Is Laser hair removal good for me?

When it comes to permanent hair removal many people wonder which to choose. Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal, which is best? Well, it depends on what your looking to achieve. The FDA considers electrolysis to be the only method for permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal is considered a permanent reduction. For those looking to achieve completely bald and hair free results can choose using both methods but, remember the final results will only be achieved with electrolysis. People who want less hair on their face and/or body areas, who have dark hair can get great reduction results from laser hair removal.

Remember it's important to have a consultation with the provider before scheduling these services. There are contraindications for the treatments that can prevent some from having the service(s) done.

What's the difference in treatments?

Laser Hair Removal

Also known as LHR, this treatment can be used on all skin tones (depending on the laser) and can be achieved with 6 to 8 or more sessions of treatment (every 4-8 weeks) for those who have dark hair (LHR doesn't work too well for those who have hair that's grey, white, light blonde, and light red). LHR works best on dark coarse hair but, can also be effective on finer dark hair as well.

Laser light is used to focus on the melanin within the follicle to create enough damage to the cell without harming the surrounding skin tissue. This in turn makes it difficult for the hair to regrow with each session. The beam destroys hair follicles in patches compared to the one by one follicle destruction of electrolysis. This method is also works in faster/shorter time frame per session than electrolysis.

Long lasting results can be achieved by this method however, hair that has been treated can regenerate over time in the same area or possibly stimulate hair growth of other hair cells within the same area. In my experience, I have see hair stimulated hair on the faces of people within some cultures (i.e., Arab, Latin, and Mediterranean,). I personally recommend body areas to be done by laser and face areas to be done with electrolysis.

Electrolysis

The only FDA approved method of complete permanent hair removal results has been around since the 1800's. This method uses a fine needle probe to enter each hair follicle in order to distribute electric current to slowly damage the follicle cell which will eventually disable the hair to regrow. This method is slower than other hair removal methods and has to be repeated on a regular basis in order to achieve final results. It's a commitment! Final results can be achieved over months or even years depending on the individual and their dedication to a regularly scheduled appointments.

Electrolysis can be performed on any race, gender, hair color, skin color, and hair texture. This method can also treat mostly any area of the face and/or body.

There are different modalities used when it comes to electrolysis. Most electrologist today use the method of Thermolysis which uses heat to damage the hair follicle. This method is faster than traditional electrolysis but, in my expertise, I find this method to cause dark spots in the treated area of those prone to hyperpigmentation (heat induced). All modalities of electrolysis may possibly cause a form of 'pitting' on the skin when high intensity is used to remove the hair. It is important to know that 'pitting' can be corrected once full treatment is finalized. Another annoyance of this treatment is the possibility of getting ingrown hair.  These are hairs that regrow underneath the skin and can sometimes cause inflamed bumps. These bumps do go away over time with proper skin care and electrolysis treatment.

Permanent hair removal is great when it comes to not having to shave on a regular basis to get rid of unwanted hair. There are ups and downs when it comes to these treatments but, in the end they offer the satisfaction of finally having smooth skin and long lasting hair-free results without annoying ingrown hair, bumps, or other discomfort that comes with traditional hair removal methods.