MED SPA BLOG
The Difference Between Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis
So, you’re finally sick of daily shaving, painful tweezing and waxing, and messy, smelly depilatory creams! And you are ready for a permanent hair removal solution – so you can show your skin with confidence. Now the decision becomes: which permanent hair removal treatment is best? And, equally important: which permanent hair removal treatment is most affordable?
For most people the decision comes down to traditional electrolysis versus modern laser hair removal technology. In this article the aesthetic experts at Spa Medica in Grand Rapids explain the similarities and differences between laser hair removal and electrolysis. We discuss the benefits, process, advantages and cost of each type of permanent hair removal, so you can decide which treatment is best for you.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Pain
Let’s start with the comfort factor. Electrolysis involves inserting a hot needle into each hair follicle one at a time to destroy it. Alternatively, lasers hair removal does not involve any needle penetration – and uses laser heat energy to target several hair shafts at one time.
The laser is set to a specific frequency that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair root, while not damaging the surrounding skin. The pulsed light delivered by the laser is typically described by our Grand Rapids patients as feeling like a “rubber band snap”. Taking a two Advil or Ibuprofen an hour before laser hair removal is usually enough to offset the discomfort.
So, there is significantly greater pain with electrolysis which requires 20 or more needle pokes for every one laser hair removal “snap”.
The verdict: lasers hair removal is less painful than electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Number of Treatments
A laser hair removal session takes about 20 to 30 minutes in our Grand Rapids med spa, depending on the size of the area treated. Because individual hairs grow in different phases, five to eight treatments may be needed to treat every hair during its growth phase.
Electrolysis treatments are a bit shorter – only taking about 10 to 20 minutes. However, because hair is removed one single follicle at a time it can take up to a full year of weekly treatments to get rid of every individual hair follicle.
The conclusion: laser hair removal requires far fewer treatments and will be done in a shorter period of time than electrolysis.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Cost
Laser hair removal treatments and electrolysis treatments are about the same for each individual session. Prices in the Grand Rapids area can range from around $35 for one treatment of a very small area up to $95 for a large area.
But the number of treatments needed is where the big price difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis comes into play! Five to eight laser hair removal treatments end up saving you thousands over a year of weekly electrolysis treatments.
For little more than the cost of a waxing treatment, each laser hair removal treatments gets you closer to a permanent hair reduction solution.
The bottom line: laser hair removal ends up being far less expensive than electrolysis, because it requires far fewer sessions.
Best Laser Hair Removal – Grand Rapids
SpaMedicaGR in Grand Rapids offers state-of-the-art Cynosure Icon laser hair reduction technology. Unlike many other lasers on the market, the Icon laser is safe for most skin types, including darker skin tones. It is also unique in that it is highly effective on light as well as dark hair.
Each laser hair removal consultation begins with a professional skin and hair consultation. For optimal results, we offer custom packages of multiple laser hair removal treatments – to make your hair reduction dreams a reality at the most affordable price in Grand Rapids.
If you are tired of shaving, plucking, tweezing and waxing, schedule a laser hair removal treatment – and then relax in our Grand Rapids Med Spa, while we make your skin smooth, sexy and hair free!
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.