Laser or electrolysis: how to choose?
It is one of the questions I am asked most. The answer is short: laser for most dark hair, electrolysis for precision. Here is how I help you choose.
Two techniques, two principles
Laser works on several hairs with each pulse. Its light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turned into heat, which destroys the bulb when the hair is in its active growth phase. That is why several sessions are needed, 6 to 8 weeks apart.
Electrolysis treats one follicle at a time. A very fine, sterile, single-use filament is slipped into the natural opening of the hair; a high-frequency current produces localised heat, which destroys the germ cells. Each treated hair is destroyed permanently.
Laser: dark hair, every area
Laser gives its best results on dark, coarse hair, whatever the area of the body: legs, bikini line, underarms, back, chest. It is suitable from fair to olive skin, with the right settings.
- Usually 6 to 10 sessions, every 6 to 8 weeks at first.
- In general, around 80% less hair by the end of treatment.
- One or two maintenance sessions a year to keep the result.
Electrolysis: precision
Electrolysis does not depend on the colour of the hair. It is a precision technique, designed for targeted areas: the face, hormone-sensitive areas, white, blond or red hair, and finishing after laser.
Treatment is gradual, generally over about a year: sessions every 1 to 3 weeks at first, then further and further apart. For a large area, we discuss it at the information session.
The face, a special case
The face is a delicate area, where hair growth depends a great deal on hormones. There, I generally favour electrolysis. Laser can be used for some very dark, coarse hairs, but it does not work on vellus hair; on hormone-sensitive areas, it can sometimes even stimulate it. This is known as paradoxical regrowth.
What about combining the two?
Depending on the area and your hair, it is sometimes useful to combine both: laser for most of the work, electrolysis to finish off. On the legs, the bikini line or the underarms, laser generally already gives very good results; electrolysis only comes in case by case.
How I help you choose
At the information session (first consultation), I look at your skin and your hair, answer your questions and tell you honestly what you can expect. If a technique is not suitable, I tell you before we start.
For laser, this session is free of charge. For electrolysis, it costs €20, including 5 minutes of treatment. See prices
Still unsure? That is normal: it is exactly what the information session is for.