Electrolysis is not new. In fact, it’s been in used in one form or another for over 100 years. So when you hear about newer, high-tech hair removal solutions, you might assume that they will be a significant improvement over an old standby. But is this true? Let’s take a look at electrolysis vs laser hair removal treatments to help you decide which is right for you.
Laser hair removal works by the laser being attracted to melanin, the pigmentation that gives dark hair its color. Laser treatments don’t work where there is not adequate pigmentation – on blond, gray or fine hair. It usually doesn’t work on woman’s facial hair which is generally too fine.
Another interesting caveat is that it can’t safely be used on people with dark skin, either. The laser will be more attracted to their skin pigmentation than their hair. This not only won’t remove the hair, but can damage the surrounding skin.
So, for many people, the choice between laser treatments and electrolysis hair removal will be determined by their coloration. If you are a candidate for laser, read on. If not, you might want to skip ahead to the paragraphs on electrolysis.
Laser is often described as feeling like a rubber band snapping and is considered more comfortable than electrolysis. The darker your hair, the more discomfort you can expect to feel. Laser can cover larger areas at a time, but unfortunately permanent hair removal is not guaranteed. Some people have no hair grow back, but others have it all grow back! On average, expect about 30% to grow back. You can then repeat the treatments until you get the results you desire.
After a treatment, it will take about two weeks for the hair to fall out. You can speed up the process a little by exfoliating during this period.
Laser is comparatively expensive, running a few hundred dollars per treatment, depending on how large an area you are having treated.
Electrolysis removes hair one follicle at a time, so it more time consuming. It is also more uncomfortable. Each hair removed feels like a pin prick. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before a treatment is often recommended to ease the discomfort.
Electrolysis almost always permanently removes hair – it is the only hair removal procedure the FDA considers a permanent solution.
Electrolysis is quite a bit less expensive than laser, running about $50 per treatment. But since hairs are destroyed one by one, you can expect to have fewer hairs treated per appointment than with laser.
We’ve covered who is a good candidate for each hair removal process, cost, discomfort factors, and success rates. But I’m sure you still have personal questions about electrolysis versus laser hair removal. We recommend you do some groundwork. Find salons in your area that offer a free consultation, if possible. Sit down with an electrologist and/or a laser hair removal specialist and get all your questions personally answered before deciding which process is right for you.