What’s the Difference Between Laser and Electrolysis?
How Do I Choose?
What Should I Be Aware of?
This article seeks to make everyone aware of the differences between these two methods: the treatment limitations and the possible risks and benefits. Laser/IPL has a legitimate place alongside other hair management treatments but is not a replacement for electrolysis. I want to bust the myths around both methods as the facts stand to date.
Myth: Laser/IPL removes hair permanently
Truth: Laser/IPL reduces hair growth but cannot legally call itself permanent hair removal. Only electrolysis can state this.
If you need top-up sessions two to three times a year, every year, that is not a permanent result!
Myth: Laser/IPL and Electrolysis are stand-alone treatments. You must choose one or the other.
Truth: Both treatments can complement each other very well and are often used together. Providing both laser and electrolysis for body hair can produce faster, more effective results: under the right hair and skin conditions, laser/IPL can reduce the numbers, with electrolysis mopping up the remainder for good, perfect!
Myth: Laser /IPL can successfully treat any hair colour.
Truth: Laser/IPL can only claim to treat darker-coloured hair against lighter skin successfully.
The amount of pigment required for this process is substantial, so medium brown, light brown, blonde, red, grey, and white hairs will not be ‘seen’ and, therefore, not treated.
In some cases where the skin is darker than the hair, the energy will be drawn to the pigmentation in the skin, causing damage and colour disruption.
As technology progresses, some lasers can treat lighter-coloured hair (we’re talking about Ruby, NYag, and Alexandrite lasers, not IPL) and even claim to treat white hair. There will be a reduction in numbers, but light wave treatment still cannot claim to remove every single hair permanently.
Myth: Laser/IPL is safer than electrolysis.
Truth: In the hands of a poorly trained operator, both methods can cause serious harm. The solution is to have treatment with a fully qualified professional. For more information on seeking a reputable practitioner, please see BIAE
Myth: Laser /IPL is painless.
Truth: Lightwave hair treatment can be very uncomfortable for some clients, equally so for electrolysis: others hardly feel a thing. Both methods are designed to damage and eradicate hairs, so there will be some sensation. Unlike most beauty treatments, the results achieved are the goal rather than the actual treatment. A spa experience is a fabulous, relaxing experience, but it won’t kill any hair!
Please be aware: Laser and IPL treatments are excellent at reducing areas of unwanted hair but are not suitable for everyone.
This energy can sometimes stimulate growth, creating more hairs than before.
Sadly, many electrolysists have met clients who have experienced this, medically known as Paradoxical Hypertrichosis. In my professional experience to date, this seems to be more prevalent where hair growth is triggered by hormonal disruption due to a medical condition (such as PCOS),
A good practitioner will know this: monitoring progress and tailoring treatment appropriately for best results.
In conclusion, both laser and electrolysis can help with unwanted hair. It is up to the individual to read the facts and decide on the best solution for themselves.
Author: Sharon Birchall MBIAE June 2023.