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 Laser Hair and Electrolysis the pros and cons

Having worked in the beauty field for 35 years I have realised that there are many magazine adverts regarding laser hair removal and fewer regarding electrolysis hair removal and none really compare objectively the merits of both of these hair removal methods and their advantages and disadvantages. Below I have identified the advantages and disadvantages of both Laser and Electrolysis as hair removal methods.

What the general public do not realise is that there is no quick fix for permanent hair removal it requires time and patience regardless of method used. Laser is not the magic answer to all hair & skin problem.

Electrolysis has proved itself to be in the hands of an experienced and skilled practitioner to be a permanent solution to all forms of unwanted hair growth regardless of skin and hair type.
Where there is a mix of light and dark hair (as is often the case with TG clients) both laser and electrolysis can be used in conjunction with each other using the best of both methods as follows:

Laser treatments need to be once a month or 4 weekly on the face. Two weeks must be left between laser and electrolysis treatments when working on the same area therefore it is quite possible to treat a client every two weeks as follows 1st of Month laser, 14th electrolysis, 30th Laser. By combining these two treatments you gain the immediate reduction from the laser and the permanent eradication from the electrolysis, thus enabling the client to quickly feel more confident in their appearance.

The advantages of Laser Hair Removal

Can produce a substantial reduction in hair growth e.g. man’s back or other large areas of hair growth.

Laser is worth the expensive cost if there is dense hair growth which needs reduction prior to completion with electrolysis.

Laser really comes into its own where there is a dense, dark growth – in that instance the level of permanent removal that laser can achieve will be reached much more quickly than electrolysis could do it.

Once laser has achieved its maximum potential the remaining hair can be permanently removed with electrolysis.

The disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

It will not provide a complete, permanent solution to the hair growth problem. If the hair is grey, white, blonde or red it will not work at all. Even on very light brown hair there can be limited improvement.

Laser cannot be used if the skin is tanned (even self –tan) and plenty of people don’t like to let their tan go. Undergoing a course of laser treatment would mean going without a tan for at least 6 months and often much longer
Many people are precluded from laser due to medication they are taking being photosensitising – again not contraindicated in electrolysis.
Electrolysis is needed to treat any remaining fine hair growth.
Laser is very expensive and not worth the cost unless hair growth is dense.

The advantages of electrolysis

More cost effective than laser generally
Electrolysis can treat any skin type and hair type successfully including white, red, grey and fine hair growth.
Electrolysis is able to treat tanned and dark skinned clients unlike laser hair removal.
Photosensitising medication is not a contra-indication for electrolysis.
Electrolysis has remained the only treatment to achieve permanent and complete eradication of unwanted hair

The disadvantages of electrolysis

It is a course of treatment and not a one off miracle cure
It has to be carried out by skilled practitioners within a clinical environment
It is both a commitment of time and finances


By Angela Wheat MBIAE, MIFHT, Cert Ed www.Gemini-Beauty.co.uk
Article Category: Hair Removal, Waxing & Electrolysis
Date Added: 27/11/2011
Added By: Angela Wheat
Email: angela@gemini-beauty.co.uk
Website: http://www.gemini-beauty.co.uk