Deciding which hair removal process will be most effective for you needs careful consideration. At Bayou City Dermatology, we take many elements into account to determine which procedure will bring the de-fuzzing results you desire.
The world of permanent hair removal can be complex. It seems that one moment laser hair removal is considered the ultimate way—and then boom! Electrolysis comes knocking on the door again…
The recent advances in the technology used in both processes have only exacerbated this.
So… It’s time to put the argument to bed once and for all.
Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal—the definitive guide
- Comparing how each process works
- Which is more painful? Electrolysis vs. laser hair removal
Comparing how each process works
Electrolysis works by passing an electric current to the hair follicle. A probe is inserted, and a carefully calculated charge is discharged. This damages the follicle to the extent that it becomes unable to grow another hair.
Laser treatment uses a different process. A tool that applies mild radiation is run across the areas of hairs to be treated. This converts to heat that’s absorbed along the shaft of each hair and slows down the growth cycle.
The following compares the practicalities of the two treatments:
- Electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method. Laser hair removal slows down hair growth, resulting in finer, lighter hairs over time.
- Electrolysis treats each hair individually—the laser process treats multiple hairs at a time.
- Electrolysis is suitable for any skin type, skin color, hair type, and hair color. Laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair.
- Both treatments usually require multiple sessions to achieve the full effect.
- Electrolysis is usually cheaper per session. However, because it has to target each hair, you’ll likely need more treatments. Because laser hair removal can be used for larger areas, it can often be a cheaper option over the longer term.
Which is more painful? Electrolysis vs. laser hair removal
OK, so let’s be straight up from the start—both processes are uncomfortable. Depending on your pain tolerance, you might say that this is negligible or you might find it downright painful.
Electrolysis can be likened to having a tattoo—it stings or prickles. Many people get around this by taking an over-the-counter painkiller an hour or so before treatment. Applying ice packs afterward can reduce any post-treatment discomfort.
Laser treatment is akin to having a rubber band snapped against your skin. If required, your practitioner can apply a numbing cream—although this should only be carried out with caution and by a clinical dermatologist because there have been reported side effects. Again, the preferred method of keeping the pain to a bearable level is with pre-treatment analgesia and post-treatment ice packs.
As to which is more uncomfortable, the sensation is different for each. However, the treatment is extremely popular, meaning you can rest assured that the millions of people who’ve undergone both methods of hair removal wouldn’t do so if the pain was too intense. If we had to define which hurts more, then laser hair removal does have a higher level of discomfort.
The key to reducing pain is to work with a highly experienced dermatologist who can a) explain which method will be best for you and b) advise the right pain-relieving methods to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Discover Your Best Permanent Hair Removal Solution at Bayou City Dermatology
As you can see, deciding which hair removal process will be most effective for you needs careful consideration. At Bayou City Dermatology, we take many elements into account to determine which procedure will bring the de-fuzzing results you desire.
In short, a true electrolysis vs. laser hair removal comparison can only be done in conjunction with your personal requirements—something that our expert clinicians bring to the table.
Discover more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/cosmetic/electrolysis and call us today to start your journey to beautifully smooth, hair-free skin.
FAQs
In contrast, electrolysis can cause discomfort and irritation, especially in sensitive areas. When it comes to achieving smooth, hair-free skin, laser hair removal reigns supreme over electrolysis.
Which is more effective, laser or electrolysis? ›
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.
Do celebrities get laser hair removal or electrolysis? ›
Rid of Body Hair? Actors, like many other celebrities, trade on their look. Unshaven legs can be catnip for paparazzi. Many rely on laser hair removal treatments— although this can be problematic, as laser hair removal is less effective on light hair for fairer-skinned people, or dark hair on darker-skinned people.
What laser hair removal do the Kardashians use? ›
The Kardashian-Approved Laser Treatments
Kim often does her treatments late at night and is believed to use at-home laser devices. Khloe and Kylie, on the other hand, visit Sev Laser for Candela GentleMax Pro treatments.
What is a downside to 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. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.
Why is electrolysis hair removal not popular? ›
Another major drawback of the electrolysis method is that it can't be done for a large body surface area, and it also sometimes leads to scar formation. Laser hair removal requires fewer sessions than electrolysis. Laser hair removal usually takes about 4 to 8 sessions for best results.
How much more painful is electrolysis than laser? ›
Electrolysis can be likened to having a tattoo—it stings or prickles. Many people get around this by taking an over-the-counter painkiller an hour or so before treatment. Applying ice packs afterward can reduce any post-treatment discomfort. Laser treatment is akin to having a rubber band snapped against your skin.
Does Kylie Jenner have laser hair removal? ›
Kylie, being the savvy businesswoman she is, has opted for the laser hair removal route like her older sister. However, unlike Kim, she's keeping mum about which areas of her body are now silky-smooth and hairless.
Does anyone regret laser hair removal? ›
Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
What is negative to laser hair removal? ›
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
With Kimberly being more than open about her regret of using laser hair removal to tidy up her hairline and zap away her baby hairs, you'd be forgiven if, like me, you assumed she woke up with a full and thick mane every day.
How do the Kardashians stay hairless? ›
There are two treatments that Kim Kardashian (the most famous Kardashian of the bunch) has admitted to getting: Botox and laser hair removal. That's right. We may not have access to everything Kim Kardashian does to achieve her look, but we certainly have access to laser hair removal.
Where do celebrities go for laser hair removal? ›
The Celebrity Laser Hair Removal Experience at SEV. It's no secret that SEV is one of the go-to laser hair removal places for celebrities from the East Coast to the West Coast. In 2010, Sevana Petrosian first opened her salon in Glendale, an LA suburb.
Who should avoid electrolysis? ›
Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.
Should I get laser or electrolysis? ›
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 happens if you stop electrolysis? ›
It is therefore very important that electrolysis is performed upon the detection of re-growth. Left untreated, hair will reconstitute itself to its original diameter and depth. Once a treatment program begins, it is important that appointments are kept to the predetermined schedule set at the beginning of your program.
How many electrolysis sessions does it take to permanently remove hair? ›
Generally speaking, you are likely to require between 8 and 12 treatments. The average time from start to finish is about 12 months. It can take anything from 8 months up to 2 years in some cases. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person.
Can hair grow back after electrolysis? ›
Some hairs will grow back after electrolysis. However, as you undergo more and more sessions, the number of hairs that grow back each time decreases. If the hair doesn't regrow after more than three months, it will never come back again.
Should I do 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.
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.
