If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to removing body or facial hair, you’ve probably come across two well-known options: electrolysis vs laser hair removal.
While both treatments promise long-lasting results, they work quite differently and aren’t suitable for everyone.
For those exploring these methods, it’s common to have questions, and our FAQ about laser hair removal can help clarify what to expect.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light that target the melanin (pigment) or hemoglobin (blood supply) in your hair follicles. The light energy converts to heat, which damages the stem cells in follicles and prevents future hair growth in that hair cycle. Treatment sessions are quick, with larger areas like full legs taking about 45-60 minutes, while smaller areas like the upper lip or underarms only take a few seconds. An average of 6-12 sessions is required, depending on the amount of hair and the area of the body being treated.
How Electrolysis Works
Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny probe into individual hair follicles. A small amount of electrical current destroys each follicle’s ability to grow new hair. Unlike laser treatment, electrolysis targets one hair at a time, making it much more time-intensive but also more precise. Just like with laser, an average of 6-12 sessions is required to treat all the hair cycles.
The Time Factor
The time commitment between these methods varies significantly and is the biggest difference when choosing which treatment is right for you. For laser hair removal each session can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. A full body can be treated within 4-5 hours maximum.
Electrolysis, on the other hand, requires a much longer time commitment per session. Each session about 60 minutes, but that’s just for a small area. Only a few inches can be treated in about an hour. This extended timeline is due to the methodical, one hair-by-one hair at a time approach that electrolysis requires. Each individual hair can take a couple of seconds to remove.
Who’s an Ideal Candidate?
Laser hair removal is particularly effective for those wanting to treat large areas. Traditionally, laser worked best on light skin and dark hair, but people with dark skin as well as blondes can now safely and effectively get laser hair removal. It cannot be effective for light peach fuzz, white, grey or light red hair unfortunately. Laser also cannot be performed over a tattoo. It can work very effectively, can be permanent if done correctly and sessions are fairly quick.
Electrolysis shines in situations where laser treatment falls short. It’s the perfect solution for those with light, white, or gray hair, as well as red or light blonde hair that laser treatments can’t effectively target. It works on any skin tone and can safely treat areas with tattoos.
How to decide between Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal
The choice between these treatments often depends on your specific situation. Laser can work great for most hair colors and all skin colors.
Electrolysis is your best bet if you have light, gray, or red hair, need to treat areas with tattoos, or require precise hair removal in small areas.
The Hybrid Approach
Some people find success combining both treatments. For instance, you might use laser hair removal for larger areas with dark hair, then turn to electrolysis for touching up resistant hairs or treating small areas with lighter or grey hair. This approach can provide the best of both worlds, maximizing efficiency while ensuring complete results.
Most importantly, choose a licensed and experienced technician for any aesthetic treatments. The skill of your technician as well as quality of equipment plays a crucial role in the safety and effectiveness of both treatments. Don’t hesitate to ask about their qualifications, experience, and to see before-and-after photos of their work, or ask for a small test spot to try out their treatments.
