Electrolysis vs. Lazer-hair Removal

[Sincerely Tegan]

Ladies, I'm fairly new to the scene, and as I move forward down this road (wherever it may take me), I'm trying to educate myself about certain basics. Long story short, here's my question: what's the real diff between electrolysis and Lazer removal, regarding effectiveness, cost, etc?

Cheers,
Tegan

[suzifrommd]

In my experience, cost is comparable.

Electrolysis:
* Never comes back
* Works on any color hair
* Feels like frequent needle pricks
* Requires a few days hair growth before appointments.
* Works on one hair at a time, so takes a lot of appointments.
* Leaves little red bumps in its wake for a few days.

Laser:
* Works on your entire face, so more economical
* Only works on dark hair
* Feels like a momentary searing heat
* Leaves red blotchy areas for a few hours
* Some say hair will eventually return

I used laser first and am now in electrolysis to clean up the white hairs. I'm glad I did it that way.

[Alaia]

What color is your hair and skin? If you have dark hair and a light complexion then laser should work pretty well for you.

If you are like me however and have blonde and red hairs then electrolysis will get better results. (Also if you have dark skin). Both methods are expensive and painful. I don't personally know how laser compares but electrolysis is very painful and you have to endure it for longer periods given that the probe only zaps one follicle at a time.

A good Electrologist can do about 600 hairs an hour. My first Electrologist charged $60/hr and my current one charges $40. Expect to spend at least 100-200 hours getting a beard completely cleared.

[Veronica M]

What color is your hair and skin? If you have dark hair and a light complexion then laser should work pretty well for you.

What is the cost of the laser treatment? I have dark hair... Well had... Getting a little gray now... LOL

[Autumn]

If you're thinking about laser, try looking for groupons. I found a place that has a deal for 6 face sessions for $100.

[Alaia]

Yeah, I'm always seeing groupon deals for laser. I have no idea how cost effective it is overall though. I'm only well informed on electro.

[Sincerely Tegan]

I used laser first and am now in electrolysis to clean up the white hairs. I'm glad I did it that way.

Thanks, everyone. I think that answers my question. I am light-complected with black hair, with perhaps a few facial hairs gone gray, so I think this plan seems to be the best.

However, does anybody have anything to say about home electrolysis kits? I'm kind of curious about those.

Tegan

[Alaia]

For your face I would strongly recommend you leave it to a professional. You don't want to end up scarring or with pock marks.

[Sincerely Tegan]

Point taken. Thank you. :-)

-Teg

[jebee]

If you're thinking about laser, try looking for groupons. I found a place that has a deal for 6 face sessions for $100.

do not get discount lazer hair removal...

[Sincerely Tegan]

do not get discount lazer hair removal...

Jebee, would there really be that much of a difference? It's not like we're talking about doing it at the swapmeet. What would the concern be with pursuing a deal?

But I can definitely suggest home laser removal kit - from all those on the market Tria 4 x and Tria Precision are the best ones.

Emily, would you use that thing on your face, or only other spots? You have one? Can you tell me a bit about it? Thank you.

-Teg

[jebee]

Jebee, would there really be that much of a difference? It's not like we're talking about doing it at the swapmeet. What would the concern be with pursuing a deal?

youre going to let a unqualified person use a lazer capable of causing substantial and permanent damage to you body give it a go?? I got mine through the NHS its cost them over 5000 pounds, think about it. You get what you pay for in this life.

[Sincerely Tegan]

Alright, point taken, I suppose. To my knowledge in order to perform this procedure, the clinicians NEED to be certified. But yes, point taken, and thanks for looking out.  I'll do my research before I go to anyone.

-Teg

[Sincerely Tegan]

Okay, I watched the video. Point DEFINITELY taken. Thank you, Jebee.
Teg

[Cindi Lane]

...
However, does anybody have anything to say about home electrolysis kits? I'm kind of curious about those.

Hi Tegan,
Skip the home electrolysis kits, the don't really work, so you are really just plucking the hairs, causing damage under the skin.
-Cindi

[Sincerely Tegan]

Thanks, Em. I'll take look.

Teg

[Sincerely Tegan]

That's sweet of you, Em. I might do just that as I look into all options further. Thanks.
 
-Teg

[TessaMarie]

A good Electrologist can do about 600 hairs an hour. My first Electrologist charged $60/hr and my current one charges $40. Expect to spend at least 100-200 hours getting a beard completely cleared.

Hi Alaia,

I had my first electrolysis session this morning.  I counted 19 seconds between each cycle of pain.  It might be because she had to reduce the settings for my very low tolerance for pain.  This sounds like about 200 hairs/hour rather than the 600 you mentioned.  The cost was $38 for 35 mins, with $60/hour going forward.  Next session booked for Thursday afternoon.

Am I overpaying ?  (I live in Philly.  Electrologist is in a (nice) suburb just north of Philly.)

Or is it normal for the first session (or two) to appear relatively slow as the electrologist gets used to how much pain I can tolerate & which settings work best for my face/neck.

btw:  I did ask her to start with my neck, since that is the one area I really dislike shaving.

Thanks for any advice you may have.

Tessa

[Janae]

There's nothing wrong with groupon deals don't be discouraged from using them.

Many of the packages are offered by decent businesses. Groupon simply gives you the option of a deal for otherwise normally regularly priced Laser sessions that's all. If anyone has any worries just go onto yelp and research the clinics/spas of your choice before paying for the deal. Go in for a consult and check out the places for yourself. It's a great way to save money while getting the service that you need.

[Emily.T]

If you're thinking about laser, try looking for groupons. I found a place that has a deal for 6 face sessions for $100.

Wow it is so cheap in California here in south aus I just paid for 4 sessions and it cost me $720