Originally published on February 28,2017. Updated October 15, 2021
Looking to stop shaving or waxing? There are two great long-term hair removal options currently available: laser hair removal and electrolysis. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks.
In this post, we’ll compare laser hair removal vs electrolysis and explain why we prefer the former rather than the latter.
Laser hair removal is a permanent method of hair removal, although it will take several sessions to achieve the desired long-term results.
Laser treatments work by focusing high-heat lasers into hair follicles. The heat damages the follicle without disturbing the surrounding skin, making it difficult for hair to grow back.
Because lasers find their target by looking for contrast, laser hair removal has traditionally been most successful for those with dark hair and light skin. However, new breakthroughs in laser technology are making laser hair removal more accessible for all skin types including dark skin tones.
Laser treatments offer long-lasting hair removal nearly anywhere on the face or body. The relatively quick procedure requires little to no recovery time. Benefits include the following:
There are few cons to laser hair removal, but the procedure does have its drawbacks.
Side effects of laser hair removal may include redness, swelling, pigmentation or irritation at the treatment site. These side effects typically resolve themselves within a few hours and can be minimized by seeking treatment from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist.
Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that uses an electric current to destroy hair follicles. An electrolysis procedures starts with a small needle being inserted into an individual hair follicle. The needle delivers heat energy to terminate the follicle. The individual hair is then removed (plucked out) using tweezers.
Since the follicle is destroyed hair is not able to regrow. However, the process of electrolysis is relatively slow the treatment focuses on individual follicles which may require several treatment sessions to be fully destroyed.
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis can remove hair from anywhere on the face or body, and each works well on small or large areas. Electrolysis works similarly on all skin types, since hair follicles are selected and treated by hand.
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis require multiple treatments, as hair is only treated when it’s in the growth stage. 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.
Patients who undergo electrolysis can experience several negative side effects and complications including:
Laser hair removal treatments are superior to electrolysis in most cases. Laser treatments both safer and has a higher efficacy rate, which is the reason why it’s the only hair removal service we currently provide.
Treatment Duration
Laser hair removal sessions are much shorter in duration than electrolysis sessions. Electrolysis treats only one hair at a time, making it much more time consuming. Laser hair removal uses infrared light to target pigment in the hair follicles, converting the light into heat to cause follicular destruction. Unlike electrolysis which addresses one follicle at a time, laser hair removal treatments can quickly address large areas of the skin. The computer-guided system gently disables hundreds of hair follicles in less than one second. This dramatically shortens total treatment time while reducing discomfort for the patient.
Number of Sessions
Electrolysis sessions typically occur 2 weeks apart, and may require up to 30 treatments. Laser hair removal can be completed in just 4-8 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. While annual touch-ups are needed for laser hair removal, the procedure is much less time consuming than electrolysis.
Pain
Both procedures can be uncomfortable, but because electrolysis takes longer, you’ll experience this discomfort for a longer period of time.
Cost
Electrolysis costs less per session, but you’ll need far more sessions before seeing results. With electrolysis, treating large areas of the body can become very expensive. Laser hair removal can be more cost effective in the long run.
Results
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis offer long-lasting hair removal results. Which is best for you ultimately depends on your pain tolerance, patience, and availability for multiple sessions.
Lower Risk of Side Effects
Laser hair removal also has a dramatically lower risk than electrolysis of side effects like pigmentation and scarring. It’s a simple treatment that requires no “downtime” but produces an excellent result.
Regardless of the permanent hair removal treatment you choose, visiting a board-certified dermatologist will reduce your risk of side effects and increase the effectiveness of your results.
