If you’ve tried shaving, waxing, tweezing, and depilatories but still have unwanted hair, you may have wondered whether electrolysis or laser hair removal is right for you.
Both are effective at removing unwanted hair permanently but the process for each differs. Let’s compare the two to help you choose the best option for you!
Cost
Laser hair removal is typically faster and less painful than electrolysis. It also costs significantly less on a per session basis, making it much more cost-effective than electrolysis in the long run.
However, the number of sessions required to achieve desired results varies from person to person. Generally speaking, you can expect to receive four to eight laser treatments.
Both procedures work on hair follicles in their anagen phase (which is when new hair growth occurs), which means you’ll need to return for follow-up appointments.
Both Laser Hair Removal Vs Electrolysis are clean for your skin, meaning they don’t use topical harmful chemicals. However, the difference between electrolysis and laser is that lasers are more accurate in their approach and target multiple follicles at once.
Pain
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are both FDA-approved treatments that can remove unwanted hair from the body and face. But which method is right for you depends on your skin tone and how permanent of a result you’re looking for.
During an electrolysis session, a trained electrologist inserts a wire or needle (called a probe) into an individual hair follicle. This causes the follicle to be damaged enough that it can’t produce hair in the future.
Many people find the procedure painful, although a numbing cream can be applied for more comfort. The provider may also apply ice to the treatment area afterward.
Redness, swelling and scabs are normal after treatment and will dissipate in a few days. Scabs can cause infection if they don’t heal properly. In addition, ingrown hairs are common after treatment. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to pause the treatment until you can see your doctor.
Time
Trying to deal with unwanted facial, arm pit, bikini, or leg hair can feel like a never-ending battle. Thankfully, there are several ways to get rid of it, from waxing and shaving to electrolysis and laser hair removal.
For starters, electrolysis involves a trained electrologist inserting a probe into each individual hair follicle to send an electric current that damages the hair so it cannot grow again.
It also carries fewer risks and side effects than other hair removal methods. However, it is more costly in the long run because it must be spread out over a larger number of treatments.
On the other hand, laser hair removal is a faster, less invasive option that can be done anywhere on your body. It also covers large areas quickly, such as the back, chest, arms, or legs.
Side Effects
Laser hair removal is the most popular form of permanent hair removal. It works to disable the base of each hair follicle using a pulse of light that damages melanin (the pigment that makes hair black) so that it cannot grow anymore.
Electrolysis is an older procedure that involves inserting a slender needle into each hair follicle and running a low-level electrical current through it to destroy the hair and stop new growth. It also causes pain during treatment, and you may experience heat sensations.
Many people find the process to be less painful than laser hair removal because the pulses last only for a millisecond and feel like a simple poke with a pencil. However, some patients report a stinging sensation and it’s important to speak with your provider about how you can manage the pain.
Both treatments have varying side effects, depending on your skin type, the location of your treatments and the provider you receive them from. Some common side effects include itching, pink skin, redness, swelling, a change in skin pigment, some pain and flares of acne or infection.
