In seeking a permanent/ long-lasting hair removal solution, laser and electrolysis hair removal treatments come to mind. Both laser and electrolysis hair removal treatments target and damage the hair follicles. That’s why they have long-lasting/ permanent results.
But both hair removal options aren’t the same. They differ in method and results. That’s why the debate, ‘Laser hair removal vs electrolysis’ comes up often.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast both hair removal methods by discussing how they work, their side effects, cost, and aftercare. We’ll also discuss their differences.
This will help you decide which will work best for you considering the results you want, and the sacrifice you may be willing to take to get what you want.
How does laser hair removal work?
Similar to laser tattoo removal, during laser hair removal treatment, the laser emits light. This light is absorbed by the hair pigment (melanin), then converted to heat energy.
It is this heat energy that damages/ seriously injures the hair follicles, inhibiting the growth of new hair.
How does Electrolysis Hair Removal Work?
During electrolysis hair removal treatment, an epilator is inserted into the skin.
This epilator shoots shortwave radio frequencies into the hair follicles causing the follicles to get damaged. Grown hair falls off after the hair follicles have been damaged, making it easy for the aesthetician to pluck them off with tweezers.
You need to understand that our hair follicles are responsible for the production of new hair. That’s why the growth of new hair is affected when the hair follicles are damaged.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
- Shave
Shave the area of the skin to be lasered at least 24 hours before treatment.
This helps with 2 things:
– Removes the grown hair so the laser can easily target the hair follicles and achieve remarkable results faster.
– Prevents your hair and skin from getting singed during the laser treatment.
- Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of, at least, 30.
- Stay far away from UV tanning beds for 14 days before your laser treatment.
- Topical products which cause photosensitivity should be avoided. Photosensitivity could cause the skin to remain sore for a longer time than it should have.
- Before treatment, inform your dermatologist of any ailments, or medications you’re taking during consultation.
How to Prepare for Electrolysis Hair Removal
You prepare for electrolysis hair removal about the same way you’d prepare for laser hair removal treatment. But with electrolysis, exfoliating before your hair removal treatment is very important.
Exfoliating removes the dead skin and sebum that clogs your hair follicles and make inserting the epilator difficult.
You don’t want to lose valuable time exfoliating instead of removing your unwanted hair when you go to the clinic for your hair removal treatment.
Laser and Electrolysis Hair Removal After Care
- Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes over the treated area. The treated area needs to breathe. Wearing tight-fitting clothes can cause irritation and scars.
- Skip vigorous exercise for a while. Engaging in vigorous exercise and wearing tight clothes are known to lead to folliculitis– an infection and inflammation of one or more hair follicles.
- Protect the treated area by avoiding the sun for at least 2 – 3 days after treatment. Use sunscreen too.
- Don’t apply chemical-based skin products such as creams, makeups, lotions or anything not recommended by your dermatologist, for at least 24 hours after your treatment.
- You’ll be tempted to rub, touch and even scratch the treated area because of curiosity or the tingling sensation you’ll get from there. Don’t! You can infect your skin by doing any of these.
- Eat healthily and drink lots of water! Eating healthy will help your skin heal faster and better. Not sure of what to eat? We already covered that for you in this article.
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal Treatment
- Redness of the treated area
- Hyper/hypo pigmentation
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Irritation
Side Effects of Electrolysis Hair Removal Treatment
- Ingrown hair (this has to be the most annoying for me. *Sighs*)
- Redness of the treated area
- Hyper/hypo pigmentation
- Cracked/ dry skin
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Irritation
The side effects of both laser and electrolysis hair removal treatment can be managed by following the after-care tips we earlier shared and using the skincare products your dermatologist will recommend or give you.
You shouldn’t be worried about the side effects you may experience, except they don’t get better.
Laser Hair Removal vs Electrolysis Hair Removal: Cost
The cost of both hair removal treatments is determined by the number of sessions needed, the size of the area to the treated, and the clinic. In other words, there’s no uniform rate for laser or electrolysis hair removal treatment.
But usually, electrolysis hair removal sessions cost less than laser hair removal sessions.
However, Canada Med Laser helps us understand that you need more electrolysis sessions than laser sessions to achieve your desired result. So, in the long run, electrolysis hair removal sessions could cost more than laser hair removal.
Differences Between Laser and Electrolysis Hair Removal
- Laser hair removal works best on fair/ light-skinned people with dark hair. While electrolysis isn’t selective of the hair colour it removes.
- During laser hair removal, the hair follicles are targeted via melanin. But during electrolysis, the hair follicles are targeted directly.
- During electrolysis treatment, the hair follicles are targeted one at a time, unlike laser hair removal treatment that targets multiple hair follicles at the same time. That’s why the latter is faster than the former.
- Laser hair removal is long-lasting, while electrolysis is permanent. This is because laser hair removal slows down the growth of new hair, while electrolysis stops it completely.
- You’d require touch-ups periodically, say twice a year, to maintain the results gotten after laser hair removal treatment. But with electrolysis, you won’t.
- Lasers use light energy, while electrolysis uses electrical currents.
Laser Hair Removal Vs Electrolysis Hair Removal: Which is Better?
In helping you decide which hair removal treatment is better, we will consider the following:
Cost:
Considering how many treatments each hair removal method requires, we can say laser hair removal often costs less than electrolysis. If you have a strict budget for your hair removal treatment, go for laser hair removal. But if you don’t mind the cost because of the result you’ll get, opt for electrolysis.
Time:
Electrolysis is more time consuming than laser hair removal. Hair follicles are probed one at a time during electrolysis treatment, but laser targets multiple hair follicles at a time.
Result:
Electrolysis hair removal treatment is permanent. Laser hair removal is long-lasting, but not permanent.
Skin and hair colour
Lasers work best when there’s a sharp contrast between the colour of your skin and hair. It works best for removing dark-coloured hair from light-skinned people. Electrolysis, on the other hand, works on all skin and hair colour types.
Area to be treated:
Electrolysis is recommended for treating small regions such as your upper lips, eyebrows, and underarms. Laser is better recommended for wider areas such as your arms and legs.
Read also: Eyebrow and Unibrow Laser Hair Removal
So, which is better for you? Laser or electrolysis?
Whichever choice you make, be sure to visit a professional for treatment.
Where is the Best Laser Hair Removal Clinic in Denver?
Ink Doubt offers the best laser hair removal services in Denver.
Our ultra-modern laser clinic is equipped with the latest laser technologies and operated by trained and certified laser technicians.
With us, you’re in safe hands.
We’re located at 3333 South Bannock St. Suite 645, Englewood CO. 80110.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
Read also: 5 Benefits of Laser Hair Removal