Difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal

The main difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal is that electrolysis is the removal of hair that is lighter than a person’s skin color, while laser hair removal is used to remove brown or black hair.

Electrolysis versus laser hair removal

Electrolysis is the technique in which electric current is used to remove hair permanently. On the contrary, laser hair removal is known as a newer procedure in which lasers are used for permanent hair removal. Electrolysis was first used in 1875. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, was first used in the mid-1990s.

Electrolysis is considered effective for hair removal of all types, including blonde hair. On the other hand, laser hair removal is used to remove hair that is darker than skin color. In electrolysis, it usually takes 15-30 treatments in a month for permanent hair removal, while laser hair removal requires 5-8 treatments 4-8 weeks apart for permanent hair reduction.

Each electrolysis session requires 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. On the other hand, each laser hair removal session is completed between 15-90 minutes, depending on the treatment area. People often feel a sensation of heat and a brief pinch during electrolysis that only lasts for a short time. In contrast, with each pulse of light during laser hair removal, a person may feel a sensation of heat and a slight clicking sound. To minimize this discomfort, the skin is cooled before and after each pulse through the cold tip of the laser.

Electrolysis requires approximately €65-90 per session, while approximately €150-€200 is required for each laser hair removal session. An increase in ingrown hairs, swelling, dryness, and redness are suggested as possible side effects of electrolysis. On the other hand, swelling, a change in skin pigment, some pain, acne breakouts, itching, pink skin, redness, scabbing, and infection are the possible side effects of laser hair removal.

Comparison chart

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is suggested as an extremely versatile process. Helps all skin and hair types inhibit new hair growth. It is the process that can be used on any part of the body, including the eyebrows. This process uses short-wave radio frequencies that are applied to the hair follicles to stop the growth of new hair.

Electric hair removal is used by electrolysis to remove hair permanently. A doctor slides a hair-thin metal probe into each follicle that delivers electricity directly to the hair follicle and causes localized damage to the areas involved in hair growth. At first, the power is set to the lowest level, and then it is increased until the level reaches the level where the hair comes out easily.

The results of electrolysis involve the permanent destruction of the hair. The reason behind this is damaged hair follicles that are unable to grow new hair. A person cannot get these results in a single session. This may be the case if one could undergo the process on a large area of ​​their body such as the back or an area of ​​the body with thicker hair growth such as the pubic region.

Electrolysis requires approximately €65-90 per session. For best results, 15-30 treatments are usually needed in a month. People often feel a sensation of warmth and a brief pinch during this short-term process. An increase in ingrown hairs, swelling, dryness, and redness are suggested as possible side effects.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is used to remove brown or black hair. Therefore, this procedure is considered to work best on fair skin and dark hair. It is a newer procedure where melanin is selectively targeted to the follicle and then pulses of light are applied causing localized damage to the hair follicle.

Soft radiations are used in the process of laser hair removal through high temperature lasers. Its purpose is to slow down hair growth by significantly damaging hair follicles. Sometimes your patients may experience hair regrowth. To maintain the results of your first laser hair removal sessions, you must follow the occasional maintenance treatment. Although the effects of this procedure are believed to last longer than home hair removal methods such as shaving, this laser therapy fails to create permanent results.

The analgesic ointment is applied by a dermatologist before starting the process to minimize pain. Consult the doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, if a person is still experiencing pain. For this severe pain, the doctor will prescribe a steroid cream.

Approximately €150-€200 is required for each laser hair removal session. Requires 5-8 treatments 4-8 weeks apart for permanent hair reduction. With each pulse of light during laser hair removal, a person may feel a sensation of heat and a slight snap. To minimize this discomfort, the skin is cooled before and after each pulse through the cold tip of the laser.

Possible side effects are swelling, a change in skin pigmentation, some pain, acne breakouts, itching, pink skin, redness, crusting, and infection. By applying a cold pack or ice to the affected area, patients can relieve common symptoms such as redness and swelling.

Key differences

1. The removal of hair lighter than a person’s skin color is called electrolysis, while the technique used to remove brown or black hair is called laser hair removal.
2. Electrolysis was first used in 1875. On the other hand, laser hair removal was first used in the mid-1990s.
3. Electrolysis is the technique where experts use a thin metal probe to apply electrical current to an individual hair follicle causing localized damage. In contrast, laser hair removal is a newer procedure where melanin is selectively targeted to the follicle and then pulses of light are applied causing localized damage to the hair follicle.
4. Electrolysis is considered effective for hair removal of all types, including blonde hair; On the other hand, laser hair removal is used to remove hair that is darker than skin color.
5. Each electrolysis session requires 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. On the other hand, each laser hair removal session is completed between 15-90 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
6. For the best results from electrolysis, 15-30 treatments are usually needed in a month, while the best results from laser hair removal require 5-8 treatments 4-8 weeks apart.
7. Electrolysis requires approximately €65-90 per session; on the other hand, laser hair removal requires approximately €150-€200 for each session.
8. People commonly feel a warm and brief pinching sensation during the electrolysis process that only lasts for a short time, while with each pulse of light during the laser hair removal process, a person feels a warm and slight clicking sensation.
9. An increase in ingrown hairs, swelling, dryness, and redness are possible side effects of electrolysis. On the other hand, swelling, a change in skin pigment, pain, acne breakouts, itching, pink skin, redness, crusting, and infection are the possible side effects of laser hair removal.
10. Electrolysis results in complete hair removal, while laser hair removal results in permanent hair reduction that occurs in a large percentage of hair follicles. Sometimes your patients may experience hair regrowth. So, to maintain results, they should visit for an occasional maintenance treatment.

Final Thought

All of the above discussion sums up that electrolysis is considered effective for the removal of hair of all types, even for blonde hair through the use of electric current. On the other hand, laser hair removal is used to remove hair that is darker than skin color i.e. brown or black hair with the help of lasers.