MED SPA BLOG
Is Laser Hair Removal or Electrolysis Better?
So, you are finally fed up with daily shaving, painful plucking and waxing, and smelly depilatory creams to get rid of unwanted hair. You’re ready for a permanent hair removal solution, so you can show off your skin with confidence. The decision you are faced with now, is: which hair removal treatment is best?
Most people’s concerns fall into these three areas when selecting a hair removal treatment:
- What is the most affordable permanent hair removal treatment?
- What is the least painful permanent hair removal treatment?
- What is the fastest permanent hair removal treatment?
The two permanent hair removal options are traditional electrolysis and more recently developed laser hair removal techniques. Unfortunately, most Med Spas only offer one or the other, but not BOTH electrolysis and laser hair removal. This means that they will steer you in one direction – which may not be right for you.
Fortunately, SpaMedica in Grand Rapids offers both electrolysis AND laser hair removal. So, we can objectively help you chose the best treatment for your budget, timeframe and skin type.
In this article, the aestheticians at SpaMedica in Grand Rapids explain the similarities and differences between laser hair removal and electrolysis. We discuss the benefits, process, and costs of each type of permanent hair removal so you can decide which treatment is right for you.
Which hurts more: laser hair removal or electrolysis?
Let’s start with the comfort factor. Electrolysis involves inserting a heated needle into each hair follicle one by one to destroy it. In contrast, laser hair removal does not involve the use of needles, but instead uses heated laser energy to target multiple hairs at once. The laser is tuned to a specific frequency that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair root without damaging the surrounding skin.
Our Grand Rapids patients often describe the pulsed light from a laser as feeling like “snapping a rubber band.” Usually, taking two tablets of Advil or ibuprofen an hour before laser hair removal is enough to counteract the discomfort.
Electrolysis is generally considered somewhat more painful than laser hair removal. And because it takes longer to target one hair follicle at a time, the sessions are longer, so the discomfort lasts longer as well. So, if comfort is your number one consideration, we recommend laser hair removal over electrolysis.
Which is faster: laser hair removal or electrolysis?
Because laser hair removal is able to target several hair follicles at once, sessions generally only take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. But since each hair is in a different growth phase, it may take five to eight treatments to treat each hair during its growth phase.
Individual electrolysis sessions often more time because it removes one follicle at a time. It can also take many more treatments to eliminate each follicle.
So, if speed is your primary hair removal consideration, we may also suggest laser hair removal over electrolysis.
Which is cheaper: laser hair removal or electrolysis?
Electrolysis treatments are generally cheaper than laser hair removal sessions. But far fewer laser treatments are needed. So, for example, five to eight laser hair removal treatments may save a patient money over 20 bi-weekly electrolysis treatments. However, electrolysis requires no ongoing annual maintenance, while laser hair removal does – which adds to the cost of laser hair removal in the long-run.
Our aesthetician will help you “do the math” based on the number of areas to be treated – to help you find the best hair removal treatment for your budget.
Which is more effective: laser hair removal or electrolysis?
If laser hair removal is faster, cheaper, and less painful than electrolysis, you may be asking yourself why anyone would choose electrolysis. The primary reason is that electrolysis is more permanent and never requires maintenance treatments, like laser hair removal procedures do.
Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved 100% permanent hair removal treatment. Because electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles, the hair cannot and will not ever grow back. However, with laser hair reduction, new hair growth tends to be considerably less dense and much lighter than before, but annual maintenance treatments may be required. And as previously noted, these annual laser maintenance sessions can add to the cost, as well.
Which is safer: laser hair removal or electrolysis?
Electrolysis is 100% safe for people of ANY hair type or color and any skin tone. However, laser treatment is most effective for people with fair skin and dark hair – and is generally not recommended for people with darker skin tones or lighter hair. This is because laser hair removal works by targeting the pigmented cells in the hair follicle. If skin is too dark, the laser may also target and ‘burn’ the pigmented skin cells. Conversely, if the hair is too light, it may not contain enough pigment to attract the laser energy.
So, for many patients, including most Black, Indian, and Middle Eastern people, laser hair removal is simply not an option. However, because the electrolysis technician manually selects and penetrates each hair follicle with a very fine needle, it can safely be used on even very dark skin.
Electrolysis & Laser Hair Removal | Grand Rapids
If you would like to permanently say goodbye to unwanted hair virtually anywhere on your face or body, schedule a hair removal consultation at SpaMedica in Grand Rapids today. Because we are one of the only Med Spas in all of Kent County offering both electrolysis and laser hair removal, we can offer you both options and help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Electrolysis & Laser Hair Removal | Grand Rapids: (616) 888-3890
SpaMedica GR – Grand Rapids Med Spa
APPOINTMENT REQUEST
Achieving your cosmetic goals and giving you the best possible results is our passion at SpaMedica GR in Grand Rapids, MI. We offer a variety of aesthetic treatment options to help you to achieve your cosmetic goals. At SpaMedica GR it’s All About You! We are here to help you make your skin look healthy and beautiful. Call us today to book an appointment for Laser Hair Removal, Injectables, Microdermabrasion with Dermalinfusion, Skin Resurfacing & Tightening, Photofacials, Microneedling, Fat Loss, or any other treatment we offer in our Grand Rapids Med Spa. We are here to help with your aesthetic concerns and will be happy to work with you to give you a natural, youthful look with skin that you will feel great about.
SpaMedica GR
Grand Rapids Med Spa
APPOINTMENT REQUEST
Achieving your cosmetic goals and giving you the best possible results is our passion at SpaMedica GR in Grand Rapids, MI. We offer a variety of aesthetic treatment options to help you to achieve your cosmetic goals. At SpaMedica GR it’s All About You! We are here to help you make your skin look healthy and beautiful. Call us today to book an appointment for Laser Hair Removal, Injectables, Microdermabrasion with Dermalinfusion, Skin Resurfacing & Tightening, Photofacials, Microneedling, Fat Loss, or any other treatment we offer in our Grand Rapids Med Spa. We are here to help with your aesthetic concerns and will be happy to work with you to give you a natural, youthful look with skin that you will feel great about.