What is a small remnant of hair left unepilated in a treated follicle called?

The term used to describe a small remnant of hair left unepilated in a treated follicle is known as "tombstone." This term is specific to the field of electrolysis and indicates that even after the hair has been treated and removed, there can be a small piece of the hair remaining in the follicle, much like a tombstone marking the spot where the hair once was. This can occur because sometimes the hair is not fully expelled from the follicle during the treatment process, leaving behind a fragment.

Understanding this concept is crucial for practitioners in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment and to recognize that sometimes additional treatment may be necessary to fully clear the follicle of any remaining hair. It also informs how practitioners monitor treated areas for signs of new hair growth, as remnants can impact the subsequent treatments.