Laser Hair Removal Vs. Electrolysis – Which Is The Right Choice?

Removing unwanted hair is a matter of personal hygiene. Most of us focus on personal grooming, and eliminating unwanted hair is an essential part of self-grooming. Owing to advanced technologies, we now have different hair removal options. We can use wax or a razor to remove unwanted hair at home. This can also be done in the parlour with the help of experts. For a better and long-lasting effect, we can try laser hair removal or electrolysis treatment. 

Both the methods must be performed under medical supervision. You cannot do it yourself or ask any layman for help. Both these therapies are done by medical professionals in different sessions. Unlike other methods, these therapies are done on small sections of your body. To make things clearer, let us understand how both the techniques work and which is better.

What is laser hair removal?

This is a very simple hair removal technique that can be done in a couple of sessions. Each session usually takes 20 minutes. It uses a high-heat laser and applies mild radiation on our hair follicles. Laser light is absorbed by pigment present in our hair follicle. The heat damages the hair and prevents its growth. The laser can damage several hairs at a time.

But this does not stop the hair growth permanently. The hair may re-grow within 4 to 6 months, but the growth will be lighter and thinner. In case you are looking for laser hair removal in NJ, Ethos Spa is one of the clinics you should definitely check out.

What is electrolysis treatment?

This is an FDA-approved permanent hair removing method. During this procedure, an electric current is sent through a probe and into the hair follicle. This electric current damages our hair follicle and stops hair growth. 

This process is quite simple and more long-lasting. Because of its different advantages, people prefer to use this method nowadays. 

Which one is better for hair removal: Electrolysis or Laser treatment?

Both the treatments are effective and painless. If you want to understand which one is better for you, you need to understand both the methods from different aspects. Both have some pros and cons. Now it rests on you, and your preferences and your requirements. 

Below, both the techniques are discussed from different aspects to give you a clearer idea.

• Clean method

Electrolysis is a super clean hair removal method. No toxins and chemicals are used in this process. Moreover, there are no long-term side effects. On the other hand, laser treatment cannot be called completely clean. 

Numbing cream is applied to your skin before the therapy. This cream has some harmful chemicals. Hence, there are some health risks involved. But the procedure is completely safe.

• Effectiveness

Electrolysis is perfect for any skin tone, body type, hair type, and hair color. The result will be the same in each case. You can perform this treatment on all body parts that also include your eyebrows. Laser therapy can be performed on anyone, but it works best on dark, thick hair and light skin tone. 

The laser will destroy the dark thick hair and create a contrast. Your new hair will be lighter in color and thinner than the original one.  

• Required sessions

Electrolysis treatment requires more sessions as it removes hair permanently. You need to visit the specialist once a week. For large or extra sensitive areas, the number of sessions will be more. But once you are done, you do not need any yearly maintenance. 

With laser treatment, eight sessions will give you effective results. You will see less hair growth after the session. Then, only yearly visits are required for maintenance.

• Side-effects

Electrolysis has some risks associated with it. You can damage your follicles during this therapy or get infected by an unsterilized needle. So always go to a certified dermatologist for this kind of treatment. Comparatively, laser treatment has more side effects. The area may swell up and develop blisters. You can also see some inflammation and irritation. But all these will heal gradually. 

One must avoid sun rays for six weeks before and after the therapy. The numbing cream used in this therapy also has several side-effects.

• Pain involved

During electrolysis, fine probes are inserted into your hair follicles, which are not very comforting. You may feel a stinging sensation. Taking painkillers before the therapy and using ice after the therapy helps a lot. Laser therapy feels like a hot rubber band snapping your skin. 

If you have dark hair, you will feel a more intense burn. But it involves less pain as the process is fast since each follicle is not damaged separately. 

• Cost

The cost of each electrolysis session is lesser than laser treatment. But you must remember, you need more sessions in electrolysis therapy compared to laser treatment. So, in the end, the total cost becomes equal, if not more. 

Conclusion

So, these are all the points that you must understand before choosing which one is better for you. If you are still not sure, you can take advice from an experienced dermatologist.  They will guide and help you to get rid of your unwanted hair safely and without any hassle.