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Abducent Nerve
The sixth cranial nerve; a small motor nerve supplying the external rectus muscle of the eye.
Abductor
A muscle that draws a part away from the median line. i.e.: spreads the fingers.
Abrasion
A scraping of the skin; excoriation.
Abscess
A circumscribed cavity containing pus.
Acacia Catechu
Thickening agent (gum arabic). A finely ground powder obtained from the heart wood of catechu, which is found native to East and West India and to tropical Africa.
Acetamide DEA
A conditioner that makes hair feel silky and soft.
Acetamide MEA
Humectant that adds moisture, eases combing and improves texture.
Acetaminophen
Antioxidant. Stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide to delay degredation by oxidation.
Acetone
Solvent. Liquid medium used to dissolve active ingredients and constituents.
Acetone
A colorless, flammable liquid, that can be mixed with water, alcohol and ether,and used as a solvent.
Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
Almost odorless, yellowish oil. Emollient with a velvety feel. Reduces the greasiness and tackiness of emulsions.
Achillea Millefolium
Yarrow extract. Contains sesquiterpenes, tannins and small quantities of flavinoids. Reduces inflammation of irritated skin and scalp.
Achromatic Colors
In color theory, one of two categories of color. Achromatic colors are black, white and gray, all other colors are called Chromatic colors.
Acid
A measurement of pH. 0 (most acidic) to 6.9 (least acidic).
Acid "Dye"
Class of substantive hair dyes.
Acid Mantle
An acid cloak, covering or envelope; usually refers to the natural acidic covering of the skin, scalp or hair.
Acid Rinse
A solution of water and lemon juice or vinegar, used to remove soap from the hair, increase shine and reduce tangles.
Acid-balanced
Products that have the same pH rating as skin and hair. (4.5 - 5.5)
Acidic
Having the properties of an acid compound. An aqueous solution having a pH less than 7.0.
Acidification
Process of lowering the pH level of a product into the acid range, below 7.0.
Acne
An eruption of the skin caused by irritation of the sebaceous glands. It usually appears on the face, chest, and back.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer
A copolymer consisting of acrylamide and sodium monomers. Used as a film-forming agent and thickening agent in hair and skin.
Acrylates/Acrylamide Copolymer
Anionic film-forming agent; hard, rather brittle polymer with a strong setting effect. Forms a clear, shiny film which is very moisture-resistant and has good curl retention properties.
Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
Copolymer which stabilizes active ingredients.
Activator
A substance used to start the action of hair coloring products.
Acute Disease
A short-term disease (such as the common cold).
Adductor
A muscle that draws a part toward the median line, i.e.: draws the fingers together.
Adipose Tissue
Fatty tissue beneath the epidermis and the corium. See: Subcutaneous tissue.
Adipose Tissue
Fatty, subcutaneous tissue.
Aerosol
Colloidal suspension of liquid or solid particles in a gas; container filled with liquified gas and dissolved or suspended ingredients which can be dispersed as a spray or aerosol.
Aesculus Hippocastanum
Horse chestnut extract. Contains starch, saponins, sugar, protein substances, tannins and others. Stimulates the circulation.
Afferent Neurons
See: Sensory Neurons.
Agave Rigida
Plant with spiny-margines leaves growing in Central America. Contains steroid saponins.
Aggressively Short
Haircutting term used in the American Crew Menswork Method which refers to hair cut very short so the scalp shows through the hair.
Agnail
Hangnail.
Alanine
A common amino acid, building blocks of hair keratin.
Albinism
A congenital failure of the skin to form melanin pigment.
Alcohol
Fermentation of starch, sugar, and other carbohydrates. Used to thin styling aids and improve product drying time. There are various types of alcohols used in products to achieve certain results, e.g. denatured alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, etc.
Alcohol Soluble Keratin
Keratin which dissolves in alcohol. It functions as a moisturizer and conditioner.
Algae
Extract of algae. Contains carbohydrates and amino acids, and is mildy antiseptic.
Alkali
Any base or hydroxide having these properties:
1. The power to neutralize acids.
2. Turn red litmus blue.
3. Have an acrid taste.
4. An aqueous solution that has a slippery feel.
Alkaline
A measurement of pH. 7.1 - 14. With 7.1 being least alkaline to 14 being most alkaline.
Alkaline
Having the properties of an alkali or caustic material; those aqueous solutions having a pH greater than 7.0.
Allantoin
Active ingredient occurring widely in animal and vegetable organisms, product of metabolism. Used in cosmetic products to protect against sunburn, acne, irritation, redness and inflammation.
Allergy
A disorder due to extreme sensitivity to certain substances (foods or chemicals).
Almond Bark
Emollient that softens, soothes and protects the hair.
Aloe Barbadensis
Extract of the aloe vera plant which is obtained from the leaves of aloe barbadensis miller. Used by primitive peoples to treat damaged and irritated skin because if its antiphlogistic properties. Also said to possess moisturizing and skin soothing properties. Contained in skin care and after-sun products and in perm lotions.
Aloe Vera
A succulent plant known for its emollient, moisturizing, conditioning and anti-irritant properties.
Aloe Vera Gel
The thick substance derived from the juice of the plant. It is usually concentrated, vacuum, freeze or spray-dried. The powdered ingredient is properly listed as Aloe. It is used as an emollient, moisturizer, conditioner and anti-irritant.
Aloe Vera Oil
The oil removed form the Aloe leaves. It is used for softening and smoothing.
Alopecia
Absence or loss of hair, especially of the head.
Alopecia Areata
Baldness in a patch, usually oval in shape.
Alopecia Prematura
Hair loss occurring before middle age.
Alopecia Senilis
Hair loss occurring in old age.
Alopecia Totalis
Total hair loss of the scalp and body, usually permanent.
Alopecia Universal
Loss of hair all over the body, not necessarily permanent.
Alpha Helix
Ths spiralling screw-like configuration or orientation of the protein molecules of hair keratin. Sometimes likened to a coiled spring in an unstretched position.
Alum (Salts of Aluminum)
Ingredient used in styptic to stop bleeding.
Alumina
Aluminum oxide. Used as an abrasive, opacifier and drying agent.
Aluminum Chlorohydrate
Water-soluble substance whose aqueous solutions have acid pH values. Aluminum Chlorohydrate has astringent, protein-precipitating and perspiration-reducing properties. One of the chief ingredients of antiperspirants.
Amino Acids
Organic substances that are the building blocks of the protein molecule.
Aminomethyl Propanol
An alcohol made from nitrogen compounds and is used to adjust pH.
Ammonia
A colorless gas with a pungent odor; very soluble in water. Used as a cleansing agent, also combined with hydrogen peroxide for use in lightening hair.
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Foaming and cleansing agent made from coconut oil.
Ammonium Thioglycolate
A chemical hair relaxer, similar in acid content to chemicals used in permanent waving and hair relaxing.
Amodimethicone
Compound that reacts with the amino acids in the hair to strengthen and condition.
Anabolism
The processes of building up a cell.
Anagen
The growth stage of hair development.
Anatomy
The study of the structure of the body.
Anchored
Haircutting term referring to either a clipper blade or comb anchored flat against a head shape.
Androgen
A substance producing or stimulating the development of male characteristics, such as a hormone testosterone.
Angiology
The science of the blood vessels and lymphatic systems.
Angle
Position in which the hair is held away from the head-form to create elevation in haircutting.
Anhidrosis
The inability of the body to regulate its temperature through perspiration.
Aniline Derivative
A substance refined from coal tar used in hair color tints.
Anterior
Anatomical term; in front of, frontal.
Anterior Auricular Arteries
Arteries located toward the front part of the ear.
Anti-perspirant
A strong astringent liquid or cream used to stop the flow of perspiration in the region of the armpits, hands or feet.
Antihumectant
A chemical that makes a barrier between the hair shaft and moisture in the air. Antihumectant styling products are used to help keep hair straight. Generally these type of products are not water based.
Antiseptic
Substance that halts or prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Apocrine Sweat Glands
Sweat glands in the ear canal, under the arms and in the genital region. They open into the hair follicle.
Aponeurosis
The connective tissue that joins two muscles.
Apricot Kernel Oil or Oil of Persic
Natural softener pressed from the apricot seed. The oil's high content of EFA's (essential fatty acids) accounts for it's well known skin care and healing properties.
Aqueous
Watery, pertaining to water.
Arachidonic Acid
Cleanser and conditioner derived from plant materials or animal liver.
Aromatase
An enzyme or complex of enzymes that promote the conversion of an androgen (such as testosterone) into estrogens (such as estradiol). Testosterone can aromatize to estrogen. Estrogen can aromatize to testosterone or DHT.
Arrector Pili Muscle
A small fan-shaped smooth muscle associated with the base of each hair that contracts when the body surface is chilled to erect the hairs, compress the oil gland above each muscle and produce the appearance of "goose bumps".
Aseptic
Free from pathogenic bacteria.
Assimilation
The transformation of food into living tissue. Vitamin assimilation is the ability of our body to absorb and use the vitamins we take into our bodies.
Asteatosis
Dry,scaly skin and/or hair that lacks luster resulting from underactivity of the sebaceous glands.
Astringent
A liquid or creme containing alcohol that is used on oily skin to close skin pores and help dry excessive sebum.
Athlete's Foot
Epidermophytosis, the technical term for a fungus based foot infection.
Atom
The smallest quantity of an element that can exist and still retain the chemical properties of the element.
Auburn
Hair color of reddish brown.
Auriculotemporal
A subdivision of the mandibular branch of the fifth cranial nerve involved in facial massage.
Autonomic Nervous System
The portion of the nervous system that controls a person's automatic functions, such as breathing, heartbeat, etc.
Avocado Oil
Product additive that helps bind moisture, increase elasticity and has some sunscreen properties.
Awapuhi
Natural moisturizer that comes from the Hawaiian Ginger plant. Helps replenish moisture and reduces flyaway hair.
Axon
The part of the neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body.
Azo Dyes
Synthetic dyes used in hair coloring products.
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