What Is the Difference Between Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis?

Removing unwanted hair is a daily, time-consuming, and irritating necessity. When there are in-office methods that permanently remove unwanted hair, dealing with it at home is unnecessary. At Spa in the City in Dallas, TX, we use effective hair removal treatments to get rid of unwanted hair. If you’re wondering about the differences between electrolysis vs laser hair removal, both are effective but there are some aspects that set them apart.

Electrolysis vs Laser: How They Are Different

If you have never been to a medspa to undergo hair removal, it can be easy to confuse laser hair removal with electrolysis. While both take place in the office, the primary difference between the two is that electrolysis uses chemical or heat energy to destroy the hair follicle while laser hair removal involves the use of lasers to damage the hair follicle.

The Process Is Different

When you see photos of in-office hair removal, they may at first appear the same. Both use a handheld device that passes across the skin of the individual undergoing treatment, yet, they are very different. Though they may seem similar, the process that occurs to remove the actual hair during laser hair removal vs electrolysis is very different.

The Laser Hair Removal Process

Removing hair with a laser involves (spoiler alert!) the use of a laser. During the process, a beam of light directly targets the hair, and the follicle absorbs that energy. Energy hits the follicle, damaging it. This damage is what slows the growth and ultimately prevents regrowth. The laser can also cover a large area of hair at one time. As it works, it damages many hair follicles at once, which helps you reach your ultimate hair-free goals quickly.

The Electrolysis Process

Electrolysis involves the insertion of a probe, which is a fine needle, into every hair follicle in the area undergoing treatment. Once inserted into the skin, the probe sends out an electric current that is either chemical or heat-based. When this current reaches the hair follicle, it damages it, inhibiting future growth. This process is repeated on each hair follicle in the area treated. Tweezers then remove the hair from the follicle, or it falls out on its own, permanently.

The Methods Are Different

With laser hair removal, there is only one method used during this treatment, and that method is the laser itself. There are three different methods of electrolysis. The most common is thermolysis, an alternating current that applies heat to the hair follicle to destroy is. The second is called blend, which uses both heat and electric current to create an effect that destroys the follicle. The third is galvanic, which is no longer used due to its ineffectiveness.

The Required Amount of Sessions Are Different

When you compare electrolysis vs laser hair removal, both treatments require multiple sessions. However, because the lasers can cover larger areas of the skin at once, this treatment requires a few sessions to achieve the desired results. Electrolysis requires the individual targeting of each hair follicle, one at a time, to remove the hair, so naturally, it may take longer to achieve the desired results: yet once you do, you’ll be rid of your unwanted hair permanently.

The Length of Each Session Is Different

You want to remove unwanted hair, but the last thing you want to do is spend all day at an appointment. You won’t have to do this for either one of these treatments. When you compare electrolysis vs laser hair removal, laser appointments can only last a few minutes since the lasers can reach father and can damage larger areas of hair follicles at one time. Electrolysis appointments may take a little longer since each follicle must be targeted.

The Aftercare Is Different

Aftercare is an important element to consider when choosing a method of in-office hair removal. If your goal is to achieve a certain look before a vacation or important event, such as a wedding, reunion, or even a first date, you need to consider what type of aftercare is involved following your treatment. The aftercare associated with each when you compare electrolysis vs laser hair removal is another aspect that makes them different from each other.

Aftercare Following Electrolysis

Electrolysis may require the application of an antibacterial cream following treatment. Patients who choose this method of treatment must pay close attention to protocols to make sure they get the best results possible following this form of hair removal. They must avoid touching or scratching the areas treated. They also must avoid any activity that causes excessive sweating in the days immediately following their treatment. Yet in the end, it will all be worth it.

Aftercare Following Laser Hair Removal

Immediately following your laser hair removal appointment, there are some minimal directives you must follow. Following your treatment, apply sunscreen to the area treated by the laser before going outside for two weeks. We recommend anything with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you don’t know what type of sunscreen to use, we will provide recommendations during your appointment so that you will be prepared when you leave.

Get Started Today

Laser hair removal and electrolysis are popular methods of hair removal because they are both efficient, effective, and they work. Are you ready to stop shaving, waxing, and plucking and get rid of your unwanted hair once and for all? If so, we can help. Contact us today at Spa in the City located in Dallas, Texas, and schedule your in-office hair removal appointment; you will love your results.