Let’s just put it out there: we all suffer from some kind of unwanted hair growth in our bodies and face. When you think about the amount of time and money you’ve spent removing hair over your lifetime, permanent hair removal starts to compare pretty favorably in terms of cost and effort. Laser hair removal and electrolysis both produce long-lasting effects. Come along as we look at the similarities and differences between these two treatment options.
I’m talking about all those hours invested in daily shaving, weekly waxing, regular plucking, trimming and bleaching. And have you ever worried if you’re bikini-ready to that spontaneous beach trip? Or that impromptu one-night stand?
It’s a no-brainer that spending a few, quick half-hours of your time relaxing in our offices, getting hair painlessly and effectively removed, is a better route to follow. But then, you are faced with a crossroad on your path to smooth-kind-land: should I go for laser hair removal or make the turn for electrolysis?
Come along as we look at the similarities and differences between these two treatment options.
Meeting place
Electrolysis and laser hair removal are both effective permanent hair removal methods. Both procedures target the hair follicle, reduce or completely remove unwanted hair. Both of them are FDA approved as safe and effective.
How do they work?
Electrolysis is a cosmetic procedure for removing undesired hair. Its technology consists of a thin metal probe that delivers a low-level electrical pulse to each ready-to-go hair follicle and stops new hair growth. In contrast, Laser hair removal uses specific wavelengths of light. It targets the melanin in dark hair follicles in a specific area, not individual follicles.
The case for Electrolysis
It’s precise. Electrolysis is a great method to target hair follicles near sensitive finer areas, like the eyebrows and bikini lines, since it is very accurate.
It’s universal. According to the American Electrology Association, electrolysis is effective for people with any skin type, skin color, hair type, and hair color.
But it takes longer. On the downsize, electrolysis requires lengthy sessions (15 to 60 minutes) spaced one month apart (for roughly 12 to 30 sessions in total). Also, we wouldn’t exactly call it pleasant; most people experience a bit of discomfort, described as a stinging or pricking sensation.
The case for Laser hair removal
It’s fast. The best advantage of this method is the ability to address any area of the skin very quickly. A 10cm2 diode laser targets every hair shaft in a treatment field, in a fraction of a second. Some practitioners can even perform an entire back treatment in under five minutes.
It’s less painful. Many find laser hair removal more tolerable than electrolysis, comparing the pain of laser hair removal to a rubber band snapping.
But it’s not for everyone. The drawback is that the laser selectively targets the melanin in the hair. Therefore, it works best on contrasting hair and skin pigmentation, with dark brown or black hairs and not grey, red, or blonde hairs.
Let us at StudioMD help you!
The complexion is a critical factor in the success of the treatment. So it is important to get a consultation to discuss your composition, specific skin tone, and hair color. Also, seeing a certified professional helps you prevent possible complications and reduce side effects.
Our experience means we know the answers to any questions you may have, concerning both Electrolysis and Laser hair removal. And since we do it so often, you know you’re in trained, confident hands when you come in for that dreamy clean skin look.