Your body hair is your own business.
If youre looking for a longer-lasting solution, considerlaser hair removalor electrolysis.
But board-certified dermatologistSheila Farhang, MD, warns that “neither treatment is necessarily permanentforever.”
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Both methods may require touch-ups over the years as your body generates new hair growth.
(Okay, but well still take yearly touch-ups over weekly shaving.)
Electrolysis works on all hair and skin types, but requires a skilled electrologist and more accuracy during treatment.
We asked two board-certified dermatologists what sets these procedures apart and what they typically recommend for their patients.
What is laser hair removal?
“Laser hair removal uses a laser unit that targets the dark hair follicle,” says Dr. Farhang.
The darker the hair and the lighter the skin, the better laser hair removal works.
Finer, lighter-colored hair is simply more difficult for the laser to target.
The treatment itself isnt very painful, but your doctor might apply a cooling or numbing cream before starting.
Dr. Farhang says newer devices are even less uncomfortable and dont require any topical numbing beforehand.
In general, though, the treatment feels like the snap of a rubber band.
So, an armpit wont take as long as a full leg.
A standard intense pulsed light (IPL) laser cant penetrate as deeply or accurately.
For faster (and less painful) results, ask your dermatologist about diode laser devices.
But that doesnt mean youll never have to bust out your razor again.
You may need touch-up sessions over the years to catch errant hairs.
“The results are not always as good for lighter hair,” says Dr. Bhanusali.
“These tend to be mostly due to operator error,” he says.
21 ways to remove your leg hair:
What is electrolysis?
Those electric pulses heat up and destroy the individual follicles, one by one.
“Its a more manual technique,” says Dr. Farhang.
Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis works on all hair colors and skin types.
That said, it can be used anywhere on the body, including your face, with minimal downtime.
Until then, you might experience tenderness, redness, and swelling.
You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.
In general, though, the larger the treatment area, the more youll spend.
A smaller area, like the face, might cost from $100 to $500 total.
A larger area, like the legs, will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 total.
(These are loose estimates, but your provider can give you a more accurate quote.)
Electrolysis tends to be more expensive than laser hair removal because it requires more sessions to see full results.
And treating larger areas of the body with electrolysis will add up quickly.
What are the key differences between laser hair removal and electrolysis?
“Laser hair removal is more common and practical,” says Dr. Farhang.
Both treatments are available at medi-spas, but its always safer to go to a board-certified dermatologist.
A dermatologist with the right machine can eradicate (most of) your unwanted hair for good.
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