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Laser hair removal vs. electrolysis

Posted 30 Apr 2010

Which do you think is better for hair removal - laser or electrolysis?

View 5 doctor answers to Laser Hair Removal Vs. Electrolysis - Which is Best?

Comments (30)

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New Yorker 10 Mar 2009
I am undergoing electrolysis treatment right now on my face. Laser seems like a much much easier option, especially because my hair is dark. But I remain very wary. I had laser hair removal on my arms many years ago and some of the regrowth generated a few long dark hairs on my upper arm. I have heard that this is very common with laser surgery but not electrolysis. More troubling is this phenomena for those who do laser surgery versus electrolysis from the neck up...the horror of regrowth in the form of male beard-like patterns! IF ANYONE HAS ANY COMMENTS ON THIS PLEASE EDUCATE ME. I am surprised none of the experts address this issue, so I might be mistaken in some way.
CS 16 Apr 2009
I was going to electrolysis for over a year for a FEW dark course hairs on my chin. After getting frustrated with the time it was taking and not seeing a reduction in the hair, I went to a laser clinic. They did the treatment on my entire face as well as my neck (which never had unwanted hair before). Now it seems I have even more hair on my chin as well as dark hairs on my neck. I am back to electrolysis again but am not even seeing a reduction or even slowing of the growth of hair. Very frustrating! I'm interested to see if people have a more positive view of laser hair treatment today (I went over 5 years ago).
susanknows 20 Apr 2009
Please DO NOT EVER EVER laser especially your face. I worked at a laser clinic for a few years. The crook who owned it stole from her clients and to this day I feel so bad to know that those clients not only were stolen from, but they damaged their skin. I was the woman's ginney pig as she would tell me that laser is good for the skin. I was new I did not know any better till I studied it on my own.Well thank goodness I do not work there anymore as I have educated myself enough to know that there are NO UNBIASED STUDIES to even discuss laser. Doctors pay a few laser engineers to put together a machine, remember they want to make money and then the public is brain washed. They think a doctor created it so it must be good. No offense to a doctor but I take great offense for my face has been damaged without ever being able to repair the skin. The amount of heat projected into the skin is like you frying your face in the sun on a very hot day and then they cool the area, no kidding for they have to extract the heat from the skin as it truly is cooking in the dermis and subcutaneous layers of the skin. The crook I worked for was just north of Toronto in a tiny hole in the wall. Her plot was to be in a walk in clinic so she could call it a Medi Spa. Another tactic to fool people. Lasers have no true studies so please save your skin as once it is ruined you cannot EVER REPAIR IT. Find a reputable electrologist as there are few but if lady luck likes you and you find one, you will notice the hair growth slowing down after each session as there are 3 methods and most use the wrong one to gain repeat business the method that works, works very quickly. I wish you a great electrologist and no lasers. Good Luck
point of view 4 Feb 2012
Hm. Wish I read you before I started lasering my face. I did my body and laser was OK on that, but on my face it stimulated hair growth and , as New Yorker above mentioned, caused a beard-like growth on my face. When I started, I just had a few dark hairs on my top lip. I am now poorer and uglier. And am looking for a proper solution. My dermatologist in NY said that Electrolysis was the ONLY way to get rid of hair forever and that lasers only slow hair growth. SUSANKNOWS - can you tell me what the 3 methods of electrolysis are and which one you suggest as being the right one to go for.
jessica345 11 Mar 2009
Hi i did lazer for several years on my chest and neck. When i first started i didnt have much hair in those area but after a year more hair grew on mu neck and chest and my laser woman was teeling me it was all in my head. I thought i was gowing crazy but more hair did grow in those areas so i stopped doing laser and now im doing electrlysis. I am so fed up and so mad at the fact that lazer made my situation worse.I am also very surprised that no one has mentioned that laser can activate new hair to grow..
susanknows 20 Apr 2009
Yes it can!!! If the area is not fried enough it can stimulate hair growth especially if the settings are too low. Many people will notice more hair growth once they stop their sessions. Not to worry you are not going crazy it is the laser industry that is crazy.
point of view 4 Feb 2012
How is it that the laser industry gets away with fleecing people - why has this not been uncovered as the biggest fraud ever. Is there ANYONE out there who has had successful hair removal from their face? ie: Permanently or semi permanently, without further hair growth or Hyperstimulation (I understand that is what the issue is called)
M.M 30 Mar 2009
I had laser done on my face several years ago. I didn't really have visible hairs, just wanted a smoother face. The result? Acne (to this day) and visible hair!! If I do nothing to remove this hair, it can get a little long. It's also darker. I had it done to my whole face, but the hairs only grow around my jaw line, I guess you could say in a "beard-like pattern." Now I'm just trying to get my acne under control, and plan on getting electrolysis in the future. I blame myself for doing something that wasn't necessary, and possibly going to the wrong doctor. So only go through with it if you must, and do your research!
rebeccaasmit 7 Apr 2011
Hi my name is Rebeccaasmit, and I've had four sessions on the Soprano XL Blue for my Bikini Line. I have average brown skin but dark black hair, and I can honestly say that it is the most painless and comfortable treatment, I could barely feel anything. I am seeing a really good result, and the hair is definitely coming back alot slower and thinner. I had the treatment at a clinic called Onyx Clinic (their website is www.onyxlaserhairremoval.co.uk), they were very friendly and professional and surprisingly reasonable. '
arlena parker 11 Apr 2009

OMG!!!! I am APPAULED at the low level of knowledge these "board certified doctors" have. They all claim that Electrolysis is not permanent its just temporary. HA! As an Electrologist for eight years and a client of electrolysis for 3 years prior to my licensing,i have no hair left on my face or body thanks to the ONLY FDA APPROVED METHOD THAT CAN LEGALLY CLAIM PERMANENT RESULTS..ELECTROLYSIS. Folks, pleaseeee do your research and dont just listen to someone because they claim to be a doctor. I just read some flat out lies here. Im humiliated for these men. NOTE: It is false advertising when people claim that lasers are 100% permanent. This is not true. Thats why some say "permanent reduction" which doesn't make sense to me. Legally they are not allowed to say Permanent hair removal. Electrolysis can. Sure, laser can help certain people with certain hair and skin types and reduce some hair. Im not denying that. Electrolysis offers permanent results for people who are otherwise not a candidate for laser hair removal people with extremely dark skin, or someone who has red, blond or gray hair.. As an electrologist,75% of my clients are Ex laser clients who claim it either didnt work for them, made conditions worse or they need clean up since the laser doesn't get everything. please feel free to check out my website under electrolysis for frequently asked questions or feel free to email. The public deserves to know the truth. -Arlena Parker, Studio City CA

Jenny11 (unregistered guest) 12 Apr 2009

I think you're a bit too sensitive to the comments on electrolysis. After all, none of the doctors appear to be saying it doesn't work. My read is that some recommend it for light hair removal. Right? They are also saying that electrolysis is slow, hair-by-hair process that's sub-par for large hair removal areas. I've done both, and both hurt big time. But electrolysis was more intensely painful. Don't hold it against me, but I prefer LHR over electrolysis!

New Yorker 13 Apr 2009
Thank you all who have responded to my original question. I found it all very helpful. Jenny11, I agree most people may in theory prefer LHR or electrolysis, but I think you are missing my point a bit. The problem with the doctor's response is that they suspiciously highlight mostly the advantages of LHR versus the problems with eletrolysis, but not a major caveat---new hair growth from LHR. As someone who has no commerical interest in either, I think everyone should know that LHR has for many many people stimulated new and coarser hair growth, particularly problematic on the face. I only wish that the industry was more regulated. LHR professionals have a strong commerical interest not to tell you all the set backs (also, many of them just plain may not know). But then again, my electrolysist says she doesn't care bc most of her business is from former LHR clients. To me this means that these industries can't be self regulated. I have chosen to avoid LHR on my face because of all the anecdotes I have accumulated. It is in the best interest of the doctors as well to explore this part of the story, so as not to undermine the rest of their guidance. Afterall, I would like the perspective of medical experts I can trust as I pay thousands to zap either laser or electricity on my face. My interest in posting this was to help myself and others, so we can assess when and where to get either treatment. I recommend laser on large areas, like legs, but not neck up. But then again, I am not a medical expert. We ideally need objective experts.
susanknows 20 Apr 2009
You Got it sister. Yippie the truth is out!!!
arlena parker 13 Apr 2009
To jenny11 you are right I am sensitive about this subject because I know it well, it is my passion. I just want people to know the truth about how things work and not bash Electrolysis when they are not educated about it. Some of the things I read up top where completely false. To you it may sound like they are telling the truth but as an individual who is very experienced in this field it baffles me. I can state specifics if you like. It seems to me not all but most "Doctors" push laser because they offer it. I don't push Electrolysis and only electrolysis to anyone. There have been hundreds of clients over the years I have recommended laser to, then to come see me for their cleanup. It all depends on the person and their needs and they just need someone in the field to help guide them. You definitely don't need to be a doctor, just someone with experience in this field who is logical, educated, honest hearted and looks out for the clients best interest. Whether it be a Doctor, RN or Electrologist. As for the face, I am completely against laser, I believe its a waste of time and money. I recommend getting Electrolysis done on the face. I have my reasons please ask if interested.
Gimena Vivancos (unregistered guest) 30 Apr 2009
Hi Arlena All I have to say is, I had Electrolisis done a few years ago on my bikini area, it was extremely painful but it worked very well, at the time I was a student so out of the 24 recomemded treatments I only got about 12, I did have some hair left, but not due to regrowth but because I didn't get enough treatments, I am now getting IPL and I am loving the resulets, I am getting under arms, brazilian and lower leg, I have to say it is way quicker than electrolisis, as I get all of that in about the same time it took to do only my bikini line, I am seeing good results after my 4th treatment, and its not as painful, BUT!! I do have to say, I hope it is permanent, as Electrolisis was very efective and permanent for me, so I would have to say that I like them both, and I am hoping that I made the right decision by chosing IPL this time around.
arlena parker 17 Apr 2009
Wow, thats a loong time to be going to an Electrologist, I would recommend changing Electrologist Immediately. Ask to get Thermolysis method. Its fast and works wonders. Make sure you feel comfortable with the Electrologist and they are knowledgeable. You should see results almost immediately
susanknows 20 Apr 2009
Sorry to add a comment but thermolysis is not the right method to use. In rare occasions you can use it for the finist and lightest hairs. Otherwise you will only be treating the hair with heat and not lye. please careful as you will be wasting your money if it is used on dark hairs.
arlena parker 21 Apr 2009
HAHA susanknows,...where is the scientific proof on that? where is the logic,..? that is a bunch of bologna. I am 100% proof thermolysis works i had black man hairs on my face and body that is completely gone. Im not saying "your" ACID method dosnt work, its just takes 5 times as long. This day and age people want fast painless results and with the amazing updated technology we have, you will see that thermolysis is fast and works for any type of hair. I am booked months in advance.. why? people see results
New Yorker 22 Apr 2009
Hi Susanknows and Arlena Parker, What are the three types of electrolysis? My electrolysist says she uses a "blended" method for my skin because she is worried about marking my skin. I am pretty sure she doesnt use lye, but I should ask her. She seems great and it is working, but I am moving place and am worried about finding another competent person. So I want to know what to look for.
arlena parker 1 May 2009
Gimena, I am so happy to hear that you had amazing results from electrolysis. I know the bikini line could be uncomfortable, but no one said beauty would come without some pain right?! Anyhow, I am very happy that you feel the IPL is working for you. I do not doubt it, however, I mentioned this before and I will mention again, It is not proven to be 100% effective. Electrolysis is. No matter what your skin or hair color is. It takes a certain type of hair and skin in order for laser to work well. Even then there may be regrowth. Some people swear by it some people dont. If you feel its helping you,..Heck, continue! As an Electrologist I would like to say, If you are getting electrolysis done and not seeing results within a few months CHANGE YOUR ELECTROLOGIST. You must feel comfortable and see results soon! (also depends on your consistency and methods of hair removal prior and during electrolysis) For anyone else who gets laser done, you might consider looking for an electrologist once your hairs start growing back.
Todd Quigley (unregistered guest) 14 May 2009
Hello, I have to agree with Arlena. If you want PERMANENT hair removal, then only electrolysis is certified by the FDA and AMA as permanent. Laser may work pretty good for "hair reduction" for some people, but it will not give complete and permanent results like electrolysis. Yes, it takes longer, duh! You are doing one hair at a time, but that hair will NEVER grow back. I am shocked at what these so-called doctors are claiming, the scientific research done by the AMA and FDA clearly show that electrolysis is permanent, and laser is not. You can find this information at the appropriate web sites for these agencies. It's completely false, missleading and illegal advertising to say that lasers are permanent. I am amazed at the lies people will tell in order to make money. The last two doctors are straight up lying or stupid, there is no third option. Listen people, nothing good comes cheap or easy. Anything done by hand is going to be slower and more expensive than using some machine. The reason a Rolex costs $5000, and a Timex costs $50, is because the Rolex is hand made, and the Timex is made by a machine. However, no wind-up Timex has ever been as accurate or as reliable as a Rolex. If you want PERMANENT hair removal, only electrolysis is certified as permanent. End of the story.
arlena parker 14 May 2009
lol...,TODD, THAT WAS AMAZING. Well said.
point of view 4 Feb 2012
Arlena
I just moved to UK from NY and my dermatologist in NY also confirmed that electrolysis is the only way to go for PERMANENT hair removal. After nightmares with laser on my face and hyperstimulation, I need a new solution. However, I am quite scared of scarring which I hear can be a side effect of laser. So I want to make sure I find the best electrologist with the best methods. Can you advise what qualities / qualifications/ methods I should be looking for in a great electrologist.
Thanks.
Seth 30 Nov 2009
I totally agree with you Arlena and Todd. It is shocking that licensed physicians could be so sheistering or stupid as to have said what they did regarding electrolysis. I, for one, used a home kit from CVS to tame my oversize eyebrows about 15 years ago. The result? Nice, normal looking eyebrows after one treatment with no regrowth and the total cost was about $20 for the One Touch kit. I still have the kit, but haven't used it in 15 years. Not permanent MY ASS!
point of view 4 Feb 2012
One Touch kit?! Sounds great. Do they still make those?

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