Although shaving, tweezing, or waxing can remove unwanted hair, many people are now looking for more long-term solutions. Two commonly used methods to achieve this are laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Both procedures target hair follicles under the surface of the skin to curb or prevent their growth. Although electrolysis is the only hair removal method endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair removal, and according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, laser hair removal is currently the more popular option in the United States.
– Laser hair removal involves the use of lasers to deliver mild radiation to the hair follicles.
– Electrolysis involves inserting a probe into the hair follicle and sending an electric current through it.
– Both laser therapy and electrolysis have their advantages and disadvantages
Prevents hair growth by the use of an electric current
Prevents hair growth by the use of a laser beam
The fine probe conducts an electric current to permanently damage individual hair follicles
The laser beam conducts intense heat to damage multiple hair follicles at a time
Lasts from 15 minutes to 1 hour
Lasts from 15 to 30 minutes
Ideal for any skin and hair color
Ideal for dark hair follicles but not light hair
Invasive procedure
Non-invasive procedure
May cause a slight snapping sensation
May cause a stinging or plucking sensation
Approved by the FDA as a permanent hair removal method
Approved by the FDA as a semi-permanent to permanent hair reduction method
Side effects may include redness, swelling, increase of ingrown hair, and scarring
Side effects may include dryness, itchiness, swelling, scarring, infection, scab formation, acne, and changes in skin color and pigment
Laser hair removal does not eliminate unwanted hair forever.
Laser hair removal uses a laser to damage hair follicles sufficiently to reduce hair growth. It will permanently diminish hair growth, but does not eliminate unwanted hair forever — eventually, the hair will grow back.
What does the procedure involve?
Before the procedure, the technician performing the laser surgery will trim the hair that is being treated close to the skin.
The technician will then adjust the laser’s settings based on the color and thickness of the hair being removed, as well as the area being treated. Preparations will likely also take into account the color of the person’s skin.
The technician will then apply a cold gel to the skin to protect it. Some people may be given a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Anyone having their hair removed with a laser will need to wear eye protection during the treatment.
Aftercare
After the procedure, it may be necessary to apply ice packs to alleviate discomfort. For severe pain, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or a steroid cream.
Most people will require up to 8 follow-up treatments to get the best results, which can be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart. Once hair growth has been sufficiently restrained, a person may require a once-or twice-yearly maintenance session.
Some of the benefits of laser hair removal include:
– Precision: The lasers quickly target coarse, dark hairs.
– Speed: Laser pulses take just milliseconds, and can treat several hairs at once, which means that small areas can be treated in just minutes.
– Lighter growth and color: New hair growth tends to be less dense than before, and the new hair is often a few shades lighter than the original hair.
– Efficacy: Many people see long-term results after 3 to 8 sessions.
Electrolysis can permanently remove hair follicles.
Electrolysis involves passing an Thermolysis/ electrical current through a hair follicle, which damages the follicle and prevents new hair growth.
Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal available. To ensure efficacy and safety, a licensed, board-certified dermatologist or electrologist should carry out the procedure.
What does the procedure involve?
Before the procedure, a person will typically have a consultation with an electrologist to discuss their health and medical history. The procedure itself involves the technician placing an ultra-thin needle into the targeted hair follicle. An electric current passes through the probe, killing the hair root.
Aftercare
Very little aftercare is necessary. Although the skin may feel irritated and appear slightly red, these symptoms tend to resolve within a few hours. For permanent hair removal, a person will need several treatments. This is because the skin has multiple follicles for each hair, so dormant follicles may begin to grow hair between sessions. Follow-up sessions treat these newly active follicles.The majority of people will require follow-up sessions every week or every other week for several weeks to eliminate hair on the target area.
Electrolysis can permanently remove hair follicles.
Electrolysis involves passing an Thermolysis/ electrical current through a hair follicle, which damages the follicle and prevents new hair growth.
Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal available. To ensure efficacy and safety, a licensed, board-certified dermatologist or electrologist should carry out the procedure.
What does the procedure involve?
Before the procedure, a person will typically have a consultation with an electrologist to discuss their health and medical history. The procedure itself involves the technician placing an ultra-thin needle into the targeted hair follicle. An electric current passes through the probe, killing the hair root.
Aftercare
Very little aftercare is necessary. Although the skin may feel irritated and appear slightly red, these symptoms tend to resolve within a few hours. For permanent hair removal, a person will need several treatments. This is because the skin has multiple follicles for each hair, so dormant follicles may begin to grow hair between sessions. Follow-up sessions treat these newly active follicles.The majority of people will require follow-up sessions every week or every other week for several weeks to eliminate hair on the target area.
Electrolysis has the following advantages:
Permanent: Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal.
Versatility: According to the American Electrology Association, electrolysis is effective for people with any skin type, skin color, hair type, and hair color. Electrolysis is suitable for any area of the body — including the eyebrows.
No recovery time: People can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Maintenance-free: There is no need to schedule an annual electrolysis session — once the hair has been removed no more treatments are necessary.
No harsh chemicals: Unlike with laser hair removal or hair bleaching, electrolysis does not require the use of chemicals on the skin.
Although there are many benefits to electrolysis, there are some risks and drawbacks to consider:
Several sessions: If larger areas are being treated with electrolysis, such as the legs or back, it can take several long sessions to achieve permanent results. Also, removing coarse hair, such as from around the bikini line, requires more sessions. Some people may require up to 30 treatments.
Discomfort: People undergoing electrolysis hair removal may experience some pain and discomfort. It may help to take a pain reliever before treatment and to apply ice following the session.
Potential for adverse effects: These include scarring in rare cases or infection from unsterilized needles. These risks highlight the importance of only using a board-certified dermatologist.
People should keep in mind that they might require more sessions than they would with laser treatment.
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments provide a long-term solution to unwanted hair growth.
All things considered, despite being a slower method of hair removal, electrolysis is more versatile, and permanently removes hair. It also typically causes fewer adverse reactions.
Those considering long-term hair removal treatments should speak with a skincare specialist about the best options for their needs.
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