Overview
Laser and electrolysis are two methods of hair removal that are considered permanent. While the end results are the same–smooth, hair-free skin on legs, face, underarms or nearly any body part of your choosing–the process, time involved and costs are very different between the two. Consider all of the benefits and risks before deciding if laser hair removal or electrolysis is right for you.
Explanation
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis are most often performed in salons, spas and dermatologist offices. Laser hair removal is performed by a technician who removes hair with a laser through a beam of light that is pointed at the skin. It is absorbed by the hair follicle and transformed to heat, destroying the follicle. Electrolysis is performed by an aesthetician who inserts a fine needle into the hair follicle. An electric current is then sent to the follicle to stop it from future growth.
Time Frame
Much less time is involved in laser hair removal than electrolysis. The laser can destroy hair follicles in areas while electrolysis works on one hair at a time. Electrolysis on the legs–from ankle to bikini line–could take over 100 hours during a two- to three-year period. Laser hair removal on legs could be completed in a few sessions. Even though sessions must be spaced about a month apart so they are within the hair’s growth cycle, you could be hair-free within months.
Cost
A session of laser hair removal can cost $250 while an hour of electrolysis is about $100. Multiple treatments are needed to permanently remove hair, but laser removal is sometimes priced at a flat rate. Exactly how many will depend on the individual and her hair and skin type. When comparing the average price of bikini line hair removal in laser ersus electrolysis, the electrolysis will average about $1,500, while the laser would be about $400.
Considerations
Even though laser hair removal and electrolysis are called permanent, lasers are not guaranteed to keep hair away for more than one year. The hair may not return for 10 years, or it may begin to reappear, requiring additional treatments. Electrolysis is permanent. Also important to consider before choosing laser hair removal or electrolysis is your hair and skin color. Thicker, darker hair is much easier to laser. Hair and skin color does not matter with electrolysis.
Warning
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis could cause a bit of pain during the process, felt as a stinging or burning, with possible redness or swelling after the laser treatment. Though personal electrolysis machines are available for home use, electrolysis should be performed by a trained aesthetician who knows how to avoid potential scarring. Laser hair removal can cause skin burns if not done by someone who is properly trained using the appropriate machine for your hair color and skin type.
