Electrolysis Is the Permanent Hair Removal Option for Everybody

Table Of Content

• Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which is the Preferred Permanent Solution?
• Average Electrolysis Single Session Cost by City and State
• Meet the experts:
• How do you choose a provider for electrolysis?
• What Is Electrolysis? Dermatologists Explain the Hair Removal Method
• Can I Use Rosemary Oil and Minoxidil at the Same Time? How to Use It
• How Much Does Electrolysis Cost?

AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. We noted above that the 2019 ASPS Report shows the majority of cosmetic procedures occur on the coasts, and this most likely holds true for electrolysis.

Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which is the Preferred Permanent Solution?

In comparison, there’s normally a four to six-week gap between appointments for Laser Hair Removal. Hair typically begins to fall out within one week and full results can be seen three weeks post-treatment. If Laser Hair Removal sounds like the safer, more pleasant option to you, you’re probably right. However, if you need a bit more convincing to choose between electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal, you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at the pros and cons of electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal, from treatment goals to all-in cost. “Electrolysis works on all hair colors and skin colors,” says Reynolds.

Average Electrolysis Single Session Cost by City and State

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Elise also advises clients to avoid caffeine two hours before the appointment, which could raise their stress levels and potentially make the treatment a bit more painful. Electrolysis treatments are billed by the hour, so how much electrolysis costs is contingent upon the area you’re treating and how much hair you have. But, as an estimate, you can expect electrolysis hair removal to cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour.

Meet the experts:

Also, it’s best to avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and physical exercise for 48 hours. Since both electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal are FDA-approved and FDA-cleared respectively for eliminating unwanted hair, it can be tough to decide which is the best option for you. Here’s a rundown of electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal to help select your treatment type. This is when you need a consult from a professional, because it really depends. “Number of sessions depends on the area being treated and the client’s hormonal makeup,” Radbill says. “Sometimes we have to treat the same follicle a few times to ensure that it is permanently killed so it’s not always one and done,” Reynolds adds.

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While laser hair removal is a pretty popular method, electrolysis is steadily gaining popularity. And just remember that if your folliculitis persists for more than six weeks, pause your electrolysis treatments and see a dermatologist to figure out what’s causing the inflammation. Laser hair removal and electrolysis only work when the hair follicle is in the anagen, or growth phase. To see the best results, you must follow an aftercare treatment routine. You’ll need to limit sun exposure for several weeks and wear loose clothing for at least two days after treatment.

Electrolysis costs less per session, but you’ll need far more sessions before seeing results. With electrolysis, treating large areas of the body can become very expensive. We have over 90+ years of laser hair removal experience on staff.

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. It depends on the person, but people generally see results within 6-10 treatments. As previously mentioned, the devices available for use at home are not as powerful as the devices you would find in a dermatology office, and therefore more treatments are usually needed. The Electrologists Association of California prioritizes ongoing education, hosting seminars and lectures year-round. These events serve as platforms for members and electrologists statewide to remain updated on treatment methodologies, sanitation protocols, and safety standards.

Can I Use Rosemary Oil and Minoxidil at the Same Time? How to Use It

"Electrolysis tackles each hair follicle individually," explains Michelle Lambert, Senior Practitioner at Pulse Light Clinic. "Though this is a longer and more delicate method its thoroughness is what enables permanent hair removal." Electrolysis is another type of hair removal procedure that disrupts hair growth with the use of shortwave radio frequencies instead of light. Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is considered a permanent solution, according to the FDA. A device called an epilator, which is a very fine needle usually thinner than a strand of hair, is placed into the skin through the natural opening of the hair follicle. The epilator emits a small electrical current to destroy the follicle and prevent growth.

Yes, we know electrolysis is not a surgery, but the ideas hold for procedures as well. Electrolysis is most often considered a cosmetic procedure and, therefore, is not covered. For those pursuing electrolysis for something like hirsutism, however, it could be argued there is medical indication, though it would require proper documentation from the patient’s provider. Before the procedure, your dermatologist may apply an analgesic ointment to minimize pain. If you still experience pain, talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Minor side effects like irritation and redness tend to go away within a few hours of the procedure.

Are you trying to decide whether electrolysis or laser hair removal is best for you? In addition, individuals who are currently taking Accutane are not candidates for laser hair removal until at least three months after they’ve completed the medication. Those who have ever received gold injections for arthritis can never use LHR for hair removal.

Each session targets new follicles until most of the hair has been destroyed. Electrolysis and laser hair removal both remove unwanted hair, but the treatments do so in different ways. Just like electrolysis, laser hair removal is a heavily tested procedure and is very safe. "With laser hair removal, there is the risk of developing light spots or dark spots, and even burning or scarring if the wrong laser or wrong setting is used," Dr. St. Surin-Lord says. You should absolutely shave before laser hair removal for more optimal treatment, as it will help the device better concentrate its energy on the hair follicle rather than the hair growing out of the skin. According to Dr. Yadav, you cannot shave before electrolysis because this will make it difficult for the provider to find the hair and administer the treatment.