Laser vs Electrolysis
Confused about the difference between Laser & IPL
There is so little information and a lot of people are misinformed about both these types of hair removal. Both procedures target hair follicles under the surface of the skin to curb or prevent their growth. Although electrolysis is the only hair removal method endorsed by the FDA, TGA for permanent hair removal, however laser hair removal is currently the more popular option. Laser has not been around long enough to be deemed permanent, this is way it is classified hair reduction.
Unwanted hair is a major concern for both men & women & the idea of never having to wax, thread,shave, epilate, bleach or pluck certain face or body parts ever again is extremely enticing.
Permanent Laser Hair Reduction
Anyone notice that in recent years laser is now called permanent hair reduction. This is because it is not endorsed by the TGA as permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal involves the use of lasers to deliver mild radiation to the hair follicles. It will permanently diminish hair growth, but does not eliminate unwanted hair forever — eventually, the hair will grow back.
Why doesn’t laser and IPL work on vellus and blonde hairs and any skin colour?
Each colour of the light spectrum has a specific weight, temperature, wavelength, density and energy level and will target different areas in the skin. The target (being the hair) and the skin needs to be opposite for an effective treatment. Which is why the perfect scenario is light skin and dark hair. In the instance of light skin and blonde hair the light will travel straight through the hair. That is why laser is so good with treating pigmentation because the target and skin are opposites on the light spectrum.
It is also very difficult to get long term results when an underlying hormonal issue is present as the result are unpredictable and can also stimulate the hair as it is a heat source. Possible hormonal issues could be:
- Menopause
- Puberty
- PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid
- Medication
- Andropause ( Decline in Testosterone)
In some cases it is advisable to have a combination of laser first to reduce the dark hairs, then permanently remove what is left over with electrolysis.
Permanent Hair Removal by Electrolysis
For over 100 years electrolysis has been recognised a safe reliable method of hair removal . It is the only medically approved form of permanent hair removal. This permanent removal is however achieved over a period of time and is not a miracle cure. Electrolysis is a course of treatment that permanently removes hairgrowth (regardless of skin tone or hair colour) when performed by skilled practitioners. Electrolysis has the longest known track record for permanent hair removal. Dr. Charles Michel first used it successfully in 1875 to remove ingrown eyelashes. He discovered that once the follicle had been destroyed the hair was permanently removed.
Electrolysis involves the insertion of a very fine, disposable, pre packed sterile probe (the same diameter as the hair) into the hair follicle, which is a natural opening in the skin. A tiny amount of energy, for a few seconds is then skillfully discharged into the follicle to cut off the blood supply from the hair. The only sensation felt by the client is heat passing down the probe to the base of the follicle. The treatment can be adapted to suit each client’s skin, hair & pain threshold. During a course of treatment there will be a constant, gradual decrease in growth of the hair until it has all been permanently removed.
Electrolysis is a progressive treatment meaning that the hair will grow back but it will get weaker throughout the course of treatment. The first sign that electrolysis is working is that the hair growth becomes softer, finer & lighter in colour. Following treatment clients will be given strict aftercare instructions to adhere to in order to support the electrolysis treatment.