Hair removal is a tough task, with many different options to choose from. In this blog post we’ll go over two of the most popular hair removal methods: Electrolysis Vs Laser Hair Removal
Shaving, waxing, and tweezing are all wars that are often lost in the first few minutes. A hair is removed one day, but it returns a few days later, necessitating yet another visit to the barber’s chair.
In the event that you are tired of wasting your time dealing with undesirable hair growth, you may wish to consider permanent hair removal.
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are the two most effective methods of permanently removing unwanted hair from the body.
But what exactly is the distinction between the two? Is one of them superior to the other? Which one is the best fit for you?
Today, we’re going to talk about electrolysis versus laser hair removal to help you make the best decision for you.
Concerning Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a method of destroying and damaging hair follicles that has been in use for more than a century, and it is rather painless (yes, over a century). This earliest mention of the use of electricity to remove hair occurred in 1875 while a doctor was treating ingrown eyelash infections (Charles Michel). Since then, electrolysis has been a widely used method of hair removal for men and women alike. In accordance with the Food and Drug Administration, electrolysis is the sole method of permanent hair removal. This is due to the unique way in which electricity can eliminate hair. While laser hair removal targets the melanin in the hair shaft in order to send energy to the follicle, electrolysis can directly target the hair follicle and papilla in order to achieve the same results.
The procedure involves the insertion of a small probe into the follicle without puncturing the surrounding skin by an electrologist during the treatment. As soon as the probe is placed into the skin tissue, it delivers an electric current that is in the milliampere range. This irreversible damage to the follicle allows the hair to easily come out of the follicle and eliminates the follicle’s ability to create hair in the future as a result of the electrical current. Electrolysis is quite successful at removing white and blonde hair, especially when used in conjunction with other methods. However, when treating tanned skin, eliminating hair that has only a small amount of pigment can become increasingly challenging with laser hair removal technology.
The problem with electrolysis is a straightforward one: it takes time. During a treatment session, an electrologist must treat each patient’s hair one at a time. Practitioners are capable of destroying each follicle, however the length of time required for treatment is frequently an issue. Administering electrolysis therapy to a bigger region takes a significant amount of time, especially on common treatment areas such as the legs and back. However, while electrolysis is an efficient form of hair removal, there are speedier technologies that can treat huge areas of skin much more quickly.
Concerning Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a relatively recent phenomenon on the aesthetics landscape, having only been around for a few decades. However, the term “laser hair removal” is more of an industry-generated term than a true name for the procedure itself in actuality. According to the Food and Drug Administration, laser hair removal treatments are approved for “permanent hair reduction,” rather than full elimination.
Laser hair removal is based on the physical properties of light, which allows it to target and eliminate hair at its core. Hair removal lasers work by targeting the melanin in hair shafts that are actively growing, or in the “anagen” phase of the cyclical cycle of hair growth, to remove them. As a result of the absorption of laser energy by melanin in hair shafts, the energy causes thermal damage to the follicles and papillae beneath the hair shafts, limiting the follicles’ ability to generate hair in the future. Many individuals find that laser hair “reduction” treatments are effective in permanently removing their unwanted hair. Others may notice that their hair is growing less regularly, less thickly, thinner, or lighter in colour than they are accustomed to. Important to know is that for many patients, laser hair removal procedures result in permanent hair removal from their bodies. However, if a patient has hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, menopause, chemotherapy, or other treatments) after completing their treatment sessions, they may notice new hair growing in the treated regions. All of these characteristics combine to give laser hair removal the designation “permanent hair reduction.”
The capacity to treat any area of skin in a short period of time is the most significant advantage offered by laser hair removal. For example, the MeDioStar® diode laser has a spot size of 10 cm2 and can target every hair shaft in a treatment field in a fraction of a second because of its small spot size. A back treatment can be completed in less than five minutes when using the 10 cm2 spot size handpiece, according to the manufacturer. If patients want to keep up with the cyclical development of their hair, they should return for a small number of follow-up treatments spaced out over a few weeks that target each individual hair when it is in the anagen phase.
Laser hair removal works best on skin and hair that are dissimilar in colour. Because blonde hair is more difficult (but not impossible) to treat with a hair removal laser when the right settings and wavelengths are used, blonde hair should be avoided. Although results may be more difficult to predict, laser systems can be used to cure visible hair in the long run, according to practitioners. Identifying the Dissimilarities Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal
Although there are some parallels between these two hair removal treatments, there are some distinctions as well:
Laser hair removal requires fewer sessions than other methods.
Multiple sessions are required, regardless of whatever approach you use for obtaining your results. Electrolysis sessions, on the other hand, are lengthier, and you’ll need to schedule more of them.
In most cases, four to eight sessions are required for laser hair removal. How many stitches you’ll need depends on your skin type, pigmentation, hair colour, and the size of the region being treated.
However, electrolysis can take up to 30 sessions, which is particularly true in areas where the hair is coarse.
If you have laser hair removal, you will need to have a touch-up treatment around once a year. Electrolysis does not necessitate any additional treatment (unless you experience an infection).
Sessions for laser hair removal are now shorter.
Because the laser targets several hairs at the same time, laser hair removal treatments are quick and only take a few minutes.
Because each individual hair must be targeted one at a time, electrolysis sessions take significantly longer. They occur every week or every two weeks, making the process far more time-consuming. What to Expect When Getting Laser Hair Removed
Laser hair removal employs low-level radiation delivered by high-temperature lasers. The goal is to inflict enough damage on hair follicles to cause them to considerably slow down hair growth. Even though the effects of laser therapy persist longer than those of home hair removal methods such as shaving, they are not permanent. Multiple treatments will be required in order to achieve long-term hair reduction.
BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Despite the fact that laser hair removal has minimal disadvantages, the treatment does have certain negatives.
It is possible to have a stinging feeling.
This method may be more effective for persons with dark hair and pale skin.
It is necessary to have numerous treatments to achieve the desired effects.
In certain cases, new hair may develop, however it will be finer and lighter in colour than it was previously. Side effects of laser hair removal may include redness, swelling, pigmentation, or irritation at the treatment site. These adverse effects usually subside within a few hours, and they can be avoided by obtaining therapy from a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in treating acne scars.
DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTROLYSIS
Because hair is only treated when it is in the growth stage, both laser hair removal and electrolysis require numerous treatments to be effective. Multiple sessions are required due to the fact that each individual hair follicle grows at a different rate naturally.
However, although both treatments are safe and FDA-approved, electrolysis may cause adverse effects such as pain from the electric current, redness, swelling, scabbing, scarring, or changes in the colour of the skin, among others.
THE ADVANTAGES OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Laser hair removal treatments are effective for long-term hair removal almost anyplace on the face or body. Recovery period is minimal to non-existent following the relatively brief surgery. The following are some of the advantages:
Hair removal that is permanent
Suitable for use on both the face and the body
Recovery time is minimal to non-existent.
Side effects are kept to a minimum.
THE ADVANTAGES OF ELECTROLYSIS
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis can be used to eliminate hair from any part of the body, including the face, and both are effective on small and big regions. Because hair follicles are individually identified and treated by hand, electrolysis is effective on all skin tones and kinds.
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Is electrolysis beneficial for people of all ages and with all hair and skin types?
Yes. People with every skin type, skin colour, hair type, or hair colour, according to the American Electrology Association, can benefit from electrolysis treatment. Electrolysis can be used on any part of the body, including the brows, and is quite effective.
Laser hair removal is safe and effective for people with all hair and skin types.
Due to the fact that the laser prefers a contrast in order to target dark hues, this process works best on those with pale skin and dark hair. New hair growth is typically less dense than previous hair growth, and the new hair is frequently a few shades lighter in colour than the original hair.
