emotion, causing the hair to stand upright and producing goosebumps.

A gland attached to the hair follicle that secretes sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. Its activity affects skin condition and treatment tolerance.

The outermost, avascular layer of skin that provides a protective barrier. It contains no blood vessels and renews itself continuously.

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis containing blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and glands. Electrolysis needles work within this layer to reach the follicle.

The outermost layer of the epidermis, made of flattened dead cells that protect underlying tissue. It must be intact for the skin barrier to function properly.

A modality that uses direct current to create a chemical reaction in the follicle, producing sodium hydroxide that destroys the hair-producing cells.

A modality that uses high-frequency alternating current to generate heat within the follicle, coagulating tissue and destroying the hair root. Also called shortwave diathermy.

A modality combining galvanic direct current and high-frequency alternating current simultaneously, using both chemical and thermal action for more effective hair destruction.

An alternating electrical current used in thermolysis and blend modalities to produce heat in tissue. Its intensity and duration affect treatment outcome and client comfort.

An electrical current that flows in one direction only, used in galvanic electrolysis to create lye at the needle tip through chemical reaction with body fluids.

Sodium hydroxide produced when direct current reacts with salt and water in tissue during galvanic electrolysis. It destroys the cells that produce hair.

The act of guiding the electrolysis needle into a hair follicle along the path of the hair shaft, reaching the dermal papilla area without puncturing the skin.

A fine, sterile needle used in electrolysis to deliver current to the hair follicle. Also called a needle or filament. It must be sterile and used only once.

The removal of hair from below the skin surface, including the root, as opposed to depilation, which removes hair only at or above the surface.

Removal of hair at or just above the skin surface without removing the root, such as shaving or chemical depilatories. It is temporary and does not affect the follicle.

A condition or circumstance that makes a treatment inadvisable or unsafe for a client. Identifying contraindications is a core part of pre-treatment assessment.

A record of a client's past and present health conditions, medications, surgeries, and allergies, gathered before treatment to identify risks and contraindications.

A structured conversation before treatment to gather health information, understand client goals, assess skin and hair, explain risks, and obtain informed consent.

A client's voluntary agreement to treatment after being told its purpose, methods, risks, benefits, and alternatives. It should be documented in the client record.

A written or electronic account of each session, including parameters used, areas treated, client response, and any adverse reactions. It supports continuity and legal protection.

A documented schedule of sessions, modalities, and parameters tailored to a client's hair and skin characteristics, goals, and tolerance, reviewed and adjusted over time.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on instruments. It is required for reusable electrolysis probes and other items that contact blood or body fluids.

A process that reduces or eliminates many disease-causing microorganisms on surfaces and non-critical items, but does not necessarily destroy all spores.

The lowest level of infection control, involving cleaning and removing visible debris from surfaces and tools to reduce the number of microorganisms.

A device that uses pressurized steam and high temperature to sterilize instruments. Proper loading, cycle monitoring, and spore testing are essential for effectiveness.

Infection control practices applied to all clients regardless of known infection status, including hand hygiene, gloves, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

Items such as gloves, eye protection, and masks worn to protect the practitioner and client from contact with blood, body fluids, and infectious agents.

A puncture-resistant, labeled container used to dispose of used probes and other sharp items safely, preventing injury and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The range of duties and procedures a practitioner is legally and ethically permitted to perform based on training, licensure, and regulations.

The level of care and skill that a reasonably competent practitioner in the same field would provide under similar circumstances.

The principles of honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and respect that guide a practitioner's conduct toward clients, colleagues, and the public.

Microorganisms such as hepatitis B and C and HIV that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. Preventing exposure is a core safety responsibility.