We perform a lot of laser hair removal with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Laser hair removal is fast; full legs or a back can be treated in about 20 minutes. We have multiple lasers so people of all skin types can receive safe and effective treatments. When people have completed a series of... more
Laser hair removal vs. electrolysis - Which is best?
Can someone reccomend, which process works best. Laser hair removal or electrolysis?
Sort: Date | Helpful
7 answers to “Laser hair removal vs. electrolysis...”A: Laser hair removal usually better
As long as the hair is dark, laser hair removal is your best option. For gray, blonde, or red hair lasers don't work. In this case electrolysis can help to reduce the hair permanently. In general electrolysis takes longer than laser to work because targets each hair individually. The risk for scarring or... more
A: Electrolysis vs. laser
Laser tends to be faster (multiple targets at once), some say less discomfort and can provide permanent results in fewer treatments. That being said laser treatment is most effective for darker hair on fairer skin. I hope this helps!
A: Laser hair removal vs electrolysis
Laser hair removal is not permanent. Electrolysis can be permanent. Laser hair removal covers large areas much quicker. Electrolysis treats one follicle at a time. Laser hair removal only works for dark hairs. Electrolysis is color blind. Laser hair removal requires multiple treatment spaced apart by 4 weeks.... more
A: Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are both effective and permanent -- when performed correctly. For thick, dark hair -- on any skin type -- lasers will be faster and less costly because many hairs are treated simultaneously. For fine, blond, red or gray hair, lasers will not be effective and electrolysis is... more
A: if the hair has pigment, LHR will be better
We have had the candela gentle lase for hair removal, and also an aesthetician for electrolysis available for the last couple of years. Patients that used to get electroylsis are so mauch happier with LHR. Laser hair removal in many patients can be almost permanent(there may be some minimal regrowth over... more
A: Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis for unwanted hair
Laser hair removal is clinically indicated for permanent hair removal or permanent hair reduction. This cannot be said for electrolysis, which provides a temporary reduction in hair follicle growth. Second, unlike electrolysis, laser hair removal targets many hair follicles at once, thus expediting... more
Comment on this
Comments
Write a comment on this question
Laser hair removal: 176 reviews
70% said it was worth it
Laser hair removal before & after photos
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
3 posts
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.
1 post
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..
7 posts
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!
15 posts
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
15 posts
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.
15 posts
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
15 posts
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.
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.
15 posts
14 May 2009
lol...,TODD, THAT WAS AMAZING. Well said.