If you’re tired of waxing, shaving, or plucking unwanted hair, long-term hair removal might be a good option. Both electrolysis and laser hair removal are effective treatments for removing facial and body hair. They work in different ways, however, with different costs and results.
Understanding the particulars of each option can help you choose the best option to meet your treatment goals.
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hair removal. It’s the only treatment that is considered permanent.
Its primary purpose is to remove unwanted hair from the legs, face and neck, bikini line, underarms, back, chest, and other bodily areas. Electrolysis is generally effective on all hair and skin types.
How it Works
The treatment uses short bursts of electrical energy to destroy hair follicles and prevent new hair growth. To administer treatment, a trained electrologist inserts a fine wire into each follicle and activates the charge. The technician then removes the wire and the hair from the treated follicle. The process is repeated on individual follicles in the treatment area.
Because electrolysis involves treating each individual follicle, it can be a time-consuming process. You will need a series of appointments to remove all the hair in the treatment area, and it can take up to a year of regular appointments to cover large treatment areas.
Before & After Electrolysis: What to Expect
Planning ahead before getting electrolysis is crucial. You’ll need to stop plucking or waxing the treatment area for three to four weeks before your appointment. You can shave during that time, but plan to arrive with hair that’s 1/8–1/4 inch long. It’s also best to avoid sun exposure for 24-48 hours beforehand.
Electrolysis typically causes minimal discomfort, but you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. You may experience soreness, redness, or inflammation immediately after treatment. For the first 24 hours after each session, experts recommend avoiding UV exposure, exercise, and any activities that might irritate your skin. You should not apply makeup to treated areas.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal also works by destroying hair follicles, but lasers use light energy rather than electricity. A laser wand emits bursts of energy that heat the pigments in hair, which damage the follicle, meaning the hair can’t regrow.
How it Works
Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal doesn’t go follicle by follicle. The wand can treat multiple follicles at once. Individual treatments don’t take as long as electrolysis, and you typically only need four to six appointments to achieve full results.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
The preparation for laser hair removal is similar to that for electrolysis. You should not pluck or wax hair for several weeks before treatment. You can shave right up until the day of treatment. It’s important to avoid sun exposure for several days before treatment, as UV rays can increase skin pigmentation. Laser hair removal works best when the hair pigment is darker than the surrounding skin.
The discomfort and recovery from laser hair removal are minimal. You may have redness or soreness right after treatment. You should avoid exercise, hot tubs, swimming pools, or UV exposure while your skin recovers. Use gentle skin care products to prevent irritation.
Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal
Choosing laser hair removal vs. electrolysis ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and treatment priorities. Below is a head-to-head comparison of these two treatments in important areas to help you make the best choice.
Cost
Laser hair removal is often much less expensive than electrolysis. Both types of hair removal are typically priced per treatment session. Because laser hair removal requires fewer sessions, overall costs are lower.
Time
Appointment times for both electrolysis and laser hair removal vary based on the size of the area being treated. However, the number of appointments needed for full treatment is higher for electrolysis.
With laser hair removal, you’ll be done after about four to six appointments, each lasting an hour or less. Electrolysis, on the other hand, can require 8-20 appointments over 12 months for complete hair removal. The process can become a significant time commitment.
Permanence
The FDA recognizes electrolysis as the only treatment that delivers permanent hair removal. Once follicles are treated, hair does not regrow. Laser hair removal is not considered a permanent treatment, but it is a long-term hair removal option. Follicles can heal after laser hair removal; however, that process can take years. If hair regrows, it is usually finer and lighter than before.
Trust Only the Best for Laser Hair Removal in New York City
If you are looking at options for permanent hair removal in Manhattan, laser hair removal may be right for you. After a few sessions at our New York City salon, you’ll have lasting results with minimal discomfort. Our state-of-the-art laser equipment works on all hair types and skin types. We can also help you decide on electrolysis vs. laser hair removal treatments.
Contact us today to learn more about how laser hair removal can benefit you.