The Difference Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis are two very different procedures. They are both used to remove unwanted hair from the body. The difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal is explained below.
Laser hair removal works by delivering a series of pulses of light and heat into the skin. This light is attracted to dark pigment contained within the hair on pale skin. This energy is transferred to the hair bulb where it destroys the follicle’s ability to produce a new hair. For darker skin a different type of laser is used. Unlike the other laser, this targets the blood supply that feeds the hair follicle. Both ways are incredibly effective at removing hair. A laser is pulsed quite quickly over the skin due to this large areas can be covered in just a few minutes.
Laser cannot target blonde, red or grey hairs as it depends upon pigment within the hair to absorb the light energy.
Electrolysis can only target individual hairs with each application. It works by using a direct electrical current to remove individual hairs from the body. A very fine needle-shaped electrode is inserted into the skin. An electrical current is delivered which produces heat that will destroy the hair root. This is a very slow method of hair removal as it can only treat individual hairs.
It can be effective at treating some blonde, red, grey and white hairs.
Is laser hair removal or electrolysis better for facial hair?
Laser hair removal is definitely the best option to remove facial hair. Treatment is faster and more comfortable with laser. Laser is gently pulsed directly over the skin and no needles are required like electrolysis. You will also see a reduction in growth after your very first session.
Electrolysis is a good way to remove excess facial hair for people with blond, grey or red hairs. Care must be taken when inserting needles into the skin in order to avoid damaging the follicle. Although this treatment is clinically proven to deliver results progress can be slow. This is because each hair has to be targeted individually.
How often will I need to have laser hair removal treatments on my face?
You will need to have a session of laser hair removal every 4 weeks on the face. We would recommend doing at least 6-7 sessions at this interval. Depending on how your results are progressing this time frame can be extended if things are going well. Maintenance sessions will also be needed to maintain your results. In most cases 2-4 top ups are needed each year on the face. People with underlying health issues or hormonal imbalances may also need more.
Electrolysis sessions are typically weekly to start and will then move to every two weeks. A number of sessions will be needed to reduce the hair. Treatments can be very slow as one hair is treated at a time. Maintenance sessions are also required on an ongoing basis.
Unlike other methods of hair removal laser will definitely give you the long term results you are looking for. Facial hair can cause you to become self conscious especially if growth is quite obvious. You don’t have to live with this issue there is a solution. Laser hair removal will restore your confidence.
If you would like to speak to one of our consultants about our laser treatments for the facial area please do not hesitate to contact us. Our laser consultations are completely free of charge. Find out how laser treatment can benefit you by contacting us today.