Electrolysis Versus Laser Hair Removal – The Pros and Cons of Each

Women who want to be beach-ready round the year, with hairless skin without the bother of painful or irritating hair removal methods can consider more permanent hair removal solutions such as laser hair removal and electrolysis.

What is electrolysis and what is laser hair removal?

Electrolysis consists of the insertion of a very thin probe into the hair follicle without puncturing the skin and then delivering an electrical charge to destroy the hair root so that it stops producing hair.

Laser hair removal is the use of light of specific wavelengths that target the hair root to stop it from producing hair.

Which is better – Electrolysis or Laser hair removal?

Pain: Electrolysis is more painful than laser hair removal. With electrolysis, a probe is inserted into each hair follicle, making it a long and painful process.

Time taken: With laser hair removal, several sessions will be required for complete hair removal from any area, because of the fact that the process doesn’t work unless the hair is in process of growth.

However larger areas are able to be targeted at one time by the laser.

Electrolysis on the other hand is a long process because each hair follicle is targeted individually. For best results dozens of visits and electrolysis procedures may be required.

For this reason, many prefer electrolysis for smaller areas such as the upper lip, chin and so on and laser for larger areas such as arms and legs.

Efficacy: Both these procedures need trained and experienced professionals hair the hair removal; otherwise unpleasant side effects can occur. However with laser hair removal, certain hair and skin coloring combinations are more suitable than others; ideally light skin and dark hair for best results.

Electrolysis is suitable for all hair types. Also laser hair removal, while effective in removing hair, is not thought to be a method of permanent hair removal. Rather it is a method of long term hair removal since it reduces hair growth rather than preventing it. The hair becomes thin, fine and nearly invisible after the procedure. So the efficacy is greater with electrolysis which guarantees no more hair permanently.

Cost: Both procedures can be costly and can vary as per the procedure and area of hair removal. They both need a high degree of expertise which can add to the cost. But when weighed against the recurrent costs of hair removing for the rest of one’s life, they can make economical sense.