When looking into a more permanent form of hair removal, the main choice will be between electrolysis and laser hair removal.
Each type of treatment has its pros and cons. This article will give you a clear picture of the different procedures, the possible results, potential side effects and what you can expect in terms of cost and length of time for each.
The Difference between Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis
Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis TreatmentsOverviewProfessional or HomeProceduresElectrolysisLaser treatmentWhat is Meant by Permanent Hair Removal/Reduction?A Word of CautionResultsElectrolysisLaser Treatments
Possible Side Effects ElectrolysisLaser TreatmentLikely CostElectrolysisLaser Treatment Conclusion Resources
Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis Treatments
Overview
Electrolysis is currently the only form of permanent hair removal approved by the FDA. Laser hair removal is currently approved as a form of semi-permanent to permanent hair reduction.
Professional or Home
Both treatments can be done by a certified practitioner or via the use of an at-home machine. We don’t however advise the use of at-home electrolysis machines and only advise using laser hair removal devices at home if they are FDA-approved.
See our article "The truth about permanent hair removal at home" here
At-home procedures are cheaper but likely to be less effective than professional treatments.
Procedures
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is performed by inserting a hair-thin needle or probe into a hair follicle and then applying an electric current to the follicle to destroy it. The procedure works on a hair-by-hair basis.
Electrolysis is an invasive procedure and can be painful, most likely on the level of continuous plucking or stinging. Topical anaesthetic cream can be applied before treatment to reduce the pain.
Electrolysis can be performed on any type of hair or skin colour combinations.
Laser treatment
The laser technique uses Selective Photothermolysis (SPTL) to target dark matter within the hair follicle (the melanin). The pulses of laser light aim to damage the hair follicle enough to stop the hair from growing back.
The procedure works on the localized area where you would like hair to be removed, attacking multiple hairs at a time. As the laser is aimed towards dark matter, this treatment does not work well on lighter hairs.
Whilst it is non-invasive, laser therapy can also be painful, often compared to the feeling of snapping an elastic band against the skin with heat. Topical anaesthetic cream can also be applied before treatment.
What is Meant by Permanent Hair Removal/Reduction?
Before proceeding with either of these treatments it is important to understand what “permanent” hair removal and hair reduction really mean. While both procedures aim to destroy the hair follicle and reduce the risk of the hair growing back again, it is only possible to destroy a hair permanently during the anagen (growing) phase of its life cycle.
As it is impossible to know which stage each hair is at during the treatment, it will always be necessary to have repeat sessions on the same area to catch all hairs during their anagen phase.
A Word of Caution
It is also important to be aware that while it is possible to achieve permanent, or at least semi-permanent, results, the hair may come back at some point in time. Examples may be if your body goes through hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, or even certain illnesses.
Possible Side Effects
While with both procedures it is normal to experience some slight redness and swelling immediately after the treatment, this should subside within a couple of hours. If the treatments are not carried out correctly by a certified professional the risk of having one or more of the side effects below is significantly heightened.
If any of the side effects appear post-treatment (apart from a slight redness and swelling) consult a doctor and do not undergo any further treatments until your skin has cleared up and/or you have the go ahead from your doctor.
Conclusion
While electrolysis is currently the only form of permanent hair removal approved by the FDA, it is possible to obtain semi-permanent to permanent hair reduction with laser hair removal treatments.
Electrolysis is invasive and time consuming and not ideal for larger areas of the body, which can easily be handled by laser treatments.
While laser treatments do not work well on light hairs, electrolysis does.
Both treatments come with a list of possible side effects and risks, but if the treatments are undertaken by a certified professional in a professional setting, these risks are minimized.
The expense of the treatments, or a combination of the treatments, may seem a little high at first glance, but the end result may be well worth it in the long run.
