How is Laser Hair Removal Compared to Electrolysis?

Hair is an integral part of our body. However, sometimes it becomes too much or grows in areas where it’s not intended to be. This makes us think of the best way to get rid of it. That is not the only reason for seeking hair removal treatment. Any good reason you have is valid, and you will get the treatment if you visit your physician.

There are numerous techniques for getting rid of unwanted hair, but our main focus is the laser hair removal as compared to electrolysis. To start with, we are going to distinguish and define the two methods appropriately for easy follow-up. The definition itself is one of the comparison features between the two systems.

Laser hair removal is a technique that uses selective photothermolysis to target the melanin in the hair follicles and thereby destroy the hair growth cells. On the other hand, electrolysis is performed by inserting a thin metal like object in the hair follicle and then applying electric current to destroy the hair follicle.

Comparison of laser hair removal to electrolysis

Laser hair removal is friendlier and less painful as compared to electrolysis. Lasers mostly rely on light and heat technology, but electrolysis uses a needle-like object to destroy the hair follicles.

Due to the objects used, electrolysis works on each hair at a time, but since lasers work through a beam or ray of light, they can work on a larger surface with more than a couple of hair follicles. However the more coherent and focused the light is, the more likely it is to produce better results.

The main limitation of laser hair removal is the fact that it can only efficiently work on hairs that are darker than the color of the skin. Trying otherwise can easily lead to tanning of the skin and burns. On the other hand, electrolysis can work on all skin types irrespective of the color of the hair.

Maybe it’s these limitations that have made laser hair removal treatment not to be approved by the FDA whereas electrolysis is approved. However, it is worth noting that it is the only permanent hair removal method that has been approved by FDA.

The lack of approval can also be attributed to the fact that laser hair removal is more current compared to electrolysis that has been around for more than four decades.

Laser hair removal treatment requires lesser treatment sessions compared to electrolysis that can require 15-30 sessions for effective hair removal. With lasers, even seven sessions can be enough, but the number can vary depending on the skin type and amount of hair.

Laser hair removal treatment is less effective compared to electrolysis, and this is mostly contributed by the fact that no single laser can be suited for all people. So, in order to achieve desirable results, the doctor may be required to have more than one laser. The high purchase costs involved tempt the physicians to use one laser on a variety of skin types, and this further contributes to their ineffectiveness.

Though not encouraged, a laser can be used even at home but electrolysis requires professional skills to operate the machines. Please, note that electronic tweezers and photo epilators do not constitute permanent electrolysis and are even prohibited in some states.

Conclusion
Putting all factors into consideration, we can say that based on the fact that lasers are friendlier to use, many people might prefer to use them. They might not be as effective as electrolysis, but they also produce satisfactory results. The experience of the physician operating the machine also determines greatly on the efficiency of both methods.