With summer around the corner, you may be looking for a better way to deal with unwanted hair. Two popular options, that offer permanent results, are laser hair removal and electrolysis.
But, when it comes to laser hair removal vs. electrolysis, how do you know which one is right for you?
Continue reading to learn all about laser hair removal and electrolysis, including how they work, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment designed to eliminate unwanted hair from virtually any part of the face or body.
It delivers concentrated beams of light, which target and heat melanin in hair follicles. This process attempts to weaken and damage follicles and permanently reduce hair growth.
What Is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is an FDA-approved hair removal technique. It involves inserting a probe into individual hair follicles and using an electrical or chemical source to cut off blood supply to the follicle and destroy it.
In doing so, the treatment prevents regrowth and causes existing hairs to fall out.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Which Is Better?
When comparing laser hair removal vs. electrolysis, there are several factors to consider.
Surface Area Coverage
While electrolysis can only treat one follicle at a time, laser hair removal, applied as a series of rapid pulses, can act on multiple hair follicles simultaneously.
Accordingly, this approach can cover larger and denser treatment areas with greater speed and efficiency.
Number and Frequency of Treatments
For optimal effects, most patients need a series of six-to-eight laser hair removal treatments, scheduled six-to-eight weeks apart.
In comparison, electrolysis requires more sessions, which patients must attend weekly or bi-weekly, until they achieve desired effects.
Safety
Laser hair removal and electrolysis both have excellent safety profiles.
Thanks to technological advancements and increased awareness, most laser hair removal devices are designed to safely treat all skin types and tones.
However, because laser hair removal targets pigment in follicles, individuals with melanin-rich skin are at greater risk for adverse effects.
For this reason, patients with skin of color should ensure that they seek a qualified provider with extensive experience treating darker skin tones.
On the other hand, electrolysis obliterates follicles directly, without affecting melanin. Therefore, it is universally safe for all skin types and tones.
Learn More About Hair Removal Options
When it comes to laser hair removal vs. electrolysis, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to determine which one is right for you.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nalan Narine, please call our office today.