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Hair removal dictionary #1

Hair follicle

It is the cellular structure located at the level of the dermis, in which a hair originates. It consists of the hair

(the only visible part), its sheaths, a sebaceous gland (to hydrate) and an erector muscle (which allows the hairs

to bristle).

Clear. It is the vase in which the hair grows.

Bulb

It is the base of the hair shaft, slightly wider and directly connected to the hair follicle. It is soft and generally

white (we see it when the hair is pulled out). It is in the bulb, at the level of the matrix, that keratinization takes place

=the assembly of keratin cells that make up the hair.

Clear. This is the root of the hair.

Down

It is the finest type of hair and since it is low in melanin, it is almost invisible. It is found, for example,

on the face. The thickest hairs are the intermediate (forearms and legs) or terminal (pubis and armpits).

Clear. It is a very fine and almost transparent hair.

Folliculitis

It is an inflammation of the hair follicle. The causes are multiple:irritation, bacterial infection, hair too fine for

piercing the epidermis (=ingrown), reaction to a chemical product, to UV... Folliculitis ranges from simple redness to a boil.

We watch and, if we are in pain, we go to see the doctor. Above all, we don't touch (no!) and we don't try to force the hair

out (otherwise there is a risk of scarring and infection, or even an abscess).

Clear. Ingrown hair, redness, pimple... When the hair goes bad, it's folliculitis.

Thanks to Véronique Planchon, director of training for Laurence Dumont.