Should I Get Electrolysis or Laser Hair Removal?

Electrolysis has been available for consumer use since the 1970s, and is widely regarded as the gold standard in hair removal. Laser hair removal is a much newer technology, which many people say has just as impressive results … the treatments often seem so similar in terms of end result that many people confuse them. In fact, electrolysis and laser hair removal are very different – today we explore how each technique works, and which might be most suitable for you.

How does electrolysis work?

In electrolysis sessions, very fine metal probes are inserted into each hair follicle. Depending on the type of electrolysis being used (galvanic or thermolysis), a DC or an AC current is passed through the needles. The DC current produces sodium hydroxide through a chemical reaction to destroy the follicle, the AC current produces heat. Some electrolysis machines use both DC and AC current.

How does laser hair removal work?

A laser machine fires beams of light of a specific wavelength into your skin. At these specific wavelengths, the light is attracted to the melanin in your hair follicles. The laser selectively heats the follicle, which usually destroys its ability to re-grow new hairs. It is rather like thermolysis electrolysis.

The Showdown – Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal

Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits of laser hair removal:

• Speed: Laser hair removal sessions are much faster than electrolysis, and you’ll require far fewer to complete the treatment. One medical study found that laser hair removal was around 60 times faster than electrolysis.
• Pain levels: Hair removal with a laser is far less painful than the meticulous one-by-one zapping required by electrolysis.
• Cost: Often laser hair removal is quite a lot cheaper then electrolysis
• Accessibility: Because fewer sessions are needed, and also because laser hair removal is more readily available, the accessibility of the treatment is also a benefit of laser hair removal.

Benefits of electrolysis:

• Guaranteed permanency: Electrolysis is a guaranteed method of permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal, by contrast, is a method of permanent hair reduction. There is a greater range of individual variation in response to laser hair removal.
• Safe for all hair/skin colours: Because lasers target melanin, it can be difficult to treat clients with darker skin, or with light hair and light skin, effectively. Electrolysis can be performed the same without regard to colouring variations.

Making Your Decision

This decision tree will help you work through a process similar to the one our own consultants use when recommending a particular hair removal method, either laser hair removal or electrolysis, for a client.

Do you want to treat a large area, like your legs, back, shoulders or buttocks?
Choose laser hair removal.

Are you sensitive to pain?
Choose laser hair removal.

Do you have a limited budget?
Choose laser hair removal.

Do you have easy access to an electrolysis clinic?
If you do, you most likely also have easy access to a laser clinic. Your options remain open!

Do you have very dark skin, or very light hair on light skin?
Test laser hair removal first; if unsuitable, choose electrolysis.

Have you had poor results from laser hair removal in the past?
Choose electrolysis.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis actually serve two different needs – our consultants can help you decide between them!