Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis

When it comes to removing body hair, laser hair removal and electrolysis are two of the most popular treatments sought today.  Each of these treatments targets your hair follicles as a more permanent solution to unwanted hair, particularly when compared with shaving.  Still despite similarities, these treatments offer different benefits and risks, so choosing the right treatment for you warrants careful consideration.  Let’s take a closer look at the treatments, their benefits, risks, and costs so that you can draw your own conclusions

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal involves using lasers to essentially damage hair follicles in order to disrupt hair growth.  Compared to many hair removal techniques such as shaving and waxing, laser hair removal offers longer lasting results.  However, laser hair removal should not be considered a permanent solution.  In order to achieve long-term hair removal, multiple treatments will be required.

With that in mind, there are many benefits to laser hair removal.  The treatment is safe for most of your body including your face (though it is not recommended for eyebrows or the area of your face near your eyes).  And while regrowth is common with laser hair removal, this growth tends to come in finer and in lighter colours so new hair is less visible.  Additionally, laser hair removal is appropriate for both fair and dark skin tones.

There are some notable side effects to laser hair removal including inflammation, swelling, skin irritation, changes in pigmentation, and even blisters.  Most often, side effects are minor and subside within a few hours of treatment.  Working with qualified professionals for laser hair removal can also reduce your risk of side effects.

The cost of laser hair removal will vary depending on the number of sessions required and the professional providing the treatments.  While there are more affordable at-home laser hair removal treatments, these are not recommended as there is little evidence regarding their safety or effectiveness.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a well-established and versatile hair removal approach.  Safe for all areas of the body, including around the eyes, electrolysis is associated with only minor side effects.  Usually, these effects disappear within 24 hours or so with mild redness or irritation noted.

Electrolysis treatments are also considered more permanent than laser hair removal, though multiple treatments may still be required.  Once again, the costs associated with electrolysis will vary depending on the practitioner and the number of treatments required.  Additionally, the size of the area being treated will impact costs, though subsequent treatments tend to be more affordable than initial treatments.

Though both treatments can provide effective hair removal results, electrolysis seems to offer more permanent results with fewer side effects.  However, laser hair removal is safer for larger areas of the body, whereas electrolysis must be spread out over several sessions when removing hair from large areas.