Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal: Which Method is Best For You?

Unwanted hair in your body (face, upper lips, chin, back, hands, legs, and toes) can cause social embarrassment since it can be unaesthetic in appearance. This may lower your self-confidence, which drives you towards exploring different methods to get rid of unwanted hair. Shaving, plucking, waxing, threading, and hair removal creams are age-old methods to remove unwanted hair. However, these hair removal techniques may not provide a permanent solution since your hair may regrow within a few days. While there are many alternatives, electrolysis and laser hair removal are the two most popular types of permanent hair removal. This article will highlight the prime differences between the two procedures to help you determine which method is best for you.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a type of permanent hair removal that involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin to apply small doses of electrical current. This damages and eventually destroys the hair follicles. There are three types of electrolysis:
● Galvanic: Hair follicles are destroyed using a chemical reaction.
● Thermolysis: Hair follicles are destroyed using heat.
● The blend: Hair follicles are destroyed through galvanic and thermolysis methods.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is semi-permanent hair removal that utilises highly-concentrated laser beams on the hair follicles. Light energy emitted from the laser is absorbed by the hair follicles and converted to heat energy that eventually destroys them. Over some time, this method stops the hair from growing as quickly or as much as it did before.

Differences Between Electrolysis And Laser Hair Removal

Electrolysis and laser hair removal are the latest and most advanced hair removal methods that are gaining immense momentum. But which is more beneficial? Learn their differences to help you decide which treatment suits you best.

Parameter - Procedure

Electrolysis:

● This method involves using small microneedles that are inserted into the skin where hair has to be removed.

● The needles puncture and destroy the hair follicles, stopping further hair growth.

Laser Hair Removal:

● The laser hair removal method uses powerful lasers that are targeted at the hair follicles that need to be destroyed.

● The follicles absorb the light energy that gets converted to heat energy.

● This heat energy destroys the hair follicles to halt hair growth.

Parameter - Anaesthesia

Electrolysis:

Local anaesthesia is used sincethe needle prick may cause
some discomfort.

Laser Hair Removal:

Local anaesthesia may be usedaccording to the patient’s preference because the laser beam may cause a burning
sensation.

Parameter - Duration

Electrolysis:

The procedure usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.

Laser Hair Removal:

The time taken for the lasermethod may vary from 30 to
45 minutes.

Parameter - Advantage

Electrolysis

● It is an FDA-approved hair removal method.

● It provides a permanent solution to unwanted hair growth.

● It is suited for all types of hair and skin.

Laser Hair Removal

● It can be used for most areas in your body, including large areas such as the back.

● It can be safely used for more sensitive areas like your face.

● This is a safe procedure with minimal side effects.

● There is no risk of ingrown hair.

Parameter - Disadvantage

Electrolysis

● Painful and expensive method of hair removal.

● There are severe side effects associated with the procedure when compared to laser hair removal.

● It is usually not recommended for large areas such as the back, legs, and bikini.

● High risk of ingrown hair that may be extremely painful and cause secondary infection with/without pus discharge.

Laser Hair Removal

● This is a time-consuming procedure.

● The results are not permanent since it does not completely remove the hair follicles.

● It is more often effective on light-coloured hair.

● It may not be suitable for people with dark-coloured hair.

● This procedure is not safe during pregnancy.

Parameter - Results

Electrolysis

These results are permanent since this procedure permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles.

Laser Hair Removal

After your first session, it yields instant results (around a 25% decrease in hair), but the results are semi-permanent.

Parameter - Recovery

Electrolysis

You may take longer to recover (around 3 to 4 days) due to the increased risk of side effects.

Laser Hair Removal

Recovery is quick and usually takes around 1 to 2 days.

Parameter - Side-Effects

Electrolysis

The side effects are comparatively more severe than laser methods. These include
● Skin damage with blisters (painful fluid-filled sacs)
● Swelling and inflammation on the skin
● You may suffer from acne
● You may experience pain and a burning sensation right after the procedure
● Discoloration of the skin is another common side effect
● High risk of development of ingrown hair

Laser Hair Removal

Minor side effects that are most often temporary. These include
● Skin redness and irritation
● Slight swelling at the treated site.
● Dark spots could be seen at the site where the laser was targeted.

Parameter - Cost

Electrolysis

● Electrolysis is an expensive type of hair removal.

● It usually costs around Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 4,000 per session.

Laser Hair Removal

● It is a cost-effective procedure when compared to electrolysis.

● The cost usually ranges from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000 per session.