Laser Vs. Electrolysis Hair Removal System

Excessive hair, especially in places like the face, can be a really annoying problem for both men and women. Though various methods are available to get rid of undesirable hair, most of them fail to provide a permanent solution to this problem. So people facing this problem usually look for a permanent or long-lasting hair removal method. Laser method and electrolysis are the two emerging options available for eliminating hair.

Laser Hair Removal Method

It is an efficient method for removing body hair, where a laser beam is applied to target the hair follicles. The laser beam is attracted to the melanin pigment found in skin and hair. This light produces heat and burns down the hair follicles. As laser beams are attracted by the hair color or pigment, so it may not produce the desirable effect on blond, white or gray hair. It may provide permanent or long-lasting solutions to only some individuals. But it mainly destroys the active hair follicles and not the dormant ones. This is because the dormant hair follicles do not produce a very large amount of melanin and so do not attract the laser beam. This is why hair may grow back in some individuals. Therefore, this treatment may need multiple sessions. As compared to the conventional methods of hair removal like waxing and threading, it only causes very little discomfort.

Electrolysis

In this system, a metal probe or a needle, is inserted into every hair follicle and then a low-level electric current is applied. This electric current passes through the metal probe and produces an electrical shock, which destroys the root of each hair follicle. So the system targets an individual hair follicle at a time and therefore often requires a long time and several sessions to complete the procedure. In addition to this, people may also experience a pricking sensation.

Comparison Between Laser Method and Electrolysis

The main advantage of laser hair removal system is that it is convenient, effective and can target a large area at once. As compared to electrolysis, it is less time-consuming as many hair follicles can be targeted simultaneously. However, the effectiveness of laser hair removal can vary among different persons. In many individuals, the hair may grow back after a period of time, however, the hair is usually thinner than before. It has also been observed that laser hair removal can reduce the hair count up to 80%. On the other hand, hair removal by electrolysis can be quite tedious and time-consuming, as it concentrates on a single hair follicle at a time. However, it can provide a permanent solution to the problem of excessive hair growth.

As laser beams get attracted to the melanin pigment in our skin and hair, they are not suitable for people with dark skin or light hair. If applied on dark skin, it can burn skin and cause pigmentation problems. But electrolysis can be applied on any individual, regardless of skin or hair color. As compared to laser hair removal, hair removal by electrolysis is less expensive and affordable. But the main disadvantage of this system is the time taken for removing hair from a large area. Even pain associated with the system can be greater than the laser hair removal system.

So both laser and electrolysis have their own pros and cons and therefore a proper evaluation is required before opting for a particular system. Besides this, it is better to take the advice of a professional in this regard, to find out which one suits you best.