FCEA CPE (Certified Professional Electrologist) key terms

A method of permanent hair removal that uses an electric current to destroy the hair follicle's growth center. It encompasses three modalities: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend.

A modality that passes direct current through a needle to the follicle, producing sodium hydroxide (lye) at the negative pole, which chemically destroys the follicle cells.

A modality that applies high-frequency alternating current to the follicle via a needle, generating heat that coagulates and destroys the follicle tissue.

A modality combining galvanic and thermolysis currents simultaneously; the heat from thermolysis accelerates the chemical action of galvanic lye, increasing effectiveness for difficult hairs.

Sodium hydroxide produced at the negative electrode during galvanic electrolysis; it is caustic and destroys the hair follicle's germinative cells.

A tube-like invagination of the epidermis extending into the dermis, from which a hair grows. It contains the hair bulb, papilla, and associated glands and muscles.

The swollen, rounded base of the hair root that sits in the follicle and contains the matrix cells that produce the hair shaft.

A small cone of connective tissue and blood vessels at the base of the hair follicle that supplies nutrients to the hair bulb and is essential for hair growth.

The active growth phase of the hair cycle, during which the hair shaft is produced and the follicle is most susceptible to electrolysis treatment.

The transitional phase of the hair cycle between active growth and rest, when the hair stops growing and the follicle begins to shrink.

The resting phase of the hair cycle, during which the hair is retained in the follicle but no longer grows, and is eventually shed.

The repeating sequence of anagen, catagen, and telogen phases through which each hair follicle passes, determining when a hair is most effectively treated.

Fine, short, lightly pigmented hair that covers most of the body and is usually not treated with electrolysis unless it has become coarse.

Long, coarse, pigmented hair that is the primary target of electrolysis; it develops from vellus hair under hormonal influence in certain body areas.

Excessive growth of terminal hair in women in a male-like pattern, often caused by hormonal imbalance and requiring medical evaluation before electrolysis.

A condition or circumstance that makes electrolysis inadvisable or unsafe for a client, such as active infection, pacemaker, or pregnancy in some cases.

A client's voluntary agreement to treatment after being informed of its nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives, documented before beginning electrolysis.

A pre-treatment interview and assessment to gather medical history, skin and hair evaluation, and treatment goals, ensuring safe and appropriate care.

A customized schedule and approach for electrolysis based on consultation findings, including modality selection, frequency, and expected outcomes.

The process of choosing galvanic, thermolysis, or blend current based on hair type, skin sensitivity, and treatment area to optimize results and comfort.

Practices that prevent the spread of pathogens in the electrolysis setting, including hand hygiene, barrier protection, and proper handling of contaminated items.

The process of reducing the number of microorganisms on surfaces and tools to a safe level, typically using EPA-registered disinfectants.

The complete destruction of all microbial life, including spores, on reusable instruments, usually achieved by autoclave or dry heat.

A device that uses high-pressure steam to sterilize reusable electrolysis instruments, such as forceps and needle holders.

The use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate surfaces, but not necessarily spores.

Infection control guidelines treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, requiring gloves and other barriers for every client.

Items such as gloves, masks, and eye protection worn by the electrologist to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens and chemicals.

The removal of hair from the root, as in electrolysis, as opposed to depilation, which removes hair only at the skin surface.

Hair removal that does not remove the root, such as shaving or chemical depilatories, providing temporary results only.

A fine, sterile needle inserted into the hair follicle during electrolysis to deliver current; also called a needle or filament.

The handpiece component that secures the probe and connects it to the epilator, allowing controlled insertion into the follicle.

The electrical device that generates and controls the current used in electrolysis, with settings for intensity and timing.

The legally defined boundaries of an electrologist's professional activities, including permitted treatments and prohibited medical procedures.

Moral principles guiding an electrologist's conduct, including honesty, confidentiality, informed consent, and practicing within one's competence.

Adherence to laws, licensing requirements, and health department rules governing electrolysis practice, including sanitation and record-keeping.

Alternating current used in thermolysis to generate heat within the hair follicle, destroying tissue through coagulation.

A unidirectional electrical current used in galvanic electrolysis to produce a chemical reaction (lye) at the negative electrode.