Electrolysis Hair Removal vs Laser — An In-Depth Comparison 

There are many ways to remove unwanted hair, some better than others. If you’re sick and tired of constant shaving and painful waxing, you’re not alone. Lots of people have gravitated toward more advanced hair removal procedures. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are two leading methods that embrace a tech-forward approach. In this article, we’ll unpack both technologies to better understand the differences between laser and electrolysis, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. 

What is Electrolysis? 

Electrolysis delivers electricity directly to hair follicles to remove hair. Treatments are conducted in a clinical setting, where an electrologist inserts a very thin needle into the skin and applies an electrical current. There are three primary types of electrolysis: Thermolysis (the current heats up and kills the follicle), Galvanic (chemicals are used to create a caustic reaction), or Blend Method (a combination of both). In some clinics, the hair is removed with tweezers after it is treated. 

What is Laser Hair Removal? 

Laser hair removal treatment uses light energy to destroy hair follicles. The energy heats up melanin (pigment) in hair follicles, deactivating growth and causing the hair to fall out. There are many types of lasers on the market, from in-clinic devices to at-home lasers. The most common laser types are diode and IPL.

What are the Benefits of Electrolysis? 

Electrolysis has versatile applications. It is suitable for most parts of the body, including the face. Since electrolysis destroys the follicle with an electric shock, it can be effective at preventing regrowth. In fact, there was a time when electrolysis was considered the only permanent hair removal solutionthough emerging technologies such as SPOT™ laser technology have since provided alternative options. 

What are the benefits of Laser Hair Removal? 

The benefits depend on which laser type is used. Diode laser hair removal generally outperforms IPL hair removal in terms of effectiveness, comfort, and suitability for various skin and hair types. Diode lasers use a specific wavelength of light to target hair follicles, making them more precise and effective for reducing hair growth than IPL, which uses a broader spectrum of light. Modern hair removal lasers are generally less painful than electrolysis procedures. As follicles are deactivated over time, users can even experience a reduction of ingrown hairs. 

What are the Drawbacks of Electrolysis? 

One major drawback of electrolysis is the discomfort of the procedure. Many patients report feeling a “sharp sting” or “hot pinch.” Since the procedure requires treating each hair individually, patients must endure this pain each time a single hair is treated. For larger laser hair removal areas, the discomfort of the procedure can be prolonged, creating an unpleasant hair removal experience. 

Another drawback is the price tag. Electrolysis requires multiple sessions, so it can be expensive, inconvenient and time-consuming. Many electrolysis clinics recommend weekly treatments for a year or more. 

What are the Drawbacks of Laser Hair Removal? 

Traditionally, a laser hair removal procedure floods the treatment area with laser light. Both hair and skin are affected, which often results in discomfort after treatment. Laser treatments also tend to come with sunlight restrictions. Clients are directed to avoid direct sunlight for days, or even weeks after treatment, depending on which laser technology is used. However, emerging technologies, such as the SPOT™ technology used in Epilaser, effectively eliminate each of these drawbacks. 

With some laser devices, safety and effectiveness can vary with different skin types and hair colors. Many lasers on the market are incompatible with dark skin, making laser hair removal for dark skin harder to achieve without the right technology. People with light skin and dark hair tend to achieve better results, as the contrast directs the laser energy into the follicle and away from skin. The concentrated pigment in darker hair colors heats quicker and is therefore treated more efficiently. Some laser devices won’t work on dark spots or tattooed skin. 

Does Electrolysis have Side Effects? 

Some people, especially those with darker skin tones, can experience skin discoloration when melanin in the skin becomes damaged by the electric pulse used in electrolysis. Infection is possible if the clinician fails to use sterile needles. Scarring can occur if the procedure is done incorrectly. 

Does Laser Hair Removal have Side Effects? 

Depending on which type of laser is used, people can experience redness, swelling and irritation after laser treatments because the laser affects the surrounding skin. With some device types, such as IPL, people with darker skin tones run the risk of hyperpigmentation (discoloration of the skin). This is because the laser energy heats up melanin in both the follicle and the skin. Thankfully, science has determined which laser wavelength bypass melanin in skin and affect only follicle. However, the industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, and traditional lasers that only treat lighter skin tones are still very common. 

What is Recovery Like After Electrolysis? 

After electrolysis hair removal sessions, patients must avoid sunlight, tanning, and activities that promote sweating. After facial electrolysis, patients must avoid wearing makeup. Since aftercare can be disruptive to daily routines, electrolysis is not the ideal hair removal technique for everyone. 

What is Recovery Like After Laser Hair Removal? 

Recovery and aftercare depend on the type of laser used. Traditoinal laser devices, including IPLs, require the user to avoid sunlight after use. Tanning is discouraged, both before and after laser hair removal treatments. 

Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal Cost 

Both electrolysis and in-clinic laser hair removal require multiple sessions and can become cost prohibitive over time. Deals can be found for introductory sessions, but you should expect to invest thousands of dollars over time to achieve lasting fully-body results using either method. At-home devices are available in both categories and can represent substantial savings. Considering the breadth of devices available on the market, however, there is a wide discrepancy in safety and effectiveness. Be sure to conduct thorough research before trying any at-home hair removal device. 

Permanent Hair Removal Electrolysis vs Laser 

Both electrolysis and laser can offer long-term hair removal. Electrolysis destroys follicles at the root, so hair doesn’t grow back. It’s important to understand, however, that new follicles can develop over time. Not all lasers promise permanent hair growth reduction. Some devices, such as Epilaser, use diode lasers capable of deactivating follicles at the root, preventing regrowth. As follicles are disabled over time, laser hair removal with Epilaser requires fewer sessions. 

Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal for Face

Electrolysis is effective on facial hair because each hair is selected individually by the electrologist. Therefore, there is minimal risk of inadvertently affecting sensitive areas such as the eyes. However, electrolysis can be especially painful on the face, which has sensitive nerve endings beneath the epidermis. Some lasers, such as IPL devices, are unsafe for use around the eyes, including the eyebrows. Therefore, these devices are not an ideal choice for facial hair removal and should be used only for body hair. 

Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal PCOS 

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS can cause, among other symptoms, unwanted excessive hair growth. Since the hair can be thick and dense, electrolysis is a poor choice for hair removal. Sessions would likely involve prolonged periods of discomfort. Laser treatments are usually the better option. An advanced laser hair removal technology—one that specifically targets hair follicles while leaving skin untouched—would be the optimal solution. 

Laser vs Electrolysis Hair Removal - Which is Better? 

Choosing the ideal hair removal option depends on several factors, such as your budget, flexibility of schedule, hair type, skin type and pain tolerance. Electrolysis can be considered more exact than traditional laser treatments, while IPL and salon laser treatments cover more ground in less time. With electrolysis, a trained clinician must find each individual hair follicle by eye and use a steady hand to deliver an electrical shock to the follicle. Traditional laser treatment bathes the skin in laser energy, affecting more follicles at once, but also subjecting skin to laser light. 

Smart Precise Optical Targeting: The Best of Both Worlds

Luckily, you no longer have to choose between imperfect hair removal methods. Epilaser delivers the most effective hair removal by bridging the gap between precision and convenience. It’s more precise than electrolysis, more convenient than clinical lasers, and safer than IPL devices. With SPOT™ technology built-in, Epilaser automatically locates follicles and targets them with mathematical precision. Smart treatment algorithms calculate the ideal treatment approach for each and every follicle, delivering varying wavelengths depending on follicle density. Epilaser can direct four lasers to four separate follicles at once, or combine multiple lasers to treat particularly stubborn follicles. Best of all, you don’t feel a thing! There are no sunlight restrictions, no googles required, and zero recovery time. Epilaser transforms skin care into selfcare.