Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: Reliable Comparison Guide

Published October 17, 2023

Going hair-free is many girls’ beauty dreams. We know that body hair is normal and should be accepted, and we should break the stigma around it. We also advocate for loving yourself wholeheartedly, hairless or not. Yet, we primarily cater to those women looking for great, long-term hair removal options. 

All the pulling, plucking, and chemically dissolving your way to remove your body hair will only serve you a few weeks at most. Consider laser hair removal or electrolysis if you’re looking for a longer-lasting solution. These hair removal methods fixate and eventually destroy hair follicles below the skin surface. Thus safeguarding future hair growth. 

In this guide, we’ll dive deeply into the two keys to going hair-free. We’ll have you revealing smooth, silky, glowing skin with no spots and room for body hairs. Let’s get started. 

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a lasting means for hair removal. It works by focusing high-heat lasers into our hair follicles. The heat destroys the follicle without disturbing the surrounding skin. It makes it difficult for hair to grow back. 

The laser draws light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat. It then damages the hair follicles to slow and cut hair growth. 

The lasers quickly target coarse, dark hair and can treat many follicles simultaneously. Small areas can be treated in minutes successfully.

Laser hair removal permanently rids hair growth. Yet, it doesn’t eliminate unwanted hair forever. Hair might still grow in, sure. Only this time, they will come finer and lighter in color than before. 

Laser hair removal can significantly lessen hair in approximately six sessions. It eliminates the demand for regular body hair removal. It renders access to long-lasting results. 

What Is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal up to this day. A licensed, board-certified dermatologist or electrologist should conduct this treatment. It involves placing a probe into the hair follicle and transferring an electric current. It destroys the hair follicle enough to stop new hair growth. 

What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal?

1. It is a more long-term solution to reducing body hair. 

To be as honest as we possibly can, laser hair removal is not considered permanent. Yet, it still has lasting effects. It decreases the number of stubborn hairs in the targeted area. When the hair does grow back, there’s less of it. It’s finer and lighter. 

2. It requires less upkeep than other options. 

If you are shaving to keep your hairless regime, you must maintain it every few days. You’ll rip their benefits for about four weeks for options like waxing and threading. If we are to compare, laser hair removal will only demand four to six treatments. After only occasional maintenance. 

3. Laser hair removal will help with other skin issues. 

Laser hair removal also reduces ingrown hairs. It can also prevent an inflamed bump and itching. It uses light to combat body hairs. You will not catch any nicks, cuts, and razor burns. All three come along with shaving. 

4. No downtime is required. 

Laser hair removal treatments may leave your complexion a little red and swollen. However, it works fast. You can pretty much resume to your daily routine immediately afterward. There’s no downtime to deal with. It is safe, pain-free and non-invasive. The only thing you can’t do immediately is to hang out with the tan. Also, it is a no-no for tanning beds and sun lamps. 

5. It may save money over time. 

The cost of laser hair removal is initially more than buying a razor and shaving cream. Yet, it pays off over time. This treatment significantly lessens unwanted hair. The regular upkeep that goes with shaving and waxing does not exist in this laser treatment. Once you pay the initial fee, you do not have to pay much more. 

6. Fast and effective 

Most patients can achieve permanent hair loss upon reaching 3 to 7 sessions. Laser hair removal is very successful. 

7. No waiting for hair growth 

You don’t require surface hair for a laser hair removal procedure. You are encouraged to shave soon before your session, and It should protect you from scorching any of the laser hair. It means you can remain fuzz-free while waiting for the treatment to work. Waxing and other hair removal methods require having long enough surface hair before a session. 

8. Precise 

Laser hair removal explicitly targets hair right down at the follicle. It is a win over electrolysis as the use of laser makes it more suited to treating those with dark skin tones. The precision also means you should rip the outcome sooner. 

What Are the Benefits of Electrolysis?

1. Permanent hair removal 

Electrolysis is the sole FDA-approved procedure for lasting hair removal. Waxing, threading, and tweezing will only give temporary results. It, on the other hand, will destroy the hair follicle. It prevents future hair growth in the treated area. 

2. Suitable for various hair types 

Electrolysis can successfully remove thick, coarse hair from any body part. It works well for all hair and skin types. It is suitable for everyone and anyone. 

3. Safe and reliable 

Electrolysis is a safe and reliable way to be hairless. It has been used for many years. It has gained its name for being a trusted technique for long-term hair removal. 

4. Cost-effective in the long run 

Its initial cost may be higher than other hair removal methods. Yet, it proves to be cost-effective in the long run. With electrolysis, you can ditch repeated salon visits and ongoing treatments. 

5. No need for hair growth 

Laser hair removal needs the hair to be in the growth phase. Electrolysis can target individual hairs at any stage of growth. You don’t need to wait for your hair to grow out before getting the treatment. 

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal 

Laser hair removal works by utilizing small, high-heat lasers. The laser may induce temporary side effects following the procedure. Skin irritation and pigmentation changes are the two most common ramifications. 

1. Redness and irritation 

Hair removal via laser can introduce temporary irritation. You may also observe slight redness and swelling in the affected area. Still, these effects are minor. You can compare them to the aftereffects of other kinds of hair removal, such as waxing. 

To minimize these effects, your provider might apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure. 

The overall irritation will subside within hours of the procedure. 

2. Pigmentation changes 

After the laser procedure, you may notice a slightly darker or lighter complexion. If you have fair skin, you’ll spot darker patches from laser hair removal. The opposite is true for those with dark skin. They’ll see lighter spots from the procedure. Yet, like skin irritation, these changes are temporary. They do not usually cause a concern. 

3. Severe side effects are rare. 

Rarely, laser hair removal can direct to more severe side effects. It is especially the case if you use at-home laser kits. Also, if you seek the procedure from an untrained provider or not certified. 

• Rare complexities of laser hair removal include: 
• Excessive hair growth in the area of procedure
• Changes to overall skin texture 
• Scarring 
• Blisters and skin crusting 

Side Effects of Electrolysis 

As much as we want to hype electrolysis, it has many side effects and complications. The bad in it outweighs the good. 

1. Skin discoloration 

Electrolysis can spur spots of the skin to change pigmentation. It creates patchy areas of discoloration. Individuals with darker skin tones and sensitive skin are more at risk. 

2. Pain/discomfort 

The process of electrolysis can be painful. The hair follicles demand up to 20 seconds of electrical current to react to the procedure. 

3. Scabs 

Many patients develop swelling, redness, and scabs along the skin after electrolysis. Scabs can lead to severe infections if not treated properly. 

4. Ingrown hairs 

After a single electrolysis treatment, many hair follicles become damaged but not destroyed. It demands for multiple sessions. These damaged follicles become clogged, which introduces ingrown hair. 

5. Bruising 

Bruises along the skin are a side effect after electrolysis hair removal. It is especially true if the needle is inserted incorrectly. Also, too deeply into the skin. 

6. Scarring 

If the treatment is done by an inexperienced technician, skin damage and scarring of the skin are possible. 

7. Other skin issues 

Some electrolysis patients have reported several skin issues as a ramification. Individuals see dry skin, dullness, and reductions in elasticity. It is due to the skin’s interaction with the electrical current. 

Laser Hair Removal vs Electrolysis

Laser hair removal treatments are far superior to electrolysis in most cases. Also, they are safer and have a higher efficacy rate. Laser hair removal is also more common and practical. It has a great ease of treatment and minimal discomfort. Moreover, it allows the creation of custom plans for clients based on the area of the body to be treated. 

Below is the breakdown of the comparison of laser hair removal and electrolysis 

1. Treatment Duration 

Laser hair removal sessions are much shorter in duration. It is as compared to electrolysis sessions. The latter treats only one hair at a time. It is much more time-consuming. 

Laser hair removal uses infrared light to target pigment in the hair follicles. It converts the light into heat to trigger follicular destruction. It can quickly address significant areas of the skin. It also has a computer-guided system that gently turns off hundreds of hair follicles in less than one second. It dramatically shortens total treatment time while reducing discomfort for clients. 

2. Number of sessions 

Electrolysis sessions generally occur two weeks apart. It also requires up to 30 treatments. Laser hair removal can be completed in just 4 to 8 sessions. It is also spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Annual touch-ups are required for it, though. Yet, the procedure is much less time-consuming than electrolysis. 

3. Pain 

Both procedures can be uncomfortable. Electrolysis takes longer. For this, you’ll experience discomfort for a more extended period. 

4. Cost 

Electrolysis costs less per session. You’ll require far more sessions before seeing results. With it, treating large areas of the body can become very expensive. Laser hair removal can be more cost-effective in the long time frame. 

5. Results

Both laser hair removal and electrolysis offer long-lasting hairless lifestyles. Which is best for you will anchor on your pain tolerance, patience, and availability for multiple sessions. 

6. Lower Risk of Side Effects 

Laser hair removal also has a dramatically decreased risk for side effects compared to electrolysis. It is a simple treatment that requires no downtime but produces an impressive result. 

How to Stop Body Hair Growth Permanently

If you want to stop body hair growth permanently, your best bet is to get laser hair removal. It is proven to be effective in rendering long-lasting, hair-free results. Targeting the hair follicles with fixated light energy slows down and cuts hair growth in treated areas. Once a series of treatments is complete, you’ll find a significant reduction in hair growth. It only demands yearly maintenance. 

It promotes smoother skin and a more desirable appearance. Laser hair removal helps individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies by healing their insecurities about excessive and unwanted hair.