Laser hair removal treats several hair follicles at once, so it is less painful than electrolysis; however, some patients still report feeling an unpleasant prickling sensation lasting several minutes during laser hair removal sessions.
Electrolysis involves using a needle to treat each unwanted hair follicle individually, taking multiple sessions to complete treatment.
Cost
Electrolysis tends to be more costly than laser hair removal due to the number of treatment sessions required; electrolysis uses one follicle at a time, while laser uses an advanced computer-guided system that turns off multiple strands simultaneously in fractions of seconds, significantly shortening treatment time while also decreasing patient discomfort during their appointments.
Electrolysis remains an affordable way of eliminating unwanted hair. Some prefer electrolysis over shaving, waxing, plucking, and threading as its results are long-term; however, multiple sessions may still be necessary for long-term success.
As your initial step in laser hair removal, the initial thing to consider should be the discomfort you can tolerate for optimal results. While many clients report laser hair removal is pain-free, others report feeling like rubber bands snapping against their skin for milliseconds - the best way to establish your pain threshold is by scheduling a free consultation with a laser technician in your area.
Electrolysis and laser hair removal carry potential side effects that can be avoided with proper aftercare after each session, including avoiding excessive exercise and sweating and applying sunscreen with an SPF 30 rating or more fabulous. Furthermore, pregnant women taking blood thinners or pacemakers should consult their physician before seeking these forms of hair removal treatment.
Laser hair removal is FDA-approved for most healthy adults; however, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid laser treatment as it could damage follicles. Laser hair removal risks are minimal if you qualify as an ideal candidate.
Electrolysis may cause scarring due to needle penetration through the skin to destroy each follicle, as well as burns or changes in pigmentation if performed by an inexperienced technician. Although such risks are rare, they should generally be avoided by hiring a reputable and experienced provider who performs the procedure on you.
Pain
Laser hair removal is a quick and accurate method for targeting the root of follicles so they cannot regrow while remaining safe for the skin around them. Some individuals may experience itching or redness immediately following laser treatment. However, this usually subsides within hours, making laser an excellent option for people with sensitive skin.
Electrolysis is an intensive and painful procedure. This technique uses ultra-thin needles inserted into each hair follicle, where electricity is sent to destroy them so they cannot regrow back. Electrolysis is regulated in some states, and only licensed practitioners can perform it. Unfortunately, electrolysis may lead to irritation, folliculitis, inflammation, and scarring on the skin due to unsterilized needles used during electrolysis procedures.
Although the pain varies depending on each individual, most agree it's unpleasant. People commonly describe it as feeling like a rubber band snapping against your skin or having pinpricking or stinging sensations against it. But you can make the process much more comfortable by applying topical anesthetic before appointments and taking painkillers before and following up after each one.
Both methods can effectively remove unwanted hair, with electrolysis often being more time-consuming and uncomfortable but offering permanent results than laser hair removal. Unfortunately, laser removal doesn't seem as precise or effective at removing unwanted strands, necessitating multiple follow-up sessions until similar effects are realized with both processes.
Electrolysis hasn't been approved as a permanent hair removal method by the FDA, but it remains an effective means to temporarily reduce unwanted body hair growth. While electrolysis involves some discomfort during sessions, most find it worthwhile to achieve reduced hair growth for good. Note, however, that laser hair removal cannot be used on all skin types or colors, and it would be wise to consult your dermatologist before choosing which method suits you best.
Time
If you're fed up with constantly having to shave or wax unwanted hair on your face and body, permanent hair removal could be the perfect solution. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are two popular options for addressing unwanted hair. Both methods offer different outcomes while both provide lasting solutions.
Electrolysis involves inserting a small needle into each of your hair follicles and sending an electric current through it, which zaps it and prevents future hair growth. Although electrolysis may be painful, its severity depends on which area of your body it's being performed on; those with sensitive skin may find relief using numbing cream beforehand for added comfort.
The treatment typically lasts anywhere from minutes to an hour, though it should take no more than an hour for optimal results. Before your appointment, it is wise to avoid tweezing or waxing in the area for several days prior and moisturize with soothing cream afterward. You may experience redness and inflammation following treatment, which should diminish within hours. Ice can be applied directly after that for the best results.
Electrolysis is generally considered a low-risk treatment; however, those prone to developing keloid scarring (large, raised scars) should consult their dermatologist before undertaking this treatment. To make an informed decision on this decision before proceeding, always seek professional advice first before starting electrolysis treatment.
Laser hair removal can often be swift and more straightforward than electrolysis because it only targets one hair follicle at a time. Results tend to come quicker, too, although individual needs will determine how many treatments are necessary to reach desired results.
Laser hair removal does have some drawbacks, one being that it cannot target all your follicles as it only targets active growth phase follicles. Therefore, regular laser treatments for approximately six weeks are needed until your hair grows back slower.
Electrolysis can effectively treat all hair follicles regardless of whether they're in active growth or dormant phase. It is an excellent solution for those with darker hair since laser treatments are ineffective against it.
Results
If shaving, waxing, and tweezing haven't done the trick against unwanted hair growth, permanent removal may be your answer. But there are so many methods that it can be overwhelming to select which plan best fits your skin type and hair texture.
Electrolysis is the gold standard in permanent hair removal. A skilled electrologist (usually a dermatologist) inserts a wire or needle into each unwanted follicle and damages them, with each session lasting two or three hours; multiple appointments will likely be necessary to treat all areas of your body effectively.
Laser hair removal can benefit people of all skin tones; however, its most efficient use lies among people with light or dark skin who possess dense, coarse hair. The laser's heat destroys hair follicles, so they no longer produce hair growth - but even if your hair or skin color differs significantly, laser treatment could still work to reduce hair growth for an overall more polished appearance.
Laser hair removal may not be permanent; touch-up sessions will likely be required over time to keep hair at bay. On the plus side, however, the laser is a faster and less painful solution for eliminating unwanted hair than electrolysis; hence why some prefer it.
Electrolysis hair removal can be slow and more costly than laser since trained electrologists must treat each hair follicle individually. Furthermore, it may not be convenient enough for larger areas.
But electrolysis is often the ideal solution for patients willing to be patient because it stops hair growth, while lasers may only slow it down and thin it gradually. Furthermore, any time you have used tweezers or wax on an area before visiting for electrolysis, it's essential to discontinue those practices before your appointment so bacteria does not get inside the hair follicle and cause an infection.
