Consider the differences between electrolysis and laser as treatments for hair removal. Then decide for yourself if electrolysis is for you. If you still have questions feel free to call and discuss them. Contact information is available on the last page.
Can I use either method?
Laser: Can only be used on those with light skin and dark hair. It can burn those with dark skin and not give optimal results for people with light hair because the laser targets pigment (dark color).
Electrolysis: Can be used on anyone despite their skin or hair color because it attacks the hair follicle itself, and not the pigment in the hair.
How long is a session, and how many are needed?
Laser: Large areas of hair can be treated all at once. A session may run from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated. Usually 4-6 treatments are needed, spaced out about a month apart to achieve the best hair reduction results. Hair will begin to fall out within the next 10-14 days after a treatment.
Electrolysis: Each hair follicle is individually treated for 1-2 seconds. A significant amont of hair can be removed in sessions from 15 minutes to an hour in length, depending on the size of the area being treated. Multiple treatments are needed to deal with the growth phases of hair.
Prices
Laser: Each visit averages $200 - $900, based on the size of the area being treated and the facility. Since the facial zones are fairly small, they will be on the lower end of the price spectrum. The end result is reduction of hair growth.
Electrolysis: An average 30-minute session is about $50. Multiple sessions will be necessary, depending on strength of the hair and hair growth cycles. Additional treatments will be necessary to get the desired results because of previous tweezing, waxing and/or depilatories, but eventually the root will be destroyed. The end result is permanent hair loss. Gentle Care Electrolysis provides a free consultation.
Pain Factor
Laser: Feels like a rubber band "snapping" against your skin and a heat sensation. Everyone has their own tolerance to pain and discomfort. Coarse, dark hair feels more of the burn.
Electrolysis: Feels like a slight stinging sensation. Everyone has their own tolerance to pain. Topical anesthetics are available to those who are hypersensitive. The upper lip and eyebrows also tend to be more sensitive than other areas.
Possible Side Effects?
Laser: Laser hair removal on the eyebrows can be dangerous if the laser light comes into contact with the eyes. Protective eye shields and keeping eyes closed is a necessity for the entire treatment to avoid any contact. Scarring, blisters and burns can occur, although not very common.
Electrolysis: There will be some redness immediately after a treatment, but it generally goes away within the hour.
Results
Laser: Approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. According to the Mayo Clinic, lasers can reduce hair counts 40% to 60%. Facial hair on women is often lighter and finer that on the body, and this hair may not respond as well to the laser because it targets pigment (color) in the hair follicle.
Electrolysis: The ONLY method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. It has the best track record, but isn't 100% guaranteed for everyone. For example, hair follicles can be bent or misshapen from previous waxing or tweezing, now making it difficult to get the electrolysis needle to the root to destroy the follicle. However, electrolysis is effective for ridding ALL hair, whatever the color may be.
Gentle Care Electrolysis - 3 Nardiello Drive - Garnerville, NY 10923 serving Northern NJ, Rockland County and parts of Westchester County