Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

Main Difference

The main difference between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal is that electrolysis is the removal of hair that is lighter than the skin color of a person, whereas Laser Hair Removal is used to remove the brown or black hair.

Difference Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal

Comparison Chart

Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

Electrolysis is the technique in which electric current is used to remove hair permanently. Conversely, laser hair removal is referred to as a newer procedure in which lasers are used for permanent hair removal. Electrolysis was first used in 1875. Laser hair removal, on the flip side, was first used in the mid-1990s.

Electrolysis is considered effective for the removal of hair of all types, even for the blonde hair. On the other hand, laser hair removal is used to remove the hair that is darker than the skin color. In electrolysis, 15-30 treatments are generally needed in one month for permanent hair removal, whereas laser hair removal requires 5-8 treatments that are 4-8 weeks spaced apart for permanent hair reduction.

Each session of electrolysis requires 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the area of treatment. On the other side, each session of laser hair removal is completed between 15-90 minutes, depending on the area of treatment. People commonly feel a heat sensation and a brief pinch during electrolysis that only lasts for a short time. Conversely, with each light pulse during laser hair removal, a person can feel a heat sensation and a mild snap. In order to minimize this discomfort, the skin is cooled before and after each pulse through the chilled tip of the laser.

Electrolysis approximately requires $65-90 per session, while approximately $150-$200 are required for each session of laser hair removal. An increase in ingrown hairs, swelling, drying, and redness are suggested as the possible side effects of electrolysis. On the flip side, swelling, a change in skin pigment, some pain, flares of acne, itching, pink skin, redness, scab formation, and infection are the possible side effects of laser hair removal.

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is suggested as an extremely versatile process. It helps all the skin and hair types in the inhibition of new hair growth. It is the process that can be used at any part of the body, including the eyebrows. Shortwave radio frequencies are used in this process that is applied in hair follicles to stop the growth of new hair.

Electrical epilation is used by electrolysis to remove hair permanently. A practitioner slides a solid hair-thin metal probe into each follicle that delivers electricity directly to the hair follicle and causes localized damage to the areas that are involved in generating hairs. At the start, the power is set at the lowest setting, and then it is turned up until the level reaches at which the hair comes out easily.

The results of electrolysis involve permanent hair destruction. The reason behind it is the damaged hair follicles that are unable to grow new hairs. A person cannot get these results in just one session. This may be the case if one might having the process done on a large area of his body like back or an area of the body having thicker hair growth like the pubic region.

Electrolysis approximately requires $65-90 per session. For its best results, about 15-30 treatments are generally needed in one month. People commonly feel a heat sensation and a brief pinch during this process that only lasts for a short time. An increase in ingrown hairs, swelling, drying, and redness are suggested as its possible side effects.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is used to remove the brown or black hair. Therefore, this procedure is considered to work best on fair skin and dark hair. It is a newer procedure in which melanin is selectively targeted in the follicle, and then the light pulses are applied that cause localized damage to the hair follicle.

Mild radiations are used in the laser hair removal process through the high-heat lasers. Its purpose is to slow down the hair growth by damaging hair follicles significantly. Sometimes, hair regrowth may be experienced by its patients. In order to maintain the results of their early set of laser hair removal sessions, they should follow the occasional maintenance treatment. Even though it is believed that the effects of this procedure last longer than the home hair removal methods, as shaving, but this laser therapy fails in creating permanent results.

The analgesic ointment is applied by a dermatologist before starting the process to minimize pain. Approach the doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, if the pain is still experienced by a person. For this severe pain, the doctor will prescribe a steroid cream.

Approximately $150-$200 are required for each session of laser hair removal. It requires 5-8 treatments that are 4-8 weeks spaced apart for permanent hair reduction. With each light pulse during laser hair removal, a person can feel a heat sensation and a mild snap. In order to minimize this discomfort, the skin is cooled before and after each pulse through the chilled tip of the laser.

Swelling, a change in skin pigment, some pain, flares of acne, itching, pink skin, redness, scab formation, and infection are its possible side effects. By applying a cold compress or ice to the affected area, patients can relieve the common symptoms, like redness and swelling.

Conclusion

All of the above discussion summarizes that electrolysis is considered effective for the removal of hair of all types, even for the blonde hair by using electric current. On the flip side, laser hair removal is used to remove the hair that is darker than the skin color, i.e., the brown or black hair with the help of lasers.