Laser hair removal, electrolysis or pulsed light: which to choose?

Three options permanent hair removal are available to anyone who wants to permanently get rid of body hair: laser hair removal , electrolysis electric hair removal or even pulsed light.

Which method is best suited to your skin and hair type? Which solution guarantees long-lasting hair reduction without damaging the skin? Let's take a look at these three hair removal methods and judge for yourself which one could meet your needs.

Laser hair removal for all skin types

We are talking about permanent hair removal that offers long-lasting results on all skin types.

Procedure

How does laser hair removal work? It's simple, the laser diffuses energy which will heat and destroy the hair follicle at the root without causing the slightest lesion on the skin.

The laser is compatible with all skin types. That is to say, light, mixed-race and black can use the treatment, provided that the hair is dark. This is because laser energy is only attracted to hairs that contain a higher amount of melanin, the pigment responsible for its color. The darker the hair, the better the results!

The laser can use one or more wavelengths, as is the case with our three-wavelength diode laser , the best on the market today.

Results

Laser hair removal ensures a progressive and uniform reduction of hair of up to 95%. The treatment is done in several sessions (from 8 to 10 sessions), everything depends on the area to be treated and certain factors that may occur during the treatment.

We explain to you in this article why you need to have multiple laser sessions to get the desired results!

Pains

Permanent laser hair removal is mostly painless and bearable, and more delicate if the device used is equipped with an integrated cooling system. 

Are you a little hesitant to take the plunge? Learn more about Pain and laser hair removal and how to manage it here!

Laser hair removal is the most popular method in permanent hair removal clinics and institutes given the quality of its results and the safety of the treatment.

Electrolysis for light hair

People with light hair cannot be treated with laser. But the good news is that there is another radical and definitive solution which is electrolysis . Also called High Frequency hair removal , it is the oldest and most effective method of permanent hair removal in the world.

Procedure

This is the method “hair by hair” as our therapist Lou love to call him.

But how does electrolysis hair removal work? The therapist inserts a filament at the base of the hair follicle to send an electric shock that will detach it from its root. Then, he will proceed to remove the hairs one by one using tweezers. However, this is a method that requires absolute meticulousness, so choose a practitioner specialized in electrolysis to avoid any risk of injury and scarring.

Electrolysis targets hairs one by one, making this treatment a very precise, yet time-consuming procedure. This means that to treat a relatively large area, the session can take several hours and the treatment can take up to about a year and a half to complete.

Results

Electrolysis guarantees 100% definitive results. It is effective on all skin and hair types, including white, blond, red and gray hair.

It can also be performed on tattooed areas, which is not possible with the laser!

This method does not cause side effects when performed by an experienced practitioner and under favorable conditions.

Pains

Compared to laser, electrolysis is uncomfortable and very time-consuming. That is why SSSKIN generally recommends it for treating small areas or for refining laser results.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Hair Removal

Pulsed light uses a light beam, but under various broader spectra allowing it to treat larger areas in a short time. It can be practiced in a beauty salon or at home by obtaining a device intended for personal use.

Procedure

Pulsed light works in the same way as laser. In other words, the IPL device diffuses light energy that will be captured and absorbed by the hair, and is subsequently transformed into strong heat that allows the destruction of the hair follicle.

Results

IPL reduces up to 84% of hair on different areas of the body ( see the study here ), but the results are not very long-lasting and uniform, since the energy that IPL devices diffuse is not as powerful and precise as professional laser machines to destroy the hair follicle permanently at its root. In fact, IPL manages to damage the follicle, but rarely does it succeed in stopping regrowth permanently.

Some older generation IPL devices are not suitable for all skin types, especially dark skin, which is more at risk of burns and discoloration.

Pains

Pulsed light is not painful, especially if its parameters are adjusted according to your skin type.

Check out the article on 5 differences between laser and IPL to learn more.

Conclusion: The differences between laser hair removal, electrolysis and IPL

Method	Benefits	Disadvantages
Laser hair removal	Painless thanks to the cooling system. Compatible with all skin types. Removal of up to 95% of hair Safe method without major side effects. Quick sessions.	Not effective on light hair. Touch-ups required once or twice a year, depending on the person.
Electrolysis	Suitable for all hair types (dark and light). 100% definitive. It can be combined with laser. Does not require any touch-ups.	Very long sessions compared to laser and IPL. Not very comfortable. If done incorrectly, it leaves scars.
The IPL	Hair reduction. Possible to practice it in an institute or at home. It is not painful.	Less lasting results Requires more sessions than laser. High risk of burns for dark skin. Touch-ups every three to six months.

Book a free consultation at SSSKIN

If you would like to know which permanent hair removal is best for you, our certified therapists are ready to receive you during a free initial consultation at SSSKIN.

Book a free consultation