When men and women are considering their hair removal options, many compare electrolysis versus laser hair removal. There are many different types of hair removal available to consumers, but electrolysis and laser hair removal are the only two that can claim to provide permanent results, therefore have become one of the great debates in the hair removal world. So how do you decide which of these permanent methods is right for you? Before declaring a winner of the electrolysis vs laser hair removal debate, learn more about each before making your final decision.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal treatments have revolutionized the way we remove unwanted hair. Temporary hair removal methods may be quicker, easier and cheaper, but removing unwanted hair with permanent results simply cannot be beat. The laser hair removal treatment permanently reduces unwanted facial and body hair through the principle of selective photothermolysis.
The laser energy is passed over the treatment area where it effectively targets and treats actively growing hair follicles. The laser energy is attracted to the pigment within the hair follicles, the energy is absorbed by the follicle where it transforms into heat and that heat cauterizes the blood supply to the hair, rendering the follicle inactive. While this treatment is very effective, several evenly spaced sessions are necessary (individuals experience an average of 6 to 10) because hair can only be effectively treated when in the anagen or growth stage. Hair grows in three distinct stages and only a percentage of hair is in the growth phase at any given time.
While laser hair removal is the ideal hair removal method, there are some restrictions. Laser light is attracted to pigment and unfortunately not all hair colors contain enough pigment for treatment. Those with blonde, gray, white and red hair will have to seek other hair removal alternatives—this is where electrolysis can help.
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Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the first permanent method of hair removal to be introduced and is the only that can claim to be 100% permanent. The electrolysis treatment is performed using a tool called an epilator. An epilator is a needle-like device that, when inserted into a hair follicle, delivers an electrical current that cuts off the blood supply to the follicle and renders it inert.
While this treatment sounds easy enough, it is actually quite a process for each individual hair follicle in any given treatment area needs to be treated in order to get results. Small areas like the upper lip and chin can benefit greatly from electrolysis because there are not a lot of hair follicles in these areas, but treating larger areas like the legs or back can be very tedious because treating each individual hair follicle can take a long time. Areas such as the upper lip and chin can take about 10 to 15 minutes to treat, and larger areas like the full back can take up to two hours to complete.
Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis can treat any patient, regardless of skin tone or hair color. However, it can take much longer for patients to see effective results. Where 6 to 10 laser treatments is the norm, those undergoing electrolysis can undergo treatments for as long as two years. While this may seem long to some, the prospect of finally being hair free quickly outweighs the downsides. In addition, electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that can get 100% permanent hair removal.
So … electrolysis or laser hair removal? Depending on the body area you are having treated and the thickness and density of your hair, either of these permanent hair removal methods are capable of getting you the results you want.
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