How to choose between laser and electric hair removal?

Laser hair removal offers remarkable results, and its definitive or almost definitive nature makes it the most attractive hair removal method. However, it is not suitable for certain specific areas of the body. For these, Epilium & Skin offers electrolysis treatment (or electrolysis hair removal), which can also be used to finish off laser hair removal when necessary.

When and why go for permanent hair removal?

Precisely because it is permanent, permanent hair removal has many advantages:

• It puts an end to the recurring mental burden that hair can represent;
• It saves a considerable amount of time on a daily basis;
• It is financially profitable in the long term.

Permanent hair removal is also a therapeutic solution for ingrown hairs and folliculitis, preventing the associated risks of infection and scarring. A single session is all it takes to remove an ingrown hair that has started to grow.

While there’s no absolute age at which to request permanent hair removal by laser or electrolysis, the results obtained are better if you wait until you’re 25 or even 30. In fact, when you’re younger, and even more so during adolescence, hair growth hasn’t yet stabilized, and is subject to major physiological upheaval. We therefore recommend waiting until at least adulthood before undergoing permanent hair removal.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal involves emitting a beam of light onto the hair in a given area. The melanin in the hair – which gives it its color – absorbs light, which then spreads to the root and bulb of the hair follicle. The thermal energy of light destroys both the hair and its bulb, which is responsible for its production. Hair regrowth is rendered virtually impossible.

Laser hair removal is indicated for many parts of the body, including :

• Underarms;
• Forearms;
• Hands;
• Jersey;
• The intergluteal fold (SIF);
• Abdomen;
• Thighs and legs (whole);
• Feet;
• Interbrow.

In men, it is also frequently used for :

• Ears;
• Nose;
• Mustache;
• The beard;
• Neck and nape;
• Shoulders;
• Torso;
• Back;
• Flanks;
• Nipples.

What is electric hair removal?

Electric depilation
is a hair-by-hair removal technique. It involves inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle, then emitting a gentle electric current to destroy the hair permanently.

Electrolysis is most often chosen to enhance the results of laser hair removal in small areas, or where laser hair removal is ineffective or problematic. These are essentially the so-called hormone-dependent areas, which present a risk of paradoxical regrowth.

For women, electric hair removal is recommended for :

• Chin, cheeks and sideburns, which are hormone-dependent areas;
• Neck;
• Lower back;
• Upper arms;
• Breast and areola;
• Upper thighs;
• Buttocks.

For hormone-dependent areas or areas with down, electrolysis should be preferred, as there is no risk of paradoxical regrowth. At Epilium, for the face, we limit ourselves to the upper lip with the laser, otherwise we offer electrolysis (Face/areola/cheekbones favorites).

In men, it is typically indicated (particularly before age 30) for :

• Torso;
• Cheekbones;
• Upper back and shoulders.

Electric hair removal is also indicated for the prevention and treatment of folliculitis, whatever the area of the body concerned.

The advantage of permanent hair removal is that, unlike laser hair removal, it can be used all year round, even on tanned skin, and on all hair colors (blond and white).

How to choose between laser and electric hair removal?

The initial consultation is essential. It enables the practitioner to carry out a skin and hair assessment of the patient, and to check the patient’s eligibility for treatment.

He can then suggest the treatment plan best suited to the patient’s needs, whether this involves laser hair removal alone, laser hair removal plus electrolysis, or electrolysis alone (typically when the need is to remove ingrown hairs).