Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis

At Advanced Laser Spa we specialize in state-of-the-art laser technologies, including laser hair removal. We have helped hundreds of men and women in the Warren, MI area get the hair free legs, faces, chests, backs and bodies they love – with no more tweezing, waxing or shaving.

In this article we explain the primary differences between state-of-the-art laser hair removal and traditional electrolysis. We compare the cost, the process and the benefits of both types of hair removal, so you can see why we prefer laser hair removal at our Warren, MI Medical Spa.

How Electrolysis Works

Electrolysis has been used for hair removal since the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest methods for permanently eliminating unwanted hair. The process involves inserting a tiny probe into each individual hair follicle, then delivering an electrical current that damages the follicle’s ability to produce new hair. Depending on the specific technique used, this current may be galvanic (chemical), thermolytic (heat-based), or a blend of both approaches.

Because electrolysis treats one follicle at a time, sessions can be lengthy and require significant patience. A small area like the upper lip might take 15 to 30 minutes per session, while larger areas like the legs or back could require hours of treatment spread across numerous appointments over months or even years. Each follicle typically needs multiple treatments to achieve permanent results, as hair grows in cycles and must be targeted during the active growth phase.

The process requires a skilled electrologist with steady hands and precise technique. When performed correctly, electrolysis can eventually eliminate hair permanently regardless of hair color or skin tone. However, the time commitment and discomfort level lead many clients to explore faster alternatives. The sensation is often described as a stinging or pricking feeling repeated with each follicle treated, which can become tedious during longer sessions. For those considering permanent hair removal options in the Warren, MI area and surrounding communities, understanding how electrolysis works helps clarify why many people ultimately choose laser-based solutions instead

How Elos Laser Hair Removal Works

Elos laser hair removal represents a significant advancement in hair removal technology, combining two energy sources to deliver superior results. The system uses intense pulsed light (IPL) alongside radiofrequency energy, working together to target hair follicles more effectively than either technology could alone. This dual-energy approach is what sets Elos apart from conventional laser hair removal systems.

During treatment, the optical energy targets melanin in the hair shaft, heating the follicle while the radiofrequency energy penetrates deeper to damage the follicle’s ability to regenerate. Because the radiofrequency component doesn’t rely on pigment to work, Elos can use lower levels of light energy while still achieving thorough follicle destruction. This means safer treatments for a wider range of skin tones and more comfortable sessions overall. Most clients experience only a warming sensation rather than the intense snapping feeling associated with traditional lasers.

Each pulse of the Elos system treats multiple follicles simultaneously, covering areas roughly the size of a postage stamp with every flash. This allows providers at Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa to treat large areas efficiently, with sessions for legs or backs taking a fraction of the time electrolysis would require. Clients throughout the Warren, MI area appreciate that treatments can often be completed during a lunch break. While multiple sessions are still needed to catch hair in various growth cycles, most people achieve significant permanent reduction in far fewer total hours than electrolysis demands, with considerably less discomfort along the way.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Less Pain

Laser hair removal is considerably less painful than electrolysis. Laser hair removal uses pulsed light which has been described as feeling similar to a rubber band snapping the skin. By comparison, electrolysis feels more like a stinging needle-stick sensation.

During electrolysis each hair follicle has to be individually destroyed one-by-one with a needle. However, during laser hair removal, several hair follicles are treated at one time.  So for every single laser hair removal “snap” electrolysis requires 20 individual needle pricks.

Simply taking Advil or Ibuprofen an hour before laser hair removal is typically enough to offset any minor discomfort.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Fewer Treatments

Depending upon the size of the area treated, laser hair removal only takes about 20 to 30 minutes per session. And since hair follicles produce hair at intermittent intervals, five to eight laser hair removal treatments may be needed for complete hair elimination.

Electrolysis treatments only takes about 20 minutes. However, because only one follicle at a time is targeted,  but it can take up to a full year of weekly electrolysis sessions to eliminate all the unwanted hair.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Lower Cost

When you consider total costs of all treatments, laser hair removal is much more affordable than electrolysis.

Electrolysis and laser hair removal are approximately the same cost “per treatment” – however when you compare the the cost of five to eight laser hair removal treatments with dozens of electrolysis treatments, laser hair removal ends up being far less expensive than electrolysis.

In fact most people end up spending several thousand dollars for electrolysis.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Results

Laser hair removal uses light energy to penetrate the hair shaft, where the pigment in the hair root absorbs light. The resulting absorbed heat energy actually kills the hair root. After laser hair removal, the hair falls out within 10-14 days.

Electrolysis, on the other hand, kills the hair follicle itself not just the root. While laser treatments do not kill the follicles, killing the root makes it difficult or impossible for another hair to grow in its place. So laser hair removal is nearly as permanent as electrolysis.

Best Laser Hair Removal – Warren, MI

Advanced Laser Skin Care & Spa offers state-of-the-art Elos laser hair removal treatments.  In addition to permanent laser hair removal we also offer waxing in our Warren, MI area Med Spa.

Each laser hair removal treatment begins with a professional skin consultation. For optimal results at the most affordable prices, we also offer custom packages of laser hair removal treatments.

Schedule a laser hair removal treatment,  and then relax in our luxurios Warren, MI area Med Spa, while we make your skin look and feel smooth and hair free!

Laser Hair Removal – Warren, MI:  586.286.4508