“Get rid of unwanted hair fast through aesthetic procedures!” I know it’s tempting and you just want to go and give it a try. But wait. You should do your homework first and know your options better.
There are two non-invasive procedures that help in hair removal; laser and electrolysis techniques. Both are advanced skin clinic techniques. But you should know which one’s better for you, to get the desired results with no side effects.
Let’s dive in to know the difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis hair removal. So that you can decide which one’s best for you!
Laser and electrolysis are two popular hair removal treatments that slow down hair growth and even stop it permanently.
Laser hair removal treatment is practiced more as compared to electrolysis treatment. In fact, according to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, laser hair removal has risen by 30% from 2013.
But here’s the fact:
Laser hair removal treatment is not effective for all. Likewise, electrolysis treatment has also a few limitations. You have to choose one according to your preference and what your doctor suggests.
2 Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removalfewer hairs
Laser hair removal is not a one-session treatment. It requires various sessions to gradually reduce hair growth.
Your doctor will analyze your skin and hair type and growth of your hair to decide how many sessions you would need to notice the difference.
Laser hair removal is best for:
- Fair skin-toned people.
- Dark, thick hair rather than light and thin.
2.1 What to expect?
After your treatment, you’ll notice a significant decrease in hair growth. Also, the hair produced would be thinner than before.
But you shouldn’t expect permanent hair removal from the laser technique. The hairs regrow but the growth process is very slow as compared to home hair removal techniques.
2.2 Benefits
- You wouldn’t feel anything strange after the treatment. So, you can easily carry out your daily routine chores without any problems.
- It’s a versatile procedure. Laser hair removal can be done on any part of the body. Only the area around your eyes shouldn’t be exposed to the laser.
- The hair regrowth process is very slow and small, thin hairs appear rather than thick hairs.
2.3 Side effects
After the treatment, you’ll notice redness which is completely normal. It goes away with time. But if you notice other side effects then you should consult your doctor.
The side effects include:
- Blisters
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Hyperpigmentation
You can minimize the risks and side effects by consulting a professional and experienced dermatologist.
2.4 Aftercare
During the treatment, you’ll be given local anesthesia to minimize pain. After the treatment, your doctor might recommend pain killers if it hurts.
You also have to stay inside and minimize your sun exposure. It’s recommended to avoid the sun for six weeks.
Sun and heat can affect your sensitive skin as hair follicles have been damaged. So you have to take proper care between the sessions for the desired outcome.
3 Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis hair removalsmall needle-like epilators
You will require a number of sessions to see the results. But once hairs are removed, you won’t need more sessions.
3.1 What to expect?
During the procedure, epilators are inserted in the skin so might feel some pain.
Hairs permanently disappear because the hair follicles are damaged completely. Once a hair follicle is damaged, it can’t regrow the hair again.
3.2 Benefits
- Electrolysis gives you permanent hair removal.
- You don’t need much aftercare.
- It’s versatile. It can be done on any skin type and skin tone. Any type of hair (thick or thin) can be removed.
- Unlike laser treatment, It’s safe for eyebrows as well.
3.3 Side effects
Electrolysis comes with minimum side effects. You might feel redness on the treated area but it will go away on its own. Other side effects are rare. But if you feel anything strange then it’s better to consult your doctor.
3.4 Aftercare
You don’t need much aftercare as well. Electrolysis hair removal doesn’t restrict you. You can move around in the sun as well, of course, while wearing sunscreen.
4 Cost of laser and electrolysis hair removal treatments
Generally, the cost of Electrolysis Hair treatment is less than laser treatment. But Electrolysis requires many sessions as compared to the laser so it can be expensive overall.
5 The Bottom line
So what’s the best hair removal treatment amongst laser and electrolysis? Laser treatment can be done on large parts of the body at once, needs fewer sessions, but hairs aren’t removed permanently and aftercare is also required. Laser hair removal treatment also comes with side effects and risks. It’s only effective for light-toned skin with dark hairs.
Whereas, electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique. You won’t get any hairs again once they are removed. It also has very few side effects and needs little aftercare. It can be done on any skin type However, electrolysis hair removal treatment needs more sessions so it can get expensive.
So now you have the pros and cons of both techniques. You can decide the best for you after consulting a certified dermatologist from an advanced skin clinic.
