Electrolysis or laser hair removal - which is better?

How the procedure works

Laser hair removal and electrolysis refer to procedures using innovative equipment designed to destroy hair on any part of the body. The devices can be used by cosmetologists who have undergone professional training.

The peculiarity of the laser device is the direction of the beam along the length of the hair at a level of 5 mm. Each hair contains a certain amount of melanin, which attracts the beam and heats it up to 80 degrees. As a result, the hair follicle is destroyed; this effect is typical for the diode and alexandrite apparatus. If you use neodymium technology, the beam penetrates deep into the tissue and seals the blood vessels, thereby stopping the nutrition of the hair. After some time, the bulb dies.

The difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal is the use of a different device that produces low-frequency electric current. With its help, the hair follicle is removed for a long time or forever. The essence of the method is the precise impact of a needle, which is inserted deeply, destroying the root system. This procedure requires the hands of an experienced craftsman.

How is it carried out?

Electrolysis uses a charge of electricity that destroys hair follicles. Since its invention, the principle of operation has not changed, but pain is now mitigated by a variety of creams and painkillers. Thin needles are used through which an electric current penetrates the hair follicle. This method removes all hairs, and this is a rather lengthy task.

Electrolysis is the best option regardless of the type and color of hair and skin. Discomfort during the procedure is affected by the type of skin and the area where epilation is performed.

Safety of the procedure

When developing the devices, the structure of the hair, which cannot be called simple, was taken into account. To compare laser and electrolysis, you need to consider the safety of their use. For electrolysis:

• The skill of the cosmetologist is important, the needle is applied to each bulb pointwise, this requires skill to avoid scars;
• the session takes longer, ensuring accuracy;
• electric current affects only the hair, other tissues are not damaged;
• After treatment, ingrown hairs do not appear.

For laser hair removal:

• the laser beam does not affect internal organs;
• the quality of the procedure depends on the content of melanin pigment, the highest amount in representatives of dark hair;
• certain requirements for tanning are established, if not met, dark spots appear on the skin;
• During the session, the skin does not heat up and is not damaged;
• The method does not cause cancer.

Contraindications to the procedure

Any cosmetic procedure has contraindications, including hardware ones. Who should not use electrolysis or laser beam:

• People with serious diseases: oncology, blood diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, colds.
• With a predisposition to varicose veins, with poor vascular elasticity.
• Areas with many moles, papillomas, and neoplasms should be excluded.
• For various inflammations of the skin (abrasions, burns, scratches, bruises).
• During menstruation.
• If you are prone to allergic reactions on the skin.
• During pregnancy and lactation.
• In case of individual intolerance.

Painfulness of the procedure

Electrolysis or laser hair removal, which is better and less painful? There is no clear answer. The first session is considered painful. If a laser is used, a tingling sensation is felt. The use of a thin needle is felt more strongly. In addition, the second method is the most labor-intensive, and therefore causes discomfort more often. Today, special gels with anesthesia are applied to the skin, so the client feels much more comfortable. The second and subsequent sessions will cause less discomfort. Also, the pain depends on the cosmetologist, on his technique and experience.

Flaws

• long procedure time, since treatment of each follicle is required. In subsequent sessions, the procedure time is reduced;
• Depending on your pain threshold, the procedure may seem painful. Local anesthesia can be used to eliminate discomfort.
• risk of burns if the procedure is not performed correctly.
• may be higher in cost per course than laser. But the course does not need to be repeated later. Also, the price is reduced when the time for the procedure is reduced.

Duration of the procedure and course duration

You can achieve the cleanest possible body in a year and a half; getting rid of hair is of an aesthetic nature. It is recommended to treat the armpits, arms, legs, bikini, and face areas of both women and men.

The difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal is that in the first case you can say goodbye to your hair forever, in the second case - for a long period. A total of 6-9 procedures are needed, with a break of 4 to 8 weeks. The duration of the session when treated with a needle is several times longer due to the specifics of working with the device.

The devices affect active hair, which at the beginning of the course is only 30%. Therefore, it is impossible to get rid of them completely in one session. In the process, active follicles become larger, and over time they are completely destroyed.

Cost of laser hair removal

If we consider the difference between laser hair removal and electrolysis in terms of price, then both methods are considered acceptable. Laser removal is cheaper and this procedure is less painstaking than a spot procedure. It is worth considering that the cost of electrolysis includes pain relief with lidocaine and Emla ointment, and needles. Tariffing is carried out according to time or fixed according to average indicators. For men, the hardware procedure is more expensive due to the hardness and thickness of the hair.

Comparison table of both methods, their pros and cons

To begin with, let us briefly outline the positive and negative features of both methods:

Is it possible to sunbathe after laser hair removal and electrolysis?

According to the advice of cosmetologists, prepare for the summer season in advance so that there are no inconveniences on vacation. For example, if you sunbathed the day before and then decided to remove excess hair, then you need to refrain from laser hair removal for two weeks. This cannot be done before, as the risk of pigment spots or complications increases. The use of electrolysis is much more flexible; the next day after exposure to the sun, you can remove all hair on any area.

After laser hair removal, sunbathing is allowed after 2 weeks, after electrolysis - after a week. An independent examination will also not hurt; if there are inflammations on the skin, then there is no need to visit sunny places.

Electrolysis or laser hair removal - which is more effective?

In cosmetology, both methods are in great demand due to their high safety and quality. Supporters of well-groomed, smooth skin choose one method or another on the recommendation of a cosmetologist or at their own request.

For those with white skin and dark hair, laser removal is effective. Due to the high content of melanin pigment, the laser beam actively copes with unwanted vegetation. Some clients are afraid of needles and injections, so laser hair removal helps with this too. In addition, the method guarantees excellent and long-lasting results.

For blond and gray hair, it is better to use electrolysis. The electric current completely destroys the hair follicle, which prevents further growth. This method is suitable for those who prefer to get rid of hair once and for all.

The INFINITY network of laser hair removal salons uses the latest equipment to remove unwanted hair. Our specialists will advise, select a technique, perform the procedure painlessly and surprise you with the result - clean and smooth skin for a long time.

Types of lasers for hair removal

In laser hair removal, the professionalism of the specialist is not as important as in electrolysis, but the choice of laser is very important .

The laser is diode, alexandrite and neodymium.

The diode laser for hair removal is more popular and effective than its predecessors; it is better absorbed by the high molecular weight pigment - melanin, without damaging the skin, blood vessels and nerve endings. The laser acts on the hair follicle, eliminating it, and the hair falls out and stops growing in the treated area. Laser flashes affect both small and large areas of skin. To protect the skin from overheating and reduce minimal pain, cosmetologists use cooling attachments, which are additionally placed on the device.

The Alexandrite laser almost instantly destroys hair follicles by exposing them to light rays. Such radiation is characterized by an extremely high temperature, but the patient does not experience discomfort during treatment, since the heat only affects the hair, without touching the skin at all.

The neodymium laser used for hair removal penetrates 4-8 mm into the skin tissue, allowing it to reach the hair follicle itself. This laser radiation is practically not absorbed by melanin, so this procedure can be carried out regardless of the client’s skin phototype (hair removal using this equipment is equally effective for both light and deeply tanned skin).

The choice of one method or another depends both on the opinion of the specialist and on the wishes of the patient himself. To avoid mistakes, you need to know the main features of the devices and understand their differences:

• The diode laser can be used on both light and dark skin because it has the same effect on the surface regardless of the amount of melanin. But this only works on dark hair.
• Not only can the Alexandrite laser beam be used on all skin types, but it is also effective at removing light frizz and light colored hair.
• The diode beam effectively copes with its task on pre-shaved hair. The second type of hair removal does not require such preparation.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser hair removal

Like any other method, laser hair removal has its pros and cons. The benefits include:

• getting rid of unwanted vegetation for a long period of time (several years) and even forever;
• the possibility of infection is excluded and the risk of scarring is minimal;
• there is practically no pain. Only sometimes patients note a slight burning sensation and discomfort, but this is largely determined by individual sensitivity;
• safety of the method. The laser beam acts exclusively on the hair without affecting the surrounding tissue. The epidermis does not contain enough melanin to overheat.

Of the minuses:

• high price . This disadvantage is quite relative, considering the effect of the procedure
• not all types of devices are suitable for light hair and dark skin
• the need to conduct several courses with large intervals between them
• presence of contraindications to the use of laser hair removal
• sometimes adverse reactions are possible in the form of burns, pigmentation, and allergic manifestations. In many ways, their appearance depends on how laser hair removal is done correctly, whether the technology is violated, whether contraindications were taken into account, and skin type when choosing a laser

Advantages and disadvantages of electrolysis

As for electrolysis, its advantages include:

• versatility - suitable for all hair types and all skin types
• greater effectiveness compared to other types of hair removal
• possibility of hair removal in any area

Disadvantages of this procedure:

• long preparation - it is necessary to abandon the epilator, wax and other methods of hair removal in advance in order to restore hair follicles
• pain (higher than laser hair removal)
• traumatic - the procedure injures the skin and there is a possibility that traces will remain from this
• high price (if you pay for the services of a good master)
• duration – sessions last a very long time (up to 4 hours depending on the zone)
• many sessions are required (usually more than the master initially promises)