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Laser hair removal and electrolysis
Understanding the difference
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are both popular treatments for unwanted hair, but they work in very different ways.
Understanding the difference is important when deciding which treatment is right for you.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to target melanin (pigment) within the hair. The light is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle and reduces its ability to produce hair.
Laser is particularly effective for treating larger areas of the body where there is sufficient contrast between the hair and surrounding skin.
However, because laser relies on pigment within the hair, it is generally ineffective on white, grey and many blonde or red hairs. Results also vary depending on hair characteristics, skin tone, laser technology and treatment settings.
Laser is best understood as a method of long-term hair reduction. Multiple sessions are normally required, and maintenance treatments may be necessary.
How does electrolysis work?
Electrolysis works differently. A highly specialised, sterile probe is gently inserted into an individual hair follicle. A controlled electrical current is then delivered to destroy the hair-producing cells within that follicle.
Each follicle is treated individually, preventing that treated follicle from producing another hair when treatment is successful.
Unlike laser, electrolysis does not rely on pigment. This means it can treat all hair colours, including blonde, red, grey and white hair, and all skin tones.
Electrolysis is recognised as a method of permanent hair removal and is particularly useful for smaller areas, individual hairs and hair that has not responded to laser.
Which treatment is right for you?
Laser can be an excellent option for reducing large volumes of dark, pigmented hair.
Electrolysis is often the better option when:
Your hair is blonde, grey, white or red.
You have individual stubborn hairs that remain after laser.
You want to remove isolated facial hairs.
You need precision around delicate areas.
Your hair is too fine or lightly pigmented for laser to work effectively.
You want permanent removal of specific unwanted hairs.
The important thing to remember is that laser and electrolysis can complement one another. You don't necessarily have to choose just one.