There are different types of electrolysis and laser hair removal

We can all get a little lazy with the waxing and razor blade during the winter months but, come summer, hair removal can feel like a daily chore.

But there are long term solutions if you want to stay hair-free for longer and wave goodbye to embarrassing excess facial or body fuzz.

While electrolysis and laser hair removal don’t offer a promise of permanent hair-free results, both methods offer a significant reduction so you can stay silky smooth for longer.

But before you sign up for a course of treatments, bear in mind electrolysis and laser offer different variants and time-scales to suit individual needs.

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis works on individual hair follicles so the method is only suitable for small areas.

Donna Adair, IPL and laser specialist at The Knightsbridge Laser Clinic in London, says:
“Electrolysis does work if administered correctly but the effects can take many years with treatments being needed every 3-4 weeks. It is a very long process but is initially a cheaper alternative.”

There are three different types of electrolysis available. Discuss with your therapist the best method for your hair type and budget.

Choose from the following:

• Galvanic – this technique uses a chemical reaction to destroy hair follicles
• Short wave diathermy – this technique uses a needle to destroy the hair follicle with heat
• Blend – this technique is a combination of the two above methods.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser uses a high-energy beam of light, which heats up the base of the hair follicle causing damage to the cells that produce hair growth. If enough damage is done, this prevents the hair from growing any further.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is the most advanced form of laser hair removal – it delivers hundreds of wavelengths in each burst of light so can tackle larger areas more quickly.

Donna says: “Laser and IPL treatments are a much faster solution in comparison to electrolysis.

“The words ‘Laser’ and ‘IPL’ hair removal are types of technology and differ by brand of machine, each offering a different level of service to the consumer.”

With IPL systems hair reduction takes an average of 4-6 sessions. Patients will see results almost immediately and can expect a realistic target of 80%-90% hair removal following their course.

Key Points

• Electrolysis and laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth
• Electrolysis is not suitable for larger areas such as legs or back
• Laser and IPL are faster, though more expensive, solutions for hair reduction
• Regrowth rates will depend on the individual, hair type and area treated

Tags: Beauty Salons & Consultants, Electrolysis & Laser Hair Removal, Intense Pulsed Light, Make-Up Artists