Professional terminology
What is the difference between a stuck paste and a broken hair? Why can hair on one calf grow in several directions? Our glossary connects the language of skin, hair growth and paste control to decisions you make at the treatment table.
- Epidermis, dermis and hypodermis
- The epidermis is the outer skin layer. Beneath it, the dermis contains connective tissue, vessels and hair follicles. The hypodermis is the subcutaneous tissue below the skin. Students learn where new epidermal cells form and how they move toward the surface.
- Anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen
- The hair follicle moves through growth, transition and rest. Exogen refers to shedding. A treatment area can contain hairs at different stages.
- Hair-growth mapping
- Observe the direction of individual hairs before molding paste. An underarm or the area around a knee can contain several growth directions.
- Molding, skin support and release
- Molding lays paste against the growth. The support hand holds skin taut. The working hand releases paste along the surface in the direction of growth.
- Firmness and blending
- Firmness describes how easily a paste deforms or holds its shape. A blend lets a practitioner adjust its working consistency to hand warmth, humidity and the body area.
- Ingrown hair
- A growing hair may remain trapped beneath the surface or curve back into the skin. A visible bump alone does not establish the cause.
- Keratosis pilaris
- Small, rough bumps form around follicles as keratin builds up. Learn to describe visible texture and recognize when to suggest a dermatology evaluation.
- Perspiration and hyperhidrosis
- Perspiration means sweating. Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for excessive sweating. A damp treatment area is an observation to document.
- Skin tone and sensitivity
- Visible skin color and a client’s tendency toward irritation are separate observations. Ask about previous reactions and assess the proposed area across all skin tones.
- Mechanical and chemical exfoliation
- Scrubs work by friction. Chemical exfoliants, such as products containing salicylic acid, act differently. Review the label, recent procedures and skin tolerance before recommending cosmetic home care.
Full online library · $149
Explore paste behavior, density selection, treatment zones, troubleshooting, preparation and aftercare. The reference material is designed for working and developing sugarists.
View online course · $149