Are you getting tired of the hassle of shaving, waxing, and tweezing unwanted hair? If you have been looking around for a longer-lasting solution, you have already likely heard of electrolysis and laser hair removal methods. Thanks to technological advances achieved in hair removal technologies in recent years, manual and inconvenient temporary hair removal methods, such as plucking, shaving and waxing are becoming a thing of the past.
Electrolysis and laser hair removal are two popular methods for hair removal. While both methods are designed to get rid of unwanted hair, they work using different underlying processes. Understanding the difference between them and how they work can help you make an informed decision about which hair removal solution is best for you. If you’re curious about which technique to opt for, keep reading—we will dive into the key differences between them.
Mechanisms of action
Electrolysis involves treating each individual hair follicle by inserting a hair-thin probe into it. Then, a tiny current is applied through the probe and delivered to the follicle, creating a chemical reaction which permanently inhibits the stem cells which create new hair. By eliminating each hair’s stem cells, electrolysis achieves permanent hair removal with life-long results. Importantly, electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses concentrated light energy to target the dark-coloured pigment melanin in the hair follicle. Upon becoming absorbed by melanin, the light energy is transformed into heat, damaging the hair follicle and reducing hair growth over time. All in all, targeting the hair follicle using this method prevents the hair from growing back as densely or as quickly as it did before laser hair removal treatment.
Number and duration of sessions
For both electrolysis and laser hair removal, multiple treatment sessions are usually required due to the nature of the hair growth cycle. This is because hair grows in different stages, and both laser and electrolysis methods are most effective during the active growth phase, which is called anagen. Note, laser works on the skin surface and is based on hair pigmentation, it doesn’t depend on the phase of the hair.
For both methods, the total number of sessions needed typically depends on the density of hair growth, as well as the size of the area being treated. However, in terms of session length, Laser is typically much faster since it can be used on larger areas of skin at once. On the other hand, since electrolysis permanent hair removal treatment targets each follicle individually with high precision, it usually requires longer sessions, however results are lasting forever.
Electrolysis and laser hair removal requires different number of sessions due to its results and effectiveness. Electrolysis provides permanent results, but hair grows in different stages. Electrolysis requires number of sessions to ensure all hairs are removed, including dormant hair follicles. Plus, electrolysis permanent hair removal targets each follicle individually with high precision, it usually requires longer sessions. In return, permanent results is being delivered and the result lasts permanently.
Results you can expect
Electrolysis: This is the only hair removal method which offers permanent results that can last a lifetime. This is because it eliminates each hair’s source of hair growth—its stem cells. After the required number of electrolysis treatment sessions are completed, its results are life-long.
Laser Hair Removal: In contrast, laser hair removal can offer a reduction in hair growth, and it cannot guarantee that each treated hair follicle will be permanently deactivated. While laser hair removal is considered to be a long-term reduction hair removal solution, most people still require touch-ups and recurring laser treatments.
Effectiveness and versatility
Electrolysis: It is suitable for all skin and hair colours. Since the electrolysis method is not pigment-based, it can be used by people with dark complexions or if someone has unwanted hairs that are blond, grey, and red hair, which laser can never target. What’s more, it can also be used on moles and skin with tattoos.
Laser hair removal: This technique is mainly effective for removal of dark-coloured hair from lighter shades of skin. This is because its mechanism of action is selective toward the dark-coloured pigment called melanin.
Treatment cost considerations
The upfront cost of electrolysis treatment is typically higher compared to laser hair removal due to its precise, time-consuming nature. However, when considering the long-term results of permanent elimination of unwanted hair growth, many people consider electrolysis to be a worthwhile investment. When considering the total costs of temporary hair removal methods such as waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal that can add up over the decades, electrolysis usually works out to be the most-effective solution.
The Conclusion
Electrolysis and laser hair removal are both a modern for of hair removal methods offering long-term results. That being said, they also have important differences in terms of their mechanisms of action and applications for different skin and hair types. When choosing between them, it is important to understand how they work, and to consider your hair removal goals, as well as skin and hair types. So, if you’re looking for a method that works on most skin types and is permanent, then Galvanic Electrolysis would be a good option. If you’re looking for a more popular method, than laser would be the better option.
