Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal: Which Is Best?

Great–you’ve finally decided to give up shaving and try a long-lasting hair removal solution! The question is, what do you go for?

Electrolysis and laser hair removal are both effective options, so choosing between them can be tricky. That said, knowing a bit more about how they work, their benefits and limitations can help you make the decision.

Here, we outline everything you need to know about electrolysis vs laser hair removal.

Electrolysis Hair Removal

How Does Electrolysis Hair Removal Work?

Electrolysis works by inserting a hand-held device with a fine needle into the skin. It delivers shortwave radio frequencies to your hair follicles, which stops new hair growth and causes existing hairs to fall out. It does this by destroying your hair follicles in the treatment area.

The number one question we get is: is is electrolysis hair removal actually permanent? Yes, it is!

Pros to Electrolysis Hair Removal

• Permanent hair removal: electrolysis is recognised by the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) and Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) as a permanent, safe and ethical hair removal method.
• Works on all hair types and colours: it is effective on all hair types (fine, coarse, thick, etc) and colours, as well as all skin types.
• Precision: it can can treat individual hairs, making it ideal for small areas, such as the face, underarms and bikini line, as well as shaping eyebrows.

Cons to Electrolysis Hair Removal

• Time-consuming: each hair follicle is treated individually, making sessions longer, especially for larger areas.
• Discomfort: some patients describe electrolysis treatment as feeling like a tiny shock every other second or a heated tingling sensation across the treatment area. It can be more painful than laser hair removal, though pain varies from person to person.
• Multiple sessions needed: between 8-12 sessions are required to achieve complete hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal

 How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal works by directing light energy into the skin, which heats and damages hair follicles to inhibit future hair growth. Unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal is not permanent. However, your hair will grow back lighter and finer over time, and your hair won’t grow back for several months to a few years.

Pros of Laser Hair Removal

• Speed: we can treat larger areas, such as the legs, arms, chest, back, shoulders and torso, as well as small areas, more quickly than electrolysis. Best results are seen in six to 10 sessions.
• Less pain: laser hair removal is generally less painful than electrolysis with built-in cooling devices. Discomfort is similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. 
• Effectiveness: it is particularly effective on dark, coarse hair and lighter skin tones. In this case, lighter, thicker hair and darker skin tones may require more sessions.

Cons of Laser Hair Removal

• Not permanent: it is classified as a long-term hair reduction method rather than permanent removal; maintenance sessions may be needed.
• Limited effectiveness on light hair: less effective on light hair (blonde, red, grey, etc) and may not work well on very dark skin tones.
• Risk of side effects: can cause temporary side effects like redness, swelling, and, rarely, burns or pigment changes, especially on darker skin.

Choosing the Best Hair Removal Method for You

Ultimately, both electrolysis and laser are excellent hair removal solutions. Deciding what to go for should depend on your individual circumstances. If you only shave during the summer or are fuller-bodied, you may benefit more from laser hair removal. Whereas, electrolysis is perfect for those who hate shaving and like to show more skin throughout all seasons.

In addition, if you only want to treat a small area and aren’t too bothered by pain, then electrolysis will provide effective and permanent results. However, if you want to get rid of hair with minimal discomfort, have thick, dark hair and don’t mind coming back for top-up sessions, then go with laser hair removal.

Here at Pure Perfection Clinic, we offer both electrolysis and laser hair removal with our Diolaze XL device. Join us for a consultation where we can share further guidance on the best option for you.