Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: What’s the Difference?

Permanent hair removal is a dream come true for people who have spent years shaving, waxing, plucking, and trimming unwanted hair every few weeks. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are innovative cosmetic treatments that provide just that: long-term and, in many cases, permanent hair reduction.

This article compares laser hair removal against electrolysis, explaining both procedures and their effects.

Electrolysis Overview

Electrolysis involves the use of an epilator that penetrates the skin with a fine needle, aiming for the hair follicle. The pen-like device is connected to a machine that sends an electric current through the needle to the hair root, destroying the follicle and stumping future hair growth.

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved treatment for permanent hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Overview

Laser hair removal uses intense light pulses to heat and destroy hair follicles. The light targets melanin in the hair, bypassing the skin. Patients need to have a clear contrast between hair and skin color so the laser can recognize the targeted pigment.

Laser hair removal is FDA-approved for permanent hair reduction.

Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

Laser and electrolysis effectively reduce hair, but each method has its advantages and disadvantages that will determine if it’s the right option for you. The following table sums up the treatments’ main points.

Treatable Areas

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is safe on all body areas, including the face and around the eyes. Common treatment areas include:

• Face – upper lip, chin, eyebrows, ingrown eyelashes
• Underarms
• Bikini line
• Fingers and toes
• Breasts
• Abdomen

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is safe on all body areas except around the eyes. Common treatment areas include:

• Face – upper lip, chin, eyebrows
• Underarms
• Bikini line
• Legs
• Back
• Shoulders

Note: Learn more about laser hair removal treatment areas.

Does Hair/Skin Type Matter?

Electrolysis

Electrolysis effectively removes hair in patients with any hair color and skin type.

Laser Hair Removal

Ideal candidates for laser hair removal have dark hair and a lighter skin tone. The treatment isn’t effective for light, fine hair, and the results vary in patients with darker skin tones.

Note: Read our article to learn more on laser hair removal for blonde hair.

How to Prepare for the Treatments?

Electrolysis

Follow these instructions before the treatment to ensure the best results:

• Don’t wax or tweeze hairs several weeks before the treatment.
• Shave the treatment area two days before the procedure.
• Avoid alcohol and coffee 24h before the procedure.
• You can exfoliate before electrolysis to help open the hair follicles.
• You can take a pain reliever an hour before the procedure, as advised by your medical provider.

Laser Hair Removal

Follow these tips before your laser hair removal session:

• Avoid tanning and self-tanning solutions for 2 weeks.
• Don’t wax or pluck hairs for several weeks.
• Shave the treatment area two days before the procedure.
• Avoid blood thinners and other medication that increase skin sensitivity.
• Don’t drink alcohol and coffee 24h before the procedure.
• Wait at least two weeks after Botox and dermal fillers to remove your hair with a laser.

Note: Find out how to prepare for laser hair removal.

The Procedures

Electrolysis

Your chosen medical provider cleans your skin, inserts the probing needle into a hair follicle, and removes the loosened hair. The provider repeats the process for each hair follicle. The whole procedure takes between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.

You may feel an unpleasant hot or stinging sensation every time the needle is inserted because a low-level electric current runs through the needle to destroy the hair follicle.

After the treatment, you can resume your daily activities.

Laser Hair Removal

Your chosen medical provider cleans your skin and applies a numbing cream if necessary. You will wear protective goggles during the session. The laser blast treats several hair follicles at once, which makes the process faster than electrolysis. Depending on the treatment area size, the procedure can last between a few minutes and an hour.

Patients typically don’t feel pain during the treatment. You may feel a mild prickling sensation.

You can resume your regular activities after the treatment.

The Results

Electrolysis

Since hair grows in cycles, patients need to undergo multiple treatments to target all hairs in the proper growth stage. The sessions are spaced one or two weeks apart, and typically run for up to 18 months.

You will notice less hair in the treatment area after a few sessions, which will make each following session shorter. The hairs are permanently destroyed after the final session, and no maintenance treatments are required.

Laser Hair Removal

The first laser hair removal session reduces hair by up to 25%, and the treated hairs start falling out a few weeks after the treatment. You will need six to eight treatments to reduce hair growth and annual maintenance treatments to target the hairs that return. The hair that grows back is finer and lighter.

The FDA doesn’t recognize laser as a permanent hair removal method but as an effective hair reduction treatment. However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association claims that “laser hair removal is permanent on most body areas, except for the face in women, due to hormones.”

Risks and Side Effects

Electrolysis

Electrolysis has been in use in medicine for over 100 years. It is FDA-approved and considered safe for most healthy adults, when performed by trained and licensed cosmetic professionals. Common side effects include redness and swelling that typically subside within several hours.

Rare complications include infection and scarring due to unsterile equipment and the provider’s inexperience. You are also at risk of complications if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, take blood thinners, or have a history of keloid scarring.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is FDA-approved and safe for most healthy adults. Pregnant women are advised to postpone the treatment until after giving birth.

Note: Refer to our article to learn about laser hair removal during pregnancy.

The usual side effects of the treatment are mild, short-lived, and include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discomfort

Rare side effects include:

• Skin discoloration
• Dark spots
• Burning
• Blistering
• Scarring
• Excessive hair growth

Aftercare

Electrolysis

Following these aftercare instructions will ensure effective results:

• Avoid strenuous exercise and sweating for 48 hours.
• Avoid the sun and tanning beds for several days.
• Use sunscreen (SPF 30+) when you leave the house.
• Use gentle skincare products.
• Avoid the swimming pool and sauna for several days.
• Apply ice packs to alleviate swelling and discomfort.

Laser Hair Removal

For best results, follow these laser hair removal aftercare tips:

• Avoid tanning for several days.
• Always apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) when you leave the house.
• Wash your skin with lukewarm water.
• Use only gentle skincare products.
• Avoid activities that cause sweating.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications.
• Apply ice packs on the treated area to minimize swelling.

Cost

Electrolysis

Electrolysis cost varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the provider’s experience. The average price is between $30 and $100 per session.

Laser Hair Removal

Our skin experts at Vibrant Skin Bar provide laser hair removal treatments at different prices, depending on the size of the treatment area.

The treatment of small areas (e.g., armpits) costs $150.

The treatment of medium areas (e.g., bikini line) costs $250.

Large areas such as the back or legs cost $350.

Contact us to schedule a consultation and create the best treatment plan for your needs!

Which One Is Better for Hair Removal: Laser or Electrolysis?

Laser hair removal and electrolysis both provide impressive results. Each has certain advantages over the other, which can help you decide.

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment that requires no maintenance treatments. It can address any hair color and skin type, which makes it a suitable option for people with blonde, white, gray, or red hair.

It also carries fewer risks than laser hair removal.

Laser is quicker than electrolysis because it targets several hair follicles at once, and it is less painful. It eventually achieves permanent results in most cases, or the hair becomes so fine and sparse that the treatments become unnecessary. The laser also improves skin tone and texture because it stimulates collagen production.

However, it requires a clear contrast between hair and skin color and is ineffective in people with fair hair.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal and electrolysis are replacing traditional hair removal methods such as shaving and waxing because they provide long-lasting results. The laser also helps smooth and rejuvenate the skin, and it is currently the most popular hair reduction treatment.

Consult a trusted skin professional in your area about your options and the best treatment plan to permanently remove unwanted hair once and for all.