During the pandemic, you’ve let your hair situation get pretty bad. Now, as parts of the world start to open up, you want long-term hair removal solutions. Read on to compare two of the best hair removal solutions, laser therapy versus electrolysis!
What Are They?
Laser hair removal, such as laser hair removal at J SPA Medical Day Spa, damages hair follicles using mild radiation from high-heat lasers. The damage to the follicles is intended to slow down hair growth. While laser removal lasts longer than shaving or depilatory cremes, laser removal is not permanent.
Electrolysis disrupts hair growth by putting a shortwave radio device into the skin, using shortwave radio frequencies to stop new hair growth. The frequencies damage the follicles to both stop growth and cause existing hair to fall out. While you may need follow-ups for best results, electrolysis is recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a permanent solution to unwanted hair growth.
What Are the Benefits?
Laser hair removal is a versatile hair removal procedure, able to be used anywhere on the body except around the eyes, and there is almost no recovery time. While new hairs still grow, the hair won’t look as heavy as it did before the procedure. Laser removal works better with people who have both dark hair and fair skin.
Electrolysis can be used everywhere on the body, including the eyebrows. In addition to a more permanent hair removal procedure, it’s effective for all hair and skin types. As hair removal solutions go, it is a good bet for your needs.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks?
Some of laser therapy’s major side effects include blisters, inflammation, swelling, and pigmentation changes. Minor side effects are irritation and redness, which go away by the next day. Anything that lasts longer should be checked out by your doctor.
Common side effects of electrolysis include slight skin irritation and go away in about a day. Though rare, pain and swelling do occur. Only go through a reputable and board-certified dermatologist to avoid infection risk.
Taking Care and Following Up
Before laser therapy, your dermatologist may use a topical ointment over the area to minimize pain. The most common side effects of this treatment can be relieved by icing the area. You’ll need follow-up and maintenance treatments with laser therapy.
With electrolysis, multiple sessions will likely be required to get all the hairs, especially in a dense area. After the area has been treated, no maintenance is needed. Sessions can be done in weeks as opposed to the months required with laser therapy.
Bottom Line: What’s The Cost?
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis are classified as optional cosmetic procedures, and as such are not covered by insurance. The cost will depend on how many sessions are needed for optimal results, and with electrolysis, the size of the area to be treated. Remember to plan for future treatments with laser therapy!
Laser Hair Removal Versus Electrolysis
So, who’s the winner between laser hair removal vs electrolysis? Which one is best for you depends on if you want to go through more sessions in the short term for permanent results, or will be happy with short-term results. Both, however, produce better results than shaving and other home treatments for unwanted hair.
Enjoy this article? Then make sure to take a look at our blog for more articles!