Are electrolysis and laser hair removal the same? The answer is no. They are different methods that both aim to remove unwanted hair. However, they do have some key differences that make them suitable for different skin types and hair colors. For example, laser hair removal works best on light skin and blonde or red hair. It also works on areas of the body that see sunlight often, such as the legs and bikini line (for women). Laser hair removal uses heat from a laser to destroy the follicle at its root so that it can’t grow back again.
Electrolysis is a little more complicated than laser hair removal but offers better results over time because it targets each individual hair follicle instead of just targeting the area around it. It also works well on all skin types and exists in several different forms: there are needle-based systems (which require more time but less pain), threading systems (which require less time but more pain), and galvanic systems (which require less time and little pain). Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose one based on your needs before choosing a practitioner!
Read on to learn more about Is Electrolysis And Laser Hair Removal The Same, electrolysis hair removal side effects and What Is a Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
Is Electrolysis And Laser Hair Removal The Same
Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which Is Right for You?
Shaving, waxing, and tweezing often feel like losing battles. You get rid of a hair one day, but a few days later, it’s back and you have to address it again.
If you’re sick of wasting time dealing with unwanted hair growth, you might want to consider permanent hair removal.
When it comes to removing hair permanently, you have two options:
Laser hair removal or electrolysis.
But what’s the difference between the two? Is one better than the other? Which one is right for you?
Today, we’re discussing electrolysis versus laser hair removal to help you make the right choice.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Before you can decide which hair removal treatment is the better option, you should know how each process works.
When you undergo laser hair removal, a technician applies a pulse of light into your pores. The light energy travels through your skin, targeting the melanin in your hair follicle. By increasing the temperature of the follicle, it destroys the root of the hair.
When the root is destroyed, the follicle is unable to produce hair.
Learn more about our laser hair removal services!
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
To see the best results, you must follow an aftercare treatment routine. You’ll need to limit sun exposure for several weeks and wear loose clothing for at least two days after treatment. Also, it’s best to avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and physical exercise for 48 hours.
Other than that, you can go about your daily activities as usual.
Side Effects of Laser Removal
Laser hair removal has limited side effects. Some people experience redness and swelling, but those usually subside within a few hours.
Afraid that it might hurt? Most people say that the pain is minimal and that the laser feels like snapping a rubber band against the skin.
Related: Laser Hair Removal FAQs
How Electrolysis Works
Electrolysis involves the insertion of an ultra-thin needle (called a probe) into an individual hair follicle. The probe sends an electric current through the follicle, damaging it so that future hair growth cannot occur.
Individual hairs are targeted one at a time.
Electrolysis Aftercare
After electrolysis, you’ll have to apply an antibacterial cream to the treated areas. You should avoid any activity that could cause you to sweat excessively.
You’ll also need to avoid touching or scratching the treated area in the days following treatment.
Side Effects of Electrolysis
Some people see small scabs on the surface of the skin, but they fall off naturally. It’s also common to see redness and swelling for a few hours after treatment.
Patients report small amounts of pain during the process, too. Most people describe the feeling as a heat sensation followed by a pinch each time the needle attacks a new follicle.
The Similarities Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal
Electrolysis and laser hair removal are similar in several ways:
Both Can Remove Hair From Anywhere on the Body
Both treatments are effective on the bikini line, underarms, nose, ears, and upper lip. They also work well on large areas such as the back, arms, and legs.
Anyone can get either procedure, but you should speak to a dermatologist first to make sure you’re a good candidate for treatment.
Both Require Multiple Sessions
Hair growth involves three stages. Laser hair removal and electrolysis only work when the hair follicle is in the anagen, or growth phase.
Multiple sessions are necessary to capture every hair in that specific phase.
Both Are Safe and Effective
Both methods are safe and FDA-approved for permanent hair removal. They both eliminate the need to shave and wax and can prevent ingrown hairs.
However, in order for either technique to be effective, it must be performed by a professional.
The Differences Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal
Although these two hair removal methods share some similarities, they also have some differences:
Laser Hair Removal Requires Fewer Sessions
Multiple sessions are necessary, regardless of which method you choose. However, electrolysis sessions are longer, and you’ll need to have more of them.
Laser hair removal usually requires four to eight sessions. The exact number depends on your skin type, pigmentation, hair color, and the size of the area.
Electrolysis, on the other hand, can take up to 30 sessions, especially in an area where the hair is coarse.
With laser hair removal, you’ll need to do a touch-up treatment about once a year. Electrolysis doesn’t require any follow-up (unless you experience an infection).
Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Shorter
Laser hair removal treatments last only a few minutes each, as the laser affects multiple hairs at one time.
Electrolysis sessions are much longer, as every hair must be targeted one at a time. They happen every week or two, making it a much more time-consuming process.
Related: 7 Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which One is Better?
So is one method better than the other? It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Here are some additional facts to help you make your decision:
Electrolysis costs less money per session. However, you’ll need more sessions to get rid of your body hair. You might be able to get away with just a few sessions on small areas of the body, but larger areas can get quite expensive.
Laser hair removal treatment usually costs more per session, but it takes only a few sessions to see results. Prices vary for both, depending on the size of the treatment area.
If you’re concerned about pain, both procedures can be uncomfortable. Most people experience minor discomfort during laser hair removal, but each session only lasts a few minutes.
Electrolysis can be painful too, and sessions are longer. Therefore, you’ll experience discomfort for a longer period of time.
Electrolysis has the same effect on any hair type and any skin color. Laser treatment is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair or vice versa.
You’ll have to decide for yourself which method of hair removal you want to go with. It’s best to start the process by talking with your dermatologist.
Regardless of which one you choose, make sure to have the procedure performed by a licensed, certified technician. That’s the only way to protect yourself and ensure the best possible results.
Electrolysis Hair Removal Side Effects
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are two popular types of long-term hair removal methods. Both work by targeting hair follicles located under the skin’s surface.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, laser hair removal is on the rise, with an increase of nearly 30 percent from 2013. Though electrolysis is also increasing in popularity, it’s not as common as laser therapy.
Keep reading to learn the benefits, risks, and other guidelines for each procedure.
What to expect from laser hair removal
Laser hair removal uses mild radiation via high-heat lasers. The purpose is to damage hair follicles enough to significantly slow down hair growth. Although the effects last longer than home hair removal methods, such as shaving, laser therapy doesn’t create permanent results. You’ll have to receive multiple treatments for long-term hair removal.
Benefits
Laser hair removal may be done just about anywhere on the face and body, except your eye area. This makes the procedure versatile in its uses.
There is also little-to-no recovery time involved. You can resume your normal activities after each procedure.
Although new hairs may still grow, you’ll notice that they grow in finer and lighter in color than before. This means that when there is regrowth it won’t look as heavy as before.
This procedure tends to work best if you have both fair skin and dark hair.
Side effects and risks
Side effects of laser hair removal may include:
- blisters
- inflammation
- swelling
- irritation
- pigmentation changes (usually light patches on darker skin)
- redness
- swelling
Minor side effects like irritation and redness tend to go away within a few hours of the procedure. Any symptoms that last longer than that ought to be addressed with your doctor.
Scars and changes to skin texture are rare side effects.
You can minimize the risk of side effects and permanent skin damage by making sure you seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist only. Salons and at-home laser removal aren’t recommended.
Aftercare and follow-up
Before the procedure, your dermatologist may apply an analgesic ointment to minimize pain. If you still experience pain, talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. You doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream for severe pain.
Common symptoms, such as redness and swelling, may be relieved by applying ice or a cold compress to the affected area.
Laser hair removal disables hair growth — rather than removing hairs — so you’ll need follow-up treatments. Regular maintenance treatments will also extend the results.
You’ll also want to minimize your sun exposure after each laser hair removal, especially during peak daylight hours. Increased sun sensitivity from the procedure puts you at risk of sunburn. Make sure you wear sunscreen every day. The Mayo Clinic also recommends staying out of direct sunlight for six weeks before laser hair removal to prevent pigmentation disruptions on tanned skin.
Follow-up appointments are essential to this type of treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people need a follow-up treatment every six weeks, up to six times. This helps to stop hair growth after the initial laser hair removal session. After this point, you’ll also need to see your dermatologist for a maintenance appointment. You could do this once or twice a year depending on your needs. And you can shave in between appointments.
Costs
Laser hair removal is considered an optional cosmetic procedure, so it isn’t covered by insurance. The overall cost varies based on how many sessions you need. You can also talk to your dermatologist about a payment plan.
Although at-home laser hair treatment might be appealing in terms of cost, it’s not proven to be safe or effective.
Is brazilian laser hair removal safe
Laser hair removal is a safe, fast and effective medical grade procedure for reducing unwanted hair permanently from almost all part of the body. It has been approved as “permanent hair reduction” in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1997. The efficacy and safety of laser hair removal is now generally accepted in dermatology communities and is widely practiced in clinics all around the world.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal is a treatment utilising the concept of “photothermolysis” in which a specific wavelength of light is emitted to the skin tissue and after being absorbed by melanin (the pigment that gives colour to our hair and skin) in the hair root, is transformed to heat. The heat then destroys the hair follicle, preventing the follicle from producing further hair growth. Since the laser can only target hair that is in its active growth cycle, a course of 8-10 sessions are required to get the best results. Treatment intervals could vary from 4-8 weeks apart and depends on the area being treated.
Who can get Brazilian laser hair removal?
It’s suitable for almost all skin types and hair colours. Putting it in simple terms, as long as your hair has enough colour to absorb the light, you can get laser hair removal. People who have fair skin and dark hair are the best candidates and will get the best results, since laser doesn’t work on blond, red, grey and white hair. The results on fine hair may also not be as good as those on thick hair. The darker and thicker the hair, the better the result will be. Brazilian laser hair removal is not just for females – men can also get laser hair removal on any part of their body. Laser hair removal is hygienic, effective and yields permanent results.
Benefits of Brazilian laser hair removal
Laser hair removal has been the most popular hair removal method in last decade due to its speed and efficacy. It gives permanent hair reduction results of up to 70% without causing any damage to your skin and surrounding tissue. To compare with other permanent hair removal method such as electrolysis, laser hair removal is less painful, much faster and more cost effective and has fewer side effects. Skin irritation and ingrown hair are common side effects of temporary hair removal such as waxing, plucking, shaving and depilatory creams, on the other hand Brazilian laser hair removal not only is the best solution for ingrown hair but it also does not irritate the skin. In addition, it’s more time and cost effective due to its efficacy and permanent results. You can also experience clean and hairless skin during your treatment session intervals as you don’t need to wait for the hair to grow back to get your next appointment and can shave whenever you want.
Brazilian laser hair removal side effects
Laser hair removal is a safe treatment for almost all skin types and no down time is required. It’s a walk-in walk-out treatment and you can resume your everyday activity immediately afterward. Temporary itching, redness, and swelling around the treatment area or swelling of the hair follicles (follicular edema) are all quite normal after Brazilian hair removal. Applying cool compresses and an aloe-vera gel may relieve the side effects. If you have darker skin, you may experience pigment changes such as hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation on the treated area which may last for a few weeks or so.
Is Brazilian laser hair removal painful?
You may expect to feel minimal pain during your treatment. The degree of discomfort depends on your skin and hair colour and also the treatment area. Laser hair removal might be more painful for people with darker skin because they have darker hair and more pigments in their skin which leads to light absorption at a higher level. For those who have more sensitive skin, we apply an anaesthetic cream to numb the area, especially on the more sensitive areas, to reduce the discomfort.
Thinking about getting Brazilian laser hair removal?
If you are looking for a permanent result with fewer side effects and want to enjoy smooth skin everyday with no ingrown hairs, the laser hair removal treatment is the best option for you, as with only 8 to 10 sessions it will permanently inhibit your hair growth and after a course of treatments, you will only need to get maintenance treatments once or twice a year for those few stubborn hairs that remain.
What Is a Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
Full Brazilian hair removal, also known as Hollywood, includes removing all hair from the pubic area (front and back). Some women like to leave a triangle or a line in the front which is all possible to do with laser hair removal treatment.
Laser hair removal cost
Laser hair removal prices vary based on the size of the area to be treated, the quality of the machine used and also the location of the clinic you choose to go to. Brazilian laser hair removal cost could be from $100-$250 per session. You can check all the details regarding the cost of your laser hair removal with us at: www.medixskincare.com.au
How long does laser hair removal last
Do you want to get rid of your unwanted hair for good? If so, then you’re likely at least considering laser hair removal. This method of removing hair offers the most permanent results because it does not just target the hair you can see. It actually goes down to the root of the problem and disables your hair follicles themselves. This long-term solution is available at Radiant Divine Medical Spa in Avon, OH.
FAQ About Laser Hair Removal
How Long Does It Take?
The amount of time it takes to remove your hair will depend on your unique situation, but in general, this is a fast treatment. We can typically treat a small area like the upper lip or the chin in five minutes or less. If you’re having a larger area done, such as the legs or back, it may take up to 30 minutes.
The larger question is how many sessions will be needed to completely remove your hair. This question can only be answered after a consultation to determine your unique needs. Most people get good results with anywhere from four to eight treatments, but some people need more to get their final results.
Understanding why multiple treatments are needed involves learning about the removal process and what lasers do.
How Do Laser Hair Treatments Work?
The lasers work to remove hair by sending light down the hair shaft to damage the follicle. This light is emitted in very brief but intense pulses, and the light generates heat that disables the follicle.
Follicles can only be effectively damaged when they are in the active growing stage because in this stage the hair is still tightly connected to the follicle, so the heat is effectively delivered.
Our hair is always going through cycles, including dormant, shedding, and growing. Not all of our hair is in the same stage at the same time, so a laser treatment will only be able to target the hairs that are actively growing. The hairs that are in other stages will need to be treated later. This is the first reason it requires multiple sessions to get rid of your unwanted hair.
How Sessions Work
At any given treatment session, you can expect the laser to effectively target somewhere between 25% and 70% of your hair. The exact percentage will depend on how much of your hair is in the act of growing stage at the time. After your session, these hairs will shed, and the damaged follicles will be unable to grow hair as thickly and quickly as before.
Imagine that you have 1,000 hairs in your target area and that your first treatment gets 35% of them. After treatment, you will only have 650 hairs. At your next treatment, if the laser gets another 35%, you will only have 423 hairs. After just two sessions, the hair in your target area will be half as thick as before!
After three treatments at this rate, you would have fewer than 150 hairs left in the target area. You would be seeing a dramatic difference; but it is also clear that it will take multiple treatments to reach your final goal.
Do Any Other Factors Help Determine How Long It Will Take?
Other than the growing stage of your hair, the other most important factor is the difference in color between your hair and your skin. Because this method of removing hair works by targeting the color in your hair, the greater the contrast between hair and skin color, the more efficiently it will work.
It’s important to note that the laser we use can effectively target hair of almost any color and even skin that is quite dark. The different wavelengths our laser uses are effective for almost everyone. However, it will take a few more treatments to destroy the follicle if there is not a strong contrast between your hair and skin color.
Are the Follicles Damaged or Are They Destroyed?
The terminology surrounding laser treatments can sometimes be confusing. The follicles will definitely be damaged by the heat energy generated by the laser. Some of these follicles will be destroyed and never grow hair again, but those that are simply damaged will eventually grow hair again.
The new hair will be thinner than what you remember and will not grow nearly as quickly. The more maintenance treatments you have to keep up your new look, the more likely it is that follicles will be completely destroyed by the laser, and the greater the chance of permanent removal.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
As mentioned, there is a chance that your results will be permanent. Most people only need occasional and infrequent touch-up treatments to keep their results. Most people can expect at least six to 12 months of smooth, hairless skin.
The biggest factor in determining the longevity of your results is your hormones. Hormones control hair growth, and even if you achieve completely smooth skin, a big change in your hormone levels may cause your hair to grow back.
Am I a Candidate?
In the early days of laser treatments only those with very light skin and very dark hair were suitable candidates for treatment. This is because the lasers were not able to target the hair without also damaging the skin, so there had to be an extreme contrast between skin and hair in order to safely avoid burns while accomplishing hair removal.
Today’s lasers are advanced and sophisticated and able to work on those with both light hair and dark skin. This treatment is safe for almost anyone who wants it. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to set up a consultation with us, however, there are really only a few minor things that could prevent you from having treatment.
If you have a condition that makes you especially sensitive to light, you may not be able to receive treatment. The same is true if you are taking any medications that make you photosensitive and you are not able to pause those medications for a few weeks as you seek treatment. Finally, if you have an active infection or rash in the target area, you’ll need to wait until it clears before seeking treatment.
What Laser Do You Use?
At Radiant Divine Medical Spa, we use the Aerolase because we believe it’s the most sophisticated and comfortable way to get you the results you’re looking for. This laser has been proven effective on nearly all skin and hair types.
Does This Treatment Hurt?
Older lasers had a reputation for being quite uncomfortable, but we have come a long way in learning how to make these treatments pain-free. Lasers are now much faster, which means they accomplish their job with less wasted energy hitting your skin.
They also come with cooling technologies to counteract the laser light and keep you comfortable. If you’re worried, talk to us about the ways we can make you more comfortable.
What Kind of Recovery Is There With This Treatment?
There is really no actual recovery time needed. This is not an invasive procedure, and there are no incisions and nothing the body needs to do to heal itself. All you need to do is treat your skin carefully for a few days, almost as if you had spent a little too much time in the sun. Baby your skin with extra moisturizers and avoid using any skincare products that contain harsh ingredients.
You’ll also enjoy the best results if you keep yourself well hydrated and eat healthfully. Hydration and good eating habits are crucial for skin health at all times, and giving your body the nutrients it needs will help you feel and look your best, whether you just had a removal treatment or not.
How Long Do I Have to Wait Between Treatments?
Remember that your body needs a little time for hair that was not treated to cycle into the active growing stage so it can be effectively targeted by the laser. We usually suggest one-week intervals between each treatment.
So, for example, if you want to treat the hair on your upper lip, you would likely need about four treatments at one-week intervals, meaning that you will see your final results after one month. If you’re targeting the hair on your legs, it’s not uncommon to need between six and eight treatments, meaning that you will see your final results in no more than two months.
Is It Worth It?
When you understand that it will take some weeks to see your final results, it’s natural to wonder if it’s worth it to go through laser hair removal. After all, you could buy a can of shaving cream and razor at your local drugstore very cheaply and make that hair disappear–at least for a day–in just a few moments.
But there are some very good reasons to consider this treatment, and especially when you compare it to your other options.
Shaving and Depilatory Creams
There are a couple of problems with shaving and depilatory creams. The most obvious ones are that they must be repeated endlessly. Some people even need to use them every day in order to be rid of the hair they don’t want.
The more often you shave, the more irritation you cause your skin. Meanwhile, depilatory creams contain harsh chemicals that can burn the skin. They are not healthy or comfortable when applied regularly.
Not only must these solutions be applied constantly over and over again, but they are also expensive. While it may seem that one can of shaving gel and a couple of razors isn’t all that expensive, over time it adds up. The average woman will spend over $10,000 on shaving products in her life, not counting what her time is worth.
Waxing and Plucking
The results of waxing and plucking last longer than shaving because you’re removing the entire hair instead of just the part that can be seen about the skin. This can allow you as much as a week or two of smooth skin before any stubble starts to show. Yet there are some downsides to consider.
The first major downside is the pain. It hurts to have your hair ripped out! Plucking is also very inefficient as a way of removing hair from a large part of the body, and waxing can get expensive, especially if you are visiting a spa for your treatments.
Perhaps worst of all, both of these methods require you to allow your hair to grow to a certain length before it can be removed. This means that there will always be a time when you have to cover up and feel uncomfortable while waiting for your hair to grow.