Laser Hair Removal vs Other Methods: What You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

Laser Hair Removal vs Other Methods: What You Need to Know? ›

Laser hair removal provides you with better (and permanent) results in less time & with less pain than at-home devices. Additionally, you do not have to let the hair grow out in order for laser hair removal to be successful. In fact, it's required that the area be clean shaven on the day of your treatment.

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

Studies consistently show that alexandrite laser devices can eliminate a greater percentage of hairs compared to other machines. Alexandrite is proven safe and highly effective for Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3, but those with deeper skin tones will do better with a different laser, such as the Nd:YAG.

Nd:YAG Laser Hair Removal is the most advanced type of laser hair removal system. It works at wavelengths of 1064 nm in a double frequency mode, which creates green light at 532nm wavelengths. It is effective on all skin types, including Asian and dark skin tones.

A machine with an appropriate window size will let you treat the area quickly. Operational power (in Watts): The more power the machines use, the more effective they are. If the power is lower, then the treatment will take longer. A device with 2000 Watts or higher would be a good choice.

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, explains that electrolysis has become less popular with the introduction of laser hair removal because it is much more time-consuming (hairs are zapped individually) and requires weekly appointments for a year or more.

IPL produces a broad bandwith of light wavelengths, whereas laser produces a single band of light. Laser is more specific to a given target than IPL, and therefore is more effective than IPL and has fewer side effects and complications. Different lasers can be used for different skin types in laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal devices such as the Cynosure Vectus, Lumenis LightSheer Duet and the InMode Diolaze are effective and almost painless. These advanced devices ensure desirable permanent reduction quickly with less discomfort than ever before," explains Dr. Mulholland.

If an at-home laser works for you, it may be worth the investment, as it would be significantly cheaper to use at home than to continuously get treatments at the doctor's office. However, for best results, you would have to use the device fairly often, which may make it not all that different from shaving.

What is the new method of permanent hair removal? ›

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is an FDA-approved treatment for permanent hair reduction. Like laser hair removal, it targets the hair follicles that are in the active growth phase. But electrolysis uses an electric current applied with a very fine needle-shaped electrode to destroy the root.

Alexandrite 755nm is the shortest and most suitable for lighter skin tones. Diode 808 works best on coarse dark hair, and darker skin tones. Nd:YAG is the longer wavelength at 1064nm and is the safest option for darker skin tones as there is less risk of discolouration and other side effects.

When choosing a laser level for your home, it's important to consider factors such as the type of laser level, the accuracy of the device, its range and visibility, and any additional features. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best laser level for your needs.

Darker hair absorbs more energy than lighter hair, and that, plus the method of laser light 'selective heating,' means that it will be destroyed in a shorter period. People with naturally dark hair are often better candidates for laser treatment.

Laser power can be measured using standard laser power meters; there are two main types: calorimeter and pyroelectric.

IPL produces a broad bandwith of light wavelengths, whereas laser produces a single band of light. Laser is more specific to a given target than IPL, and therefore is more effective than IPL and has fewer side effects and complications. Different lasers can be used for different skin types in laser hair removal.

Electrolysis can permanently remove unwanted hair. Once your hair is gone, you won't need maintenance treatments. It works on all hair types, including light-colored hairs, which lasers cannot remove. There's no downtime.

Yes. Unlike other hair removal methods that offer a temporary solution, Electrolysis is permanent and is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.

IPL works really well with darker hair. This is because the hair absorbs the light and is heated – damaging the follicle. IPL can be ineffective on lighter and fairer hair – and is unable to target white, red or ginger hair. Whereas, one of the great things about electrolysis is that it's suitable for all hair types.