There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet about which is the more permanent choice for hair removal. Electrolysis and laser are both effective, but you need to pick the right procedure for your hair and skin color. Both procedures are done in a series of treatments and there are no shortcuts. Here’s an overview of electrolysis vs. laser hair removal when you are considering your options.
Electrolysis is FDA approved for permanent hair removal and has been around since the early 1900’s. Not much has changed since then, except for the disposable probes and automated equipment. Electrolysis treats each hair individually and is time-consuming. A probe is inserted into the hair follicle and electrical current is used to kill the reproductive hair cell. If this is done with the right insertion, the right current and intensity, the hair will not grow back. Some hairs need to be treated more than one time, along with different hair growth cycles.
If you have been tweezing, waxing or threading, you will need to stop and clip the hairs. Three days of growth is needed to be able to see the hair to treat effectively and the treatment plan depends on how quickly you want results. For facial hair, appointmentsare usually every 2 weeks for 8-12 times, then decreasing as the hair goes away.
Electrolysis removes all hair colors and makes it the preferred choice for the face and brows. It is also used after a series of laser treatments to “finish the job” if the remaining hairs are light and laser is no longer working. Electrolysis is not recommended for large areas where there is dark hair: underarm, bikini, legs on women or back, chest for men.
Laser hair removal treats one large area at one time and there are 4-6 weeks in between appointments. Laser energy is pulled in to the hair follicle by the dark pigment in the hair, killing the reproductive hair cell. Laser does not work on red, gray, blonde or light fuzz. The darker the hair, the better it works and the hair usually sheds 2 weeks after each treatment. We recommend a treatment every 4-6 weeks on each body part and expect about 75% permanent reduction after 5 sessions (some areas you will get more!). Underarms can be treated in 20 minutes, bikini in 30 minutes, both legs in 90.
At Alternative Health Associates, we have state of the art Candela lasers that treat all skin tones. The Alexandrite is the preferred choice for light skin and the YAG is an excellent choice for dark skin tones, specifically African-Americans. We offer a free consultation for each of these services and are committed to making sure you make the best choice for reaching your hair removal goals.
Still wondering if electrolysis or laser hair removal is right for you? Give us a call today to learn more:703.683.5736.
FAQs
Laser therapy and electrolysis both produce longer-lasting effects compared to shaving. But electrolysis seems to work the best. The results are more permanent. Electrolysis also carries fewer risks and side effects, and you don't need the maintenance treatments required for laser hair removal.
What is better for hair removal, electrolysis or laser? ›
Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.
What is the downside of electrolysis? ›
Electrolysis Cons
It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful.
Why is electrolysis hair removal not popular? ›
Time-Consuming: Electrolysis is more time-consuming than laser hair removal, especially for larger areas. Discomfort: The process involves inserting a needle into each hair follicle, which can be uncomfortable and painful and requires a skilled technician.
Does electrolysis really remove hair permanently? ›
Yes. Unlike other hair removal methods that offer a temporary solution, Electrolysis is permanent and is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.
What is more painful, laser or electrolysis? ›
Experts will advise you to take a pain reliever one hour before the treatment and also to apply ice after the session. Electrolysis is experienced as more painful than laser hair removal procedures.
Should I get laser or electrolysis first? ›
Your choice may depend on how quickly you want to achieve short-term hair removal. If one has dark and light unwanted hair, for example, if one has dark and light hair they would like to remove on their chin, we could either first laser the dark hair and then opt for electrolysis to remove the light hair or vice versa.
Who should avoid electrolysis? ›
Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.
What is electrolysis weakness? ›
Weak Electrolytes are those compounds which partially dissociates into positive and negative ions when dissolved in water. These Electrolytes are partially dissolved in water. In solution or molten form, these electrolytes are partially ionized. Even at higher concentration, interionic interactions are weak.
What can go wrong with electrolysis? ›
Electrolysis is very safe. Very slight risks of infection (from an unsterile needle) or scarring exist if the electrolysis is not done correctly. These risks are very low if you choose a certified, professional electrolysis practice. You may have a slight reddening of the skin during or right after treatment.
Hormonal changes can affect hair regrowth after electrolysis hair removal. Hormones can stimulate hair growth, even in areas that have been treated with electrolysis. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can result in hair regrowth after electrolysis.
Should the hair be plucked during electrolysis? ›
Your electrologist's skill and your commitment are decisive factors to reach your goal of permanency in the shortest amount of time. Once you start Electrolysis refrain from plucking, waxing or threading. Any method that requires to pull the hair from the root will slow down your progress.
How many electrolysis sessions does it take to permanently remove hair? ›
The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. On average, it takes around 12 months to complete 8 to 12 electrolysis sessions. However, the duration may range from 8 months up to 2 years in certain cases.
What are the cons of electrolysis? ›
Drawbacks of Electrolysis
Multiple sessions are necessary, as each separate hair follicle naturally grows at different rates. Although both methods are safe and FDA-approved, side effects of electrolysis may include pain from the electric current, redness, swelling, scabbing, scarring or changes to skin color.
Is electrolysis cheaper than laser? ›
Costs. Electrolysis is cheaper on a per session basis, but because the number of treatments is greater, the costs tend to even out. While paying less per session may appeal to many, most laser treatment centers offer financing, so cost tends to be a non-factor.
Does tweezing ruin electrolysis? ›
Plucking, waxing, threading, or tweezing before your hair removal appointment reduces the number of hairs your electrologist can remove. Rest assured that electrology is the only hair removal method recognized as permanent by the FDA.
Should I get laser before electrolysis? ›
You do not want to have both electrolysis and laser done on the same area of your body at the same time; however, some people start their hair removal process with laser, wait a few months to see what growth remains, and finish the process with electrolysis.
Can hair grow back after electrolysis? ›
Because electrolysis destroys the hair follicle, hair can never grow back. It's effective for the greatest range of skin and hair types. Electrolysis is the only method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permanently removing unwanted hair.
What is the best permanent hair removal option? ›
Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove. There's no downtime.
