Many people search for the best way to remove unwanted hair from the face, legs, underarms, back and other areas of the body. In the quest for long-lasting methods of removing unwanted body hair, two methods stand out: electrolysis and laser hair removal. Both methods offer long-term solutions for getting rid of hair but with distinct differences.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis uses an electric current sent through a needle to shock individual hair cells and kill them at the root. This kills the existing hair and destroys the hair follicle, preventing it from growing new hair in the future. This makes it a truly permanent solution for hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses a beam of high-energy light aimed at the area to be cleared of hair. The treated hair falls out over the course of a few days. In laser hair removal, the follicle is damaged but not necessarily destroyed. Sometimes, laser treatment results in the complete death of the follicle, making removal permanent. In many cases, the follicle repairs itself and can regrow hair after a few months.
Permanence
Electrolysis can provide permanent hair removal, because it destroys the follicle that makes hair. Laser hair removal isn't necessarily permanent, although in some cases it can be. It consistently provides long-term effects lasting six months to a year. The effectiveness of laser hair removal can also be affected by a person's hair and skin color. People with dark hair and light skin respond better to laser hair removal than dark-skinned or light-haired people.
Cost and Time
Electrolysis costs between $45 and125 per hour, performed in a doctor's office or spa by a trained and licensed electrologist. Because it must be performed individually on each hair, it can take a long time. Hair removal from a small area, such as the upper lip, can take up to 10 hours. However, because it's permanent, no further appointments are necessary.
Laser hair removal costs about $400 for a single treatment and is performed in a spa. For small areas, the procedure can take a few minutes, with larger areas taking up to a few hours to completely remove all hair.
Post-Treatment
Electrolysis and laser hair removal have few side effects and a short recovery time. Some redness and swelling may occur. Post-procedure skin care products are available for both types of hair removal, and at-home remedies include aloe vera or cooling the area with ice packs. Most swelling and other side effects disappear within 24 hours after the procedure.
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