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Electrolysis vs. IPL, Laser treatments and other hair removal techniques

Writer's picture: Lidiya DimitrovaLidiya Dimitrova

Updated: Jan 15

How to choose which one is the right one for you? The last 10–15 years, IPL and Laser treatments have become very popular, but do you really understand the difference between them, and what their benefits are? Are you confident enough to choose what's best for you?

Permanent hair removal or hair reduction treatment-which one do your you choose?



type of hair removal techniques and how long they last
Hair removal techniques and how long did they last for

Hair removal techniques are varied depending on our lifestyle, type of hair, occasion and expectations. 

Some people prefer a quick, but not as long-lasting way, using Raser and shaving. You need to do that every so often and the results are thickening the hair, possible in growing hair, if the right direction is not kept, or even some shaving rashes, which are the most annoying and uncomfortable, even embarrassing side effects, after this technique.

Cream depilatory is very close to shaving technique. Again, hair growth is very quick in 1–3 days, but now lots of nasty chemicals are added in order to melt unwanted hair. This always leads to more possible allergies/ side effects and is not best for your health.

Waxing is a very popular hair removal technique used by people looking for longer-lasting results of smooth skin. Poor waxing techniques might cause growing hair and burning when the temperature is not adequate. How about rash again from not being given proper care to follow at home after the treatment? The client also has to be willing to wait till the hair gets long enough for the therapist to remove it. Not to obviously forget about the pain factor. Some people are way too sensitive to this kind of treatment.

Sugaring or more modern nowadays, Hot Wax or even Hot Film Wax is developed in order to treat areas which are very sensitive, and the hair there is quite coarse. The bikini area, underarms or even the face benefit the most from this hair removal technique. To make it more gentle for the client, this wax has been used with the application of oil as a barrier between the skin and the hair. This automatically makes the treatment half more painless than Strip Waxing. The therapist removes only the hair and doesn't irritate the skin. 

An Epilator is an electrical device for home use. Rollers with small tweezers grab the hairs and remove them from their roots. This method is very painful and time-consuming, but convenient for people who prefer to save money and do their own hair removal at home. 

IPL or Laser removals are permanent hair REDUCTION methods. Some of them are dependent on the hair color, skin color, thickness, areas, and they are, in the long term, a good investment for smooth skin. After a number of treatments at the right time in between them will leave you, if you are lucky enough, with a 90% REDUCTION on your hair growth in the treated area. You will still need top up sessions twice per year to keep these results. However, new hairs are more likely to develop or stimulate due to hormonal changes in the body or medications. People very often do not understand that and think about having been let down by the therapist and do not have the desire for smooth, hair-free skin they always dreamed of. 

 

The method not in the picture above is what has been developed and is THE ONLY ONE PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL METHOD ON MARKET - ELECTROLYSIS.

This hair removal method has been developed over the years and the most advanced on the market is called Blend electrolysis, which I personally prefer and offer to my clients. Blend is A combination of 2 different techniques, which destroys the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy or a combination of both at the same time. With this method, the therapist removes individual hair from the face or body, without worrying about skin color or thickness. This has to be taken under consideration by the therapist and the right technique used for the best results.

 

That's why you have to make sure you choose a trustful and experienced therapist for your electrolysis treatment. Do your research and invest your time and money with the right specialist in order to achieve the best results.



electrolysis method for permanent hair removal
After a very fine probe is insert into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with some tweezers.


How much does it cost? Electrolysis: Electrolysis is priced per minute, usually starts from 15-min sessions and the price is around £20. Laser: Price per session is determined based on the size of the area being treated, but can range from £50 for a small area (such as the upper lip) to £285 for a large area (such as the full leg). How painful is the treatment? Electrolysis: Slight discomfort can be experienced during this treatment. A brief pinch and heat sensation is commonly felt, but only lasts for a very short period of time. Laser: Some low discomfort can be expected during treatment. A mild snap and heat sensation can be felt with each light pulse. The tip of the laser cools the skin before and after each pulse to minimize discomfort. Also, cooling gels are applied to make these treatments as comfortable as possible. Also, different devices have different sensations. Do your research and invest in the latest on the market, as, in my opinion, this is what they are working on the most at the moment (treating various hair and skin types and having less pain during sessions). How effective are these treatments? Electrolysis: Electrolysis is a permanent method of hair removal. It works on all hair colors and any hair types. Laser: As lasers target pigment (melanin), they only work on brown or black hair. Patients may experience some hair regrowth after treatment, though the hair is generally much finer and lighter than it was originally. Patients have to book additional maintenance treatments, usually 2 per year, to maintain their results after their initial set of laser hair removal sessions. Are there any side effects? Electrolysis: Might include redness, swelling, dry skin and an increase in ingrown hair. Laser: The side effects of laser hair removal can include itching, redness, swelling around the treatment area, a change in skin pigmentation, acne, scabbing and infection.

Let's compare Electrolysis and Laser treatments

Electrolysis1. Electricity is applied to an individual hair follicle through a thin metal probe, causing localized damage and destroying the growth center.2. Can be used on any skin color or hair color.3. Usually 15–30 treatments spaced every 3–4 weeks. Sessions usually last between 15–60 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and client sensitivity. 4. The price is per minute. 5. Mild discomfort. Pinch and heat sensation during treatment. 6. Complete hair removal. 7. Redness, swelling, dry skin and an increase in ingrown hair.8. Best for permanent hair removal on small areas of the body but can be used on larger areas. Suitable for all skin and hair colors. Longer sessions and longer overall treatment time are required for the best results.IPL/Laser1. Light pulses cause localized damage to the hair follicle by selectively targeting the moisture in the follicle.2. Only effective on dark hair. Most effective at treating dark hair on light skin.3. Usually, 5–8 treatments are spaced between 4–8 weeks apart. Sessions can last between 15–90 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.4. The price is per area5. Low discomfort. A mild snap and heat sensation is felt with each light pulse (depending on the device, some are more painful than others).6. Permanent hair reduction in a large percentage of hair follicles (up to 90%). The client may experience some hair regrowth due to hormonal changes or medication. The client has to be prepared to do maintenance twice per year to achieve good results after fully finished hair removal sessions.7. Itching, redness, swelling around the treatment area, a change in skin pigmentation, acne, scabbing and infection.8. Best for permanent hair reduction of dark hair on large areas of the body. Fewer sessions and shorter treatment time are required for the best results + maintenance.

If you are unsure whether electrolysis or laser hair removal is the better option for you, I will be happy to provide you with free consultation on request.






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