Laser hair removal versus electrolysis – which method to choose?

Laser hair removal: the essence of the method

Laser hair removal is a new technology for removing unwanted hair. This method is based on the use of light, which is collected in a dense beam and directed to one point (like a lens with which you can light a fire). In this case, this light is used to remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is the fastest and most effective way to say goodbye to unwanted hair for a long time.

How is laser hair removal performed?

Before going for the procedure, it is interesting to know how this method works and how laser hair removal differs from electrolysis.

The bare “working area” is irradiated with a laser for a certain time (no more than 1 hour for large parts of the body). The idea is that the laser reacts to areas with a high content of melanin and is directed there. A lot of melanin (pigment) is contained in hair and hair follicles, which, after being hit by a laser beam, become very hot and die. After all hair has been irradiated, the procedure ends. Lost hair is removed from the body and the skin is lubricated with a special cream.

Thus, if electrolysis involves physical intervention (piercing the skin), then laser hair removal is non-contact, removing only hair.

The laser hair removal procedure is not complicated, but even such an advanced technology has both its pros and cons.

Benefits of laser hair removal

This method has many advantages, namely:

• there is no pain during the procedure (unless a powerful laser is used to remove colorless or light hair);
• the skin is not damaged during laser hair removal;
• a long-lasting effect, which, with the correct selection of laser, will eliminate hair for 6-8 months (if the hair is very dark and the skin is white, then complete removal of unwanted hair is possible);
• the procedure does not take much time.

To remove light hair, a neodymium laser is used, which can cause burns and pain.
Thus, laser hair removal helps to quickly and painlessly get rid of unwanted hair on the body, but it is worth remembering that the duration of the effect depends on the quality of the operation. Therefore, it is better to do it by professionals.

You will learn about the pros and cons of laser hair removal in this video.

Disadvantages of laser hair removal

The specificity of laser action has not only advantages, but also disadvantages:

• the procedure is quite expensive;
• to completely get rid of vegetation you need to carry out 3-4 sessions;
• the maximum effect is achieved only if the hair has a sufficient amount of pigment (it is naturally black or dark brown), and the skin is contrastingly different from the hair (white or slightly dark);
• if the hair is lighter than the skin, then laser hair removal is not possible;
• can be carried out when the hairs have grown at least 3 mm;
• cannot be done after sunbathing (you need to avoid being in the sun for a long time for a week);
• not performed after electrolysis (the integrity of the skin is damaged);
• if rapid hair growth is caused by hormones, then laser hair removal will only slow down the process.

Laser hair removal gives the best effect when removing black hair from white skin. The procedure is suitable for wealthy people who are willing to pay money for several courses to get perfectly smooth skin.
One procedure may not have any effect at all, and if you do not have the funds for subsequent procedures, then you will simply be wasting your money.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser hair removal

During this manipulation, a focused beam of light is directed onto the hairs, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The pigment conducts it into the hair follicle, where it is converted into heat. This heat destroys the follicle. Depending on the choice of device, the characteristics of the procedure differ slightly. The advantages of laser hair removal are as follows:

1. Versatility – the procedure can be used on any part of the body;
2. Speed ​​– even the whole body can be treated in one session;
3. Minimal pain.

Among the disadvantages of this approach are:

1. Low effectiveness for light/gray hair, dark skin;
2. Possibility of burns, pigmentation/depigmentation of areas;
3. Less effective compared to electrolysis, after which there are no hairs left at all and they are not restored.

Laser hair removal can be very effective for the appropriate color type - light skin, dark hair.

What is electrolysis

Electrolysis cannot be called a new method of hair removal, however, despite the emergence of new technologies, it is also an effective method of removing unwanted hair.

Execution mechanism

The electrolysis method uses electric current to destroy the hair follicle. It was also used by our mothers and grandmothers to remove hair from various parts of the body. Since then, little has changed, except that the pain during the procedure is muffled by various creams and other drugs.

A thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle, through which an electric charge passes.
The needle is inserted into the skin many times, removing all visible hair. The procedure takes a long time, but it is suitable for removing any hair from absolutely any skin. Painful sensations during electrolysis depend on the type of skin and the area of ​​the body where the operation is performed.

Advantages of electrolysis

If the old method is not a thing of the past, then it has enough advantages to exist in our time. Strengths:

• removes any hair from any part of the skin (except the neck);
• the procedure costs several times less than modern hair removal methods;
• the procedure eliminates hair ingrowth into the skin;
• the maximum effect that can eliminate hair for life.

Evaluating the above about electrolysis and laser hair removal, we can conclude that the difference lies not only in the principle of operation, but also in the fact that electrolysis is suitable for all girls, regardless of skin or hair color, and therefore is a more affordable method of hair removal.
This procedure is suitable for almost any area, however, since it involves a targeted effect, its implementation is more often practiced for the correction of small areas.

Cons of Electrical Hair Removal

Minuses:

• the procedure requires a huge amount of time, which depends not only on the amount of hair, but also on its type;
• some types of hair removal are very painful and are carried out only with the use of painkillers;
• to achieve perfectly smooth legs, several operations are required;
• After surgery, damaged skin needs time to recover, during which the skin must be treated with special creams and protected from direct sunlight;
• Electrolysis may result in unexpected skin reactions (redness, itching, swelling, discoloration, scarring).

Looking at the list of disadvantages, there is no great desire to use this method, however, most of the side effects arise due to the master’s oversight, and not because of the specifics of the method. Therefore, electrolysis or laser hair removal performed by a novice or in unsanitary conditions will entail huge problems.

In this video you will learn about the mechanism of performing the electrolysis procedure and contraindications to its implementation.

Advantages and disadvantages of electrolysis

With this procedure, the hair is captured using an electrode (tweezers/point). The electric current created by the electrode penetrates the hair into its follicle, melting and destroying it. The advantages of the approach are as follows:

1. Effective on all hair types;
2. Safe for skin, burns are unlikely, pigmentation/depigmentation does not occur;
3. There is no need to avoid direct sunlight, which is especially important when removing facial hair;
4. High efficiency.

Disadvantages of this approach also stand out:

1. The procedure is quite painful;
2. Spot treatment - only an area of ​​10 by 10 cm is treated in 1 hour, therefore two legs cannot be treated in one session;
3. It may not be performed on all parts of the body, since in the area of ​​the armpits and chin there is a possibility of damage to the lymph nodes.

A significant advantage of the technique is that it is equally effective for any skin color or hair color.

Which is better – laser hair removal or electrolysis: all the pros and cons

To finally decide which method to give preference to, it is worth conducting a detailed comparison: laser and electrolysis – which is better.

• Price.
  One laser hair removal procedure costs about the same as 3-4 or even more electrolysis procedures. In this case, hair removal using a needle and electric shock is the best budget option.
• Comfort.
  Laser hair removal is practically painless, unlike electric hair removal. Therefore, in terms of comfort, electrolysis is on par with a portable epilator.
• Efficiency.
  No matter what marketers say, electrolysis performed by a professional can permanently get rid of unwanted hair. It all depends on the number of procedures and “dormant” hair follicles.
• Time consumption.
  As stated above, laser hair removal does not last more than an hour, but the second one can take half a day. This is important if you have a busy schedule and little time for personal needs.

Thus, when choosing electro or laser surgery, it is better to take into account your priorities, since in the comparison described above, hair removal methods have equal positions.

Which method is best for you?

What is more effective - electrolysis or laser hair removal? The optimal method is selected individually, since both of them have advantages and disadvantages in certain parameters, and are also more or less suitable for different skin types and different hairs.

According to the required number of procedures

Regardless of the type of treatment, you will need several treatments to completely remove hair. This is due to the fact that only 80% of all follicles existing in the skin are active at the same time. The rest are in a dormant state, and in both processes only active follicles are destroyed. Accordingly, after six months to a year (for some, earlier), inactive follicles wake up and hairs begin to sprout.

Laser removal does not destroy all follicles at once. Most clients require 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2-6 weeks apart to achieve complete hair removal. When treated with electrodes, all dormant follicles are destroyed, but only a small area is cleaned per session, so several procedures will also be required.

By price

The cost of one procedure can vary significantly depending on the category of the salon. On average, a 10-minute electrolysis session costs 300-400 rubles. When treating the face, prices are slightly higher. For laser treatment, the cost varies depending on the area and is 2000-3000 for a bikini, extra bikini, lower legs, 1000-1500 rubles for hairs above the upper lip and on the chin for women.

Applicability to skin types

Electrolysis is equally effective for any skin color. It allows you to remove light, transparent, gray hairs on dark skin. Laser hair removal is especially effective for dark hair. It is not suitable for gray, clear hair, tanned, dark, Asian, dark skin.

Security

What is the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal? The main difference is in the principle of impact on the follicle, which explains various contraindications to the procedure. There are risks when laser processing:

1. Burn;
2. Pigmentation/depigmentation.

Electrolysis carries a risk of damage to lymph nodes, which is why it is not performed on all areas of the body. There is also a risk of getting burned. But it is lower than when working with a laser, since the method is more accurate.

What to choose?

Both options have different execution methods and represent different variations. For this reason, it is pointless to conduct a comparative analysis regarding the best and worst method.

But in order to choose the appropriate method of getting rid of hair for yourself, you need to understand what the difference is between Elos and laser hair removal for each individual case.

Elos will definitely suit girls with dark skin. As do those with blond hair. Laser flashes in this case will be useless and can harm the skin.

Also, the choice of hair removal method depends on the area of ​​hair removal. Sensitive areas, such as the bikini area and armpits, are better suited to laser hair removal. At the same time, Elos causes painful sensations. Laser flashes are a smart choice for the face, as the second hair removal option comes with the potential for redness and minor damage.

Apparently, when choosing between laser hair removal and Elos, you cannot choose one method of hair removal. Today, the cosmetic services market offers many options for hair removal and depilation. However, laser and Elos occupy equally leading positions. When choosing, you need to be guided by factors such as pain threshold, skin color type, amount of free time and the presence of contraindications.

Comparison table of laser and Elos hair removal

Pros and cons of the two methods

To understand which is better – laser or electrolysis, you need to compare the pros and cons of both methods. It is worth taking into account customer reviews and the opinions of cosmetologists, doctors and other specialists. To make your skin beautiful and smooth, you need to choose the right option.

You need to find out how laser hair removal differs from electrolysis according to the following criteria:

• Safety;
• Soreness;
• Contraindications;
• Restrictions;
• Side effects.

To summarize the results of the study, other parameters need to be taken into account. For example, processing speed, price range, the ability to carry out the procedure at home.

How does laser hair removal differ from electrolysis in terms of time? In 60 minutes of exposure to current on hairs, an area of ​​10*10 cm can be treated. Accordingly, only small areas of vegetation can be removed in one procedure. Laser hair removal allows you to eliminate hairs in 40-60 minutes, even on the legs.

The differences in cost are not noticeable. In different salons they offer to undergo the procedure for 2000-5000 rubles, depending on the area being treated.

Electrolysis or laser hair removal should be carried out in specialized beauty salons or clinics. At home, it is impossible to achieve sanitary standards and other important conditions.

Safety

Many clients worry whether exposure to a laser or electrode will harm their health. It is this criterion that is assessed first. When answering the question of which is better, electro- or laser hair removal, it is important to consider the level of safety of both methods of hair removal. With the right approach, the procedures do not have any consequences for the body.

The main thing is that the sessions are conducted by a qualified cosmetologist. It is important to check the license and certificates of the salons, the level of education of the specialist.

Contraindications

It is difficult to answer what is better: laser or electrolysis, based on the existing contraindications of the methods. Both options are prohibited if the following problems exist:

• Scratches, wounds in the affected area;
• Cardiovascular pathologies;
• Viral, fungal and other types of infections;
• Endocrine disorders.

Intolerance to metals, coatings or compositions for the conductivity of laser radiation will prohibit electrolysis or laser hair removal. Also, persons whose skin is predisposed to the formation of keloid scars, benign and malignant neoplasms are not allowed to undergo the procedure.

Epilepsy or mental disorders are also not allowed during the procedures. Impaired muscle contractions, tremors, paresis are indications for canceling the session. Poor or increased blood clotting can lead to serious problems after procedures.

Laser or electrolysis are contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation due to the incompletely studied effect of the devices on the fetus. Both options for removing hair from the leg area and deep bikini are prohibited for varicose veins.

Painful sensations

According to customer reviews, in some cases, exposure to laser hairs causes discomfort. Therefore, people with a high pain threshold are offered painkillers during the procedure. However, if we compare electrolysis and laser techniques, the first option is the most painful. Each puncture or capture of hairs with tweezers-electrodes causes agony. Even with local anesthesia, it is not always possible to reduce the painful sensations of clients.

Side effects

Side effects are possible if precautions and skin preparation for procedures are not followed. Laser hair removal or electrolysis may cause irritation of the skin in the treated area. The formation of small scars or increased formation of pigment spots after laser exposure is possible. But electrolysis has more side effects:

• Burns;
• Redness;
• Inflammation;
• Scarring;
• Itching.

When choosing laser or electrolysis, it is important to take into account that after hair removal using electrodes, crusts remain on the skin for 1-2 weeks - at the puncture sites. After laser hair removal, slight redness is observed in the treatment area, which lasts no more than a day.

Restrictions

When choosing electrolysis or laser hair removal, you need to take into account the area of ​​treatment and the intensity of hair growth. For example, electrolysis is not allowed in the armpit area. There are a large number of lymph nodes in this area; if the cosmetologist touches them, health problems will begin.

If you choose which is better: electrolysis or laser hair removal on the face, there will be no clear answer. The impact of the electrode is painful, so it is better to use it to remove small areas of vegetation. But in the case of sensitive facial skin, it is better to give preference to laser. The same applies to the choice of hair removal method in the deep bikini area.

Some clients immediately undergo electrolysis after laser hair removal, wanting to quickly get rid of annoying hair. This is not recommended, since those hairs that were targeted by the radiation will fall out on their own. And “sleeping” hair will not react in any way to epilation with an electrode.

Immediately after hair removal, you should not visit swimming pools or use new cosmetics in the treated area, since there is a high probability of developing an allergic reaction and skin irritability.

Electrolysis - what is the essence of the method ↑

Electrolysis appeared in Europe back in the forties of the twentieth century. The method is based on the effect of electric current on the hair follicle. A needle-electrode is placed under the skin. A current is supplied through it, which destroys the follicle.

This hair removal procedure can be carried out using several methods:

1. The tweezer method involves taking each individual hair with a thin tweezer electrode connected to a device. The current travels along the hair shaft to the follicle and destroys it. The exposure time per hair is one and a half to two minutes. This gentle and absolutely painless method is not suitable for hair removal on large areas of skin because it requires a huge amount of time.
2. Thermolysis. To achieve the result, the destructive effects of high-frequency alternating current are used, the pulse of which causes instant coagulation of surrounding tissues.
3. Electrolysis. Here the hair follicle, into which the needle electrode is inserted, is exposed to direct current. The released sodium ions interact with tissue fluid. As a result, a microdose of alkali is formed, which destroys the follicle.
4. Blend method. Thermolysis and electrolysis are used simultaneously.
5. The flash method is an improved thermolysis. The only difference is the frequency of the current – ​​it is 2000 KHz. Thanks to the high frequency, the exposure time is reduced to 0.1 seconds. Insulated electrode needles are used. Pain and trauma are minimal. This method can only be used on the arms and legs.
6. Sequetial blend is the same blend method, but has undergone a number of improvements. The effectiveness of destructive effects increases significantly due to a decrease in the amplitude of the direct current at the moment of the impulse. Painful sensations are reduced.
7. Sequetial flash is an improved flash method. The high-frequency sinusoidal alternating current allows the doctor to maneuver depending on the quality of the hair: the thicker the hair, the higher the current and the shorter the pulse.

When performing electrolysis, a needle-electrode is inserted under the skin

Why choose electrolysis: advantages of the method ↑

1. Efficiency of the procedure. By resorting to electrolysis, you can get rid of hair not for a year or even ten years, but forever. To achieve the planned result, as a rule, three procedures are sufficient with an interval of three to four weeks to several months. Having removed one bulb, you need to remember that the hair in the next one continues to grow.
2. The procedure can be used on any skin type and any hair color.
3. Electrolysis will cost much less than laser or photoepilation.

The electrolysis procedure allows you to get rid of hair not for a year or two, but for life

Three fly in the ointment: disadvantages of electrolysis ↑

• Pain and lack of pain relief.

During hair removal you will have to be patient - this procedure is not pleasant. Why is local anesthesia not commonly used? According to doctors' observations, there is the opposite effect - hair begins to grow with renewed vigor.

• Complications in the form of scars, spots and inflammation.

Since during electrolysis the integrity of the skin is compromised, complications may develop if the simplest hygiene standards are not observed or due to the characteristics of the patient’s skin. Sometimes they even become a more significant problem than unwanted hair on the body.

• The success of the procedure depends on the qualifications of the specialist.

Electrolysis depends on the cosmetologist who performs it. In the USA, for example, the minimum training period for this method of hair removal is 120 hours, and the optimal one is 1100. In France and Great Britain, only those doctors whose experience is at least 5 years are allowed to work independently.

Photos before and after the electrolysis procedure

Contraindications: reasons to refuse the procedure ↑

In medicine, the following contraindications have been established, in the presence of which electrolysis is unacceptable:

• infectious diseases;
• dental pins;
• chronic and acute skin diseases;
• varicose veins;
• diabetes;
• malignant neoplasms of the skin;
• some forms of hepatitis;
• severe forms of coronary heart disease and hypertension;
• intolerance to nickel and gold contained in needles;
• implantation of gold threads;
• pacemaker;
• intrauterine devices;
• orthopedic endoprostheses;
• keloid disease.

It is also important to note that during pregnancy it is extremely undesirable to carry out electrolysis, due to a decrease in the threshold of pain sensitivity.

Elos hair removal

Elos hair removal technology combines two types of hair removal – laser and electric. First, the laser heats the hair, and then a needle is applied to the hair follicle, through which an electric current flows.

Elos hair removal does not remove all hair at once; an average of four to six sessions are required for perfectly smooth skin. The required number of sessions depends on hair thickness, tan, skin type and other factors. The procedure is complex, so you need to be extremely responsible in choosing a salon or clinic where you can get rid of unwanted hair.

Contraindications

To everything that prevents laser hair removal, the following are added:

• Problems with blood clotting.
• Piercings and other metal elements on or inside the body.
• Pacemaker or defibrillator.