Laser hair removal: the essence of the method
Laser hair removal is a new technology for removing unwanted hair. This method is based on the use of light, which is collected in a dense beam and directed to one point (like a lens with which you can light a fire). In this case, this light is used to remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is the fastest and most effective way to say goodbye to unwanted hair for a long time.
How is laser hair removal performed?
Before going for the procedure, it is interesting to know how this method works and how laser hair removal differs from electrolysis.
The bare “working area” is irradiated with a laser for a certain time (no more than 1 hour for large parts of the body). The idea is that the laser reacts to areas with a high content of melanin and is directed there. A lot of melanin (pigment) is contained in hair and hair follicles, which, after being hit by a laser beam, become very hot and die. After all hair has been irradiated, the procedure ends. Lost hair is removed from the body and the skin is lubricated with a special cream.
Thus, if electrolysis involves physical intervention (piercing the skin), then laser hair removal is non-contact, removing only hair.
The laser hair removal procedure is not complicated, but even such an advanced technology has both its pros and cons.
Benefits of laser hair removal
This method has many advantages, namely:
- there is no pain during the procedure (unless a powerful laser is used to remove colorless or light hair);
- the skin is not damaged during laser hair removal;
- a long-lasting effect, which, with the correct selection of laser, will eliminate hair for 6-8 months (if the hair is very dark and the skin is white, then complete removal of unwanted hair is possible);
- the procedure does not take much time.
To remove light hair, a neodymium laser is used, which can cause burns and pain.
Thus, laser hair removal helps to quickly and painlessly get rid of unwanted hair on the body, but it is worth remembering that the duration of the effect depends on the quality of the operation. Therefore, it is better to do it by professionals.
You will learn about the pros and cons of laser hair removal in this video.
Disadvantages of laser hair removal
The specificity of laser action has not only advantages, but also disadvantages:
- the procedure is quite expensive;
- to completely get rid of vegetation you need to carry out 3-4 sessions;
- the maximum effect is achieved only if the hair has a sufficient amount of pigment (it is naturally black or dark brown), and the skin is contrastingly different from the hair (white or slightly dark);
- if the hair is lighter than the skin, then laser hair removal is not possible;
- can be carried out when the hairs have grown at least 3 mm;
- cannot be done after sunbathing (you need to avoid being in the sun for a long time for a week);
- not performed after electrolysis (the integrity of the skin is damaged);
- if rapid hair growth is caused by hormones, then laser hair removal will only slow down the process.
Laser hair removal gives the best effect when removing black hair from white skin. The procedure is suitable for wealthy people who are willing to pay money for several courses to get perfectly smooth skin.
One procedure may not have any effect at all, and if you do not have the funds for subsequent procedures, then you will simply be wasting your money.
Which hair removal method to choose
Laser hair removal, despite its pain, is still considered a more gentle procedure than electric hair removal. If we evaluate the safety of exposure, both methods meet the highest requirements. If the priority is the absence of negative health consequences, you can safely choose any of the procedures.
If performance is most important, electrolysis has advantages.
It will help you get rid of unwanted hair for the rest of your life. After laser exposure, hair follicles can be restored. Therefore, after 5-6 years they undergo a repeat course of sessions.
With electrolysis, you can completely remove all hair from the treated area in one procedure. Laser hair removal does not guarantee such a result, since during the period of exposure there is always a fairly large number of “dormant” bulbs under the skin.
When choosing a technique, it is important to consider hair type and color. A laser may not be able to destroy light or red hairs in one session.
There is no such problem for electrolysis: it will remove any hair, regardless of its thickness, length and color. It doesn’t matter to her whether she has a tan or what her skin phototype is. She will cope with gray hairs just as successfully as with dark ones. Versatility is an undoubted advantage of electrolysis.
What is electrolysis
Electrolysis cannot be called a new method of hair removal, however, despite the emergence of new technologies, it is also an effective method of removing unwanted hair.
Execution mechanism
The electrolysis method uses electric current to destroy the hair follicle. It was also used by our mothers and grandmothers to remove hair from various parts of the body. Since then, little has changed, except that the pain during the procedure is muffled by various creams and other drugs.
A thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle, through which an electric charge passes.
The needle is inserted into the skin many times, removing all visible hair. The procedure takes a long time, but it is suitable for removing any hair from absolutely any skin. Painful sensations during electrolysis depend on the type of skin and the area of the body where the operation is performed.
Advantages of electrolysis
If the old method is not a thing of the past, then it has enough advantages to exist in our time. Strengths:
- removes any hair from any part of the skin (except the neck);
- the procedure costs several times less than modern hair removal methods;
- the procedure eliminates hair ingrowth into the skin;
- the maximum effect that can eliminate hair for life.
Evaluating the above about electrolysis and laser hair removal, we can conclude that the difference lies not only in the principle of operation, but also in the fact that electrolysis is suitable for all girls, regardless of skin or hair color, and therefore is a more affordable method of hair removal.
This procedure is suitable for almost any area, however, since it involves a targeted effect, its implementation is more often practiced for the correction of small areas.
Cons of Electrical Hair Removal
Minuses:
- the procedure requires a huge amount of time, which depends not only on the amount of hair, but also on its type;
- some types of hair removal are very painful and are carried out only with the use of painkillers;
- to achieve perfectly smooth legs, several operations are required;
- After surgery, damaged skin needs time to recover, during which the skin must be treated with special creams and protected from direct sunlight;
- Electrolysis may result in unexpected skin reactions (redness, itching, swelling, discoloration, scarring).
Looking at the list of disadvantages, there is no great desire to use this method, however, most of the side effects arise due to the master’s oversight, and not because of the specifics of the method. Therefore, electrolysis or laser hair removal performed by a novice or in unsanitary conditions will entail huge problems.
In this video you will learn about the mechanism of performing the electrolysis procedure and contraindications to its implementation.
Criterias of choice
Before choosing a suitable hair removal method for yourself, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:
- Pain threshold (if the pain threshold is low, preference should be given to the laser method).
- Cost (the procedure should not be too expensive, especially if it needs to be done several times).
- Hair color and thickness (there are limitations with the laser method).
- Presence of tattoos (laser method is prohibited if there are any).
- Contraindications (you should carefully study their list, and build on this when choosing a method).
Efficiency
As mentioned earlier, electrolysis is more effective than laser hair removal. It can destroy almost all hair follicles.
For thin, blond and gray hair, laser hair removal will not be effective at all. It should also not be used on tanned or pigmented skin. This leads to burns.
Duration of saving the result
Electrolysis is a method of getting rid of unwanted body hair once and for all. It’s worth attending 7-8 procedures and forgetting about body hair.
Laser hair removal is different in this regard - it is a method of long-term hair removal. It will take almost 10 sessions to remove vegetation in the right place. Having removed up to 70% of all hair, do not forget that it will appear again after several years. To prolong the result, it is advisable to attend corrective sessions once a year.
Hair pigmentation level
With electrolysis, hair color is not important. The procedure can rid a person of hair of any tone and thickness.
Laser hair removal removes dark hair well, but removing hair from dark skin is prohibited.
Area of influence
Many women are interested in whether there are any restrictions on the impact of a particular procedure. Both laser and electrolysis can remove hair anywhere on the body, so there are no restrictions.
Time reserve for the procedure
Laser hair removal in intimate areas will not take more than 20 minutes, but leg hair removal will last almost two hours. It is worth stocking up on time to carry out such a procedure and not rush anywhere.
Electrolysis will take even longer - only the bikini area will require 2 hours. Leg hair removal will last about 3-4 hours. On this day, you need to abandon other plans and devote it to this cosmetic procedure.
Presence of certain body conditions
When carrying out such procedures, there are many contraindications that will be an obstacle to hair removal. If you do not pay attention to the presence of contraindications and go for the procedure, then dangerous consequences for human health arise. Hair removal sessions are strongly not recommended:
- people with diabetes;
- pregnant women;
- in the presence of malignant tumors;
- people with cardiovascular diseases;
- for viral diseases.
Electrolysis is also contraindicated:
- people with hepatitis;
- if you have a pacemaker;
- patients who have various metal elements in the body;
- with allergies to metals and alloys.
It is necessary to take into account that such procedures should be abandoned if there is:
- dermatological pathologies;
- ARVI or any cold;
- lactation period.
Safety
The question of safety makes any woman worry and worry in vain.
You can easily put aside all worries and calmly go for the procedure - both methods of getting rid of excess hair are recognized as completely safe. These types of hair removal have been used for many years and their effects on the human body have been studied many times. They did not cause any life-threatening harm to the body, so there is no need to worry at all.
Side effects
After any procedure, side effects often occur, and there is nothing to worry about. The main thing is to follow the rules and recommendations of the cosmetologist.
After a laser hair removal session, the following are possible:
- redness;
- peeling;
- tissue burn;
- skin itching.
All consequences after such hair removal are rare phenomena, it all depends on the skin’s reaction to laser beams.
Consequences that occur after electrolysis:
- the appearance of burns;
- dark spots on the body;
- scars;
- pathological scarring;
- local sepsis, etc.
If any of these side effects occur, do not immediately become nervous. Remember what the doctor who performed the procedure said and start treatment right now. If, for example, redness does not go away for a long time, then it is worth contacting a cosmetologist and discussing options for solving this problem.
Cost of the procedure
The cost of epilation depends on the area that will be epilated. Most often, the legs and bikini area are more expensive than other parts of the body. Think in advance about where you need to remove unwanted hair and prepare your body.
The location of the procedure also becomes an important factor in the size of the cost, since each city has its own prices for such procedures.
It is not recommended to conduct sessions at home for the first time. It is unknown how the body will react to hair removal. For the first time, it is better to go to a special salon to see a cosmetologist.
If we name the average prices for the country, then laser hair removal will cost:
- in the armpit area – 2500 rubles;
- in the chest area – 3000 rubles;
- the entire belly will cost 3,500 rubles;
- deep bikini – 4500 rubles;
- hands will cost 5,000 rubles;
- back – 6000 rubles;
- drumsticks – 5500 rubles;
- hips – 7000 rubles:
- you will have to pay 11,000 rubles for the legs;
- buttocks - 2500 rubles;
- chin - 800 rubles and cheeks 1800 rubles.
Electrolysis of the whole body will cost approximately 4,000 rubles, and 1,000 rubles for the face. But if you want to shorten the session time, it is recommended to do electrolysis with four hands for 6,000 rubles.
Which is better – laser hair removal or electrolysis: all the pros and cons
To finally decide which method to give preference to, it is worth conducting a detailed comparison: laser and electrolysis – which is better.
- Price.
One laser hair removal procedure costs about the same as 3-4 or even more electrolysis procedures. In this case, hair removal using a needle and electric shock is the best budget option. - Comfort.
Laser hair removal is practically painless, unlike electric hair removal. Therefore, in terms of comfort, electrolysis is on par with a portable epilator. - Efficiency.
No matter what marketers say, electrolysis performed by a professional can permanently get rid of unwanted hair. It all depends on the number of procedures and “dormant” hair follicles. - Time consumption.
As stated above, laser hair removal does not last more than an hour, but the second one can take half a day. This is important if you have a busy schedule and little time for personal needs.
Thus, when choosing electro or laser surgery, it is better to take into account your priorities, since in the comparison described above, hair removal methods have equal positions.
Reviews
Many girls like the laser hair removal method, as it brings less pain, others choose electrolysis. Statistics show that most women and girls are inclined to choose electrolysis, as it helps to get rid of excess hair forever. But cosmetologists themselves prefer laser hair removal, considering it less painful and having fewer side effects.
Natalya, 35 years old, Volgograd : “I have long wanted to get rid of body hair, but I couldn’t choose the right method. Then, on the advice of a friend, she preferred laser hair removal. The procedure turned out to be painless. I attended 8 sessions, that was enough. Now I repeat this method once every 12 months, but the number of sessions is much less.”
Elena, 28 years old, Orenburg : “I made my choice 2 years ago for electrolysis and did not regret it. It was a little painful during the procedure itself, but for 3 years now the hair has not grown at all.”
The choice of hair removal method is determined by the person himself. Only personal experience and your own practice will help you become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of methods for getting rid of excess body hair.
Painful sensations
The difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal is the degree of pain. It depends on the area of skin being treated and the phase of the menstrual cycle.
Laser hair removal is a less painful procedure. The devices are equipped with cooling systems, and special means are used for local anesthesia. The use of this method does not require long sessions. It usually only takes a few minutes to treat a small area as the laser energy instantly destroys the follicle. The patient usually feels short shocks or a slight burning sensation.
Electrolysis is a more painful procedure. The hair follicle is destroyed within a few seconds. All the time the patient feels pain. An important drawback of this method is that during hair removal, the device acts on the tissues around the hair follicle.
During a session of removing vegetation with electrical discharges, the specialist treats each follicle separately. The destruction of vegetation in one area is divided into sessions, since it is very difficult to withstand the pain for several hours.
Painkillers are not used. Their chemical composition reduces the effectiveness of the procedure. Some experts even claim that local anesthetic drugs stimulate hair growth.
Elos hair removal: advantages and disadvantages
Epilation, called elos, is a procedure that allows you to remove unnecessary hairs by combining light and electrical technologies. Hair follicles are heated through the skin using light energy and then destroyed by electrical current. The procedure is not painful, since the intensity of the current is softened by preheating the skin. This method of epilation is considered one of the most effective methods of hair removal, but it is worth taking a closer look at its pros and cons. Obvious positive aspects will be:
- light exposure not only removes hair, but also cares for the skin in those places where removal occurs, due to which the skin becomes soft and elastic;
- special technology allows you to remove even the thinnest and lightest hairs;
- reviews confirm that there is no risk of burns;
- Such hair removal can be carried out without growing hair, and ingrown hairs are also excluded.
But this method of hair removal also has disadvantages, and these are:
- on dark skin, the procedure loses its effect, since the outbreaks are distributed not only to the hair, but also to the skin;
- Epilation must be carried out at intervals of a month and a half, otherwise you risk ruining the skin;
- reviews indicate that the procedure is expensive.
After hair removal, do not use a razor for several days, and try not to take hot showers or baths.
A few words should be said about contraindications: in general, they completely coincide with the contraindications for laser hair removal.
Restrictions
When choosing a method for removing unwanted vegetation, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Electrolysis is not suitable for those with sensitive skin prone to irritation. This method should not be used to treat the bikini area, upper lip, armpits, ears, nose.
The safety and result of the procedure largely depends on the qualifications of the specialist. He assesses the patient’s health status, identifies contraindications, selects the type of laser and device settings.
When removing vegetation with electric discharges, indicators of the specialist’s professionalism are the absence of pain when inserting a needle and compliance with the time of exposure to the bulb. Reducing this period will affect the result - the follicle will not die, increasing it will lead to damage to the skin.
When deciding what is more effective - photoepilation, laser hair removal or electrolysis, you should choose laser hair removal. This is a safer and painless procedure, which has minimal contraindications and virtually no side effects.
