Hair removal is a multi-billion dollar business and there are thousands (maybe millions) of websites on the topic so it’s not surprising that there’s so much confusion and just plain false information out there. I found some of the most reliable and unbiased source of information at  HairFacts. This site claims to be the #1 Hair Removal Resource for consumers online and I believe it offers the most comprehensive and accurate information. Since my focus is on electrolysis, the only proven method of permanent hair removal, I recommend HairFacts for information about other methods of hair removal.

One comparison I would like to briefly cover, however, is the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal because I encounter questions about this every single day—mostly because of misleading advertising on laser hair removal.

First, let me say that I have nothing against laser hair removal. For the right candidate, it can be the right solution. The key is to understand the advantages and disadvantages of both modalities and to have the accurate information to make an informed decision.

Laser hair removal is considered (and by law described) as "long term hair reduction". The FDA does not allow advertisers of laser hair removal to claim "permanent hair removal"—only electrolysis is allowed to make that claim. The way lasers work is by targeting the laser light source to the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle under the skin. Usually, the hair is shaved first because if it’s not, the hair will actually burn and trust me, it’s nasty—think major curling iron singe! The best candidate for laser hair removal is someone with light skin and dark (the darker, the better) hair. The best candidate will have a strong differential between the pigment in the skin and the pigment in the hair because the laser can’t discriminate between the two—and you wouldn’t want the laser hitting the skin instead of the hair. Laser hair removal does not work AT ALL on light hair (blonde, red, gray, white).

For someone who fits the profile (light skin, dark hair), laser can be the right choice for large body areas like a full back, chest, or legs. A good example would be a hairy man who wants to look buff all summer long—or a woman who wants a hair-free body (legs, bikini, underarms) for the summer. A benefit of laser over electrolysis is that you can do a full treatment of a large body area in a relatively short amount of time—and the hair will take several weeks to grow back—at which point, you go in to get another treatment. But here’s the deal—a large percentage (if not all) the hair eventually will come back. Often the hair will grow back lighter and if there’s not enough pigment, that’s as good as it gets because there’s not enough melanin left for the laser to target. So, the bottom line is this. Laser hair removal can treat a large body area (dark hair only) in a relatively short amount of time and the results will last "long term"—several weeks or months.

Electrolysis is a totally different modality and it works on any type of hair regardless of color. It is known worldwide as the Gold Standard for permanent hair removal with 125 years of clinically proven safety and effectiveness. For small areas like the face (which is the most common area for electrolysis treatment) most clients are looking for a permanent solution—they want to be rid of the annoying hair for good—FOREVER! If that’s the case, electrolysis is the only choice.

For a full explanation of how electrolysis works, see the Frequently Asked Questions section in the sidebar area of this site.

Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

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