Deciding which hair removal process will be most effective for you needs careful consideration. At Bayou City Dermatology, we take many elements into account to determine which procedure will bring the de-fuzzing results you desire.
The world of permanent hair removal can be complex. It seems that one moment laser hair removal is considered the ultimate way—and then boom! Electrolysis comes knocking on the door again…
The recent advances in the technology used in both processes have only exacerbated this.
So… It’s time to put the argument to bed once and for all.
Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal—the definitive guide
- Comparing how each process works
- Which is more painful? Electrolysis vs. laser hair removal
Comparing how each process works
Electrolysis works by passing an electric current to the hair follicle. A probe is inserted, and a carefully calculated charge is discharged. This damages the follicle to the extent that it becomes unable to grow another hair.
Laser treatment uses a different process. A tool that applies mild radiation is run across the areas of hairs to be treated. This converts to heat that’s absorbed along the shaft of each hair and slows down the growth cycle.
The following compares the practicalities of the two treatments:
- Electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method. Laser hair removal slows down hair growth, resulting in finer, lighter hairs over time.
- Electrolysis treats each hair individually—the laser process treats multiple hairs at a time.
- Electrolysis is suitable for any skin type, skin color, hair type, and hair color. Laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair.
- Both treatments usually require multiple sessions to achieve the full effect.
- Electrolysis is usually cheaper per session. However, because it has to target each hair, you’ll likely need more treatments. Because laser hair removal can be used for larger areas, it can often be a cheaper option over the longer term.
Which is more painful? Electrolysis vs. laser hair removal
OK, so let’s be straight up from the start—both processes are uncomfortable. Depending on your pain tolerance, you might say that this is negligible or you might find it downright painful.
Electrolysis can be likened to having a tattoo—it stings or prickles. Many people get around this by taking an over-the-counter painkiller an hour or so before treatment. Applying ice packs afterward can reduce any post-treatment discomfort.
Laser treatment is akin to having a rubber band snapped against your skin. If required, your practitioner can apply a numbing cream—although this should only be carried out with caution and by a clinical dermatologist because there have been reported side effects. Again, the preferred method of keeping the pain to a bearable level is with pre-treatment analgesia and post-treatment ice packs.
As to which is more uncomfortable, the sensation is different for each. However, the treatment is extremely popular, meaning you can rest assured that the millions of people who’ve undergone both methods of hair removal wouldn’t do so if the pain was too intense. If we had to define which hurts more, then laser hair removal does have a higher level of discomfort.
The key to reducing pain is to work with a highly experienced dermatologist who can a) explain which method will be best for you and b) advise the right pain-relieving methods to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Discover Your Best Permanent Hair Removal Solution at Bayou City Dermatology
As you can see, deciding which hair removal process will be most effective for you needs careful consideration. At Bayou City Dermatology, we take many elements into account to determine which procedure will bring the de-fuzzing results you desire.
In short, a true electrolysis vs. laser hair removal comparison can only be done in conjunction with your personal requirements—something that our expert clinicians bring to the table.
Discover more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/cosmetic/electrolysis and call us today to start your journey to beautifully smooth, hair-free skin.
