Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis: Which Is Better?

Laser hair removal and electrolysis are two widely used methods for long-term hair reduction. Both treatments target hair follicles beneath the skin’s surface to interrupt hair growth.

Per the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, laser hair removal has grown in popularity — rising by nearly 30 percent since 2013. Electrolysis is also becoming more common, though it remains less frequently performed than laser procedures.

Continue reading to compare the advantages, risks, and guidance for each option.

What to expect from laser hair removal

Laser hair removal delivers focused beams of light that convert to heat and damage hair follicles, substantially slowing future hair growth. While it generally lasts longer than at-home methods like shaving, laser treatment is not necessarily permanent. Multiple sessions are typically required for sustained reduction.

Benefits

Laser treatments can be performed almost anywhere on the face and body, excluding the area around the eyes, which makes them quite adaptable.

There is usually minimal downtime, allowing you to return to most daily activities soon after treatment.

Any regrowth is often finer and lighter in color, which reduces the appearance of dense hair regrowth.

This therapy tends to be most effective for individuals with lighter skin tones and darker hair.

Side effects and risks

Potential side effects from laser hair removal may include:

• blisters
• inflammation
• swelling
• irritation
• changes in pigmentation (commonly light spots on darker skin)
• redness
• swelling

Mild effects like irritation and redness typically resolve within a few hours. Any symptoms that persist should be evaluated by your clinician.

Scarring or permanent texture changes are uncommon.

To reduce the likelihood of adverse effects or lasting skin damage, make sure you receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. Avoid salon or over-the-counter devices for professional-level care.

Aftercare and follow-up

Before treatment, your dermatologist may apply a topical anesthetic to ease discomfort. If pain persists, ask about over-the-counter pain relievers or, for more severe discomfort, a prescribed steroid cream.

Ice packs or cool compresses can help relieve typical symptoms like redness and swelling.

Laser hair removal disables follicular activity rather than plucking hairs, so multiple follow-up sessions are necessary. Ongoing maintenance appointments will help prolong results.

You should also limit sun exposure after laser sessions, especially during peak hours, since treatment makes skin more sun-sensitive and increases the risk of sunburn. Wear sunscreen daily. The Mayo Clinic advises avoiding direct sunlight for six weeks before laser treatments to prevent pigmentation changes on tanned skin.

Follow-up care is an essential component of laser therapy. The Mayo Clinic notes that most people require sessions every six weeks, often up to six times, to adequately halt hair growth after the initial procedure. After that, annual or semiannual maintenance visits may be recommended depending on your needs. Shaving is generally acceptable between appointments.

Costs

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment and usually not covered by insurance. Total expense depends on the number of sessions needed; discuss financing or payment plans with your dermatologist.

While at-home laser devices may seem more affordable, they haven’t been proven as safe or effective as professional treatments.

What to expect from electrolysis

Electrolysis is another professional hair-removal approach performed by a qualified clinician. It halts hair growth by inserting a tiny probe into hair follicles and delivering shortwave radiofrequency or electrical current to destroy the follicle, causing existing hairs to fall out and preventing new growth. Multiple sessions are required for optimal outcomes.

Unlike laser therapy, electrolysis is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a method for permanent hair removal.

Benefits

Electrolysis can produce more permanent outcomes and is suitable for all skin and hair types. It can be used nearly anywhere on the body, including delicate areas like the eyebrows.

Side effects and risks

Mild side effects are common but usually short-lived, often resolving within a day. The most typical reaction is slight redness from skin irritation; pain and swelling are less frequent.

More serious complications—such as infection from unsterile probes or scarring—are possible, so receiving care from a board-certified dermatologist lowers those risks.

Aftercare and follow-up

Electrolysis is considered permanent because it destroys hair follicles, preventing regrowth once the treated follicles are eliminated.

Achieving complete results requires multiple sessions, particularly for larger areas like the back or regions with dense hair such as the pubic area.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that many people need treatments every one to two weeks to reach the best results. Once the hair is eradicated from the treated follicles, no ongoing maintenance is necessary.

Costs

Electrolysis is also typically not covered by insurance. Cost varies with the size of the treated area and how many sessions are needed; some providers charge by the hour. Although each electrolysis visit may become less expensive over time, you could require more sessions than with laser therapy.

Home-use epilators exist, but they are generally less effective than professional equipment and are not regulated by the FDA for safety in the same way.

Which is best?

Both laser therapy and electrolysis offer longer-lasting results when compared with shaving, but electrolysis is generally considered superior for permanence. It tends to have fewer long-term side effects and does not require the maintenance treatments that laser hair removal does.

The trade-off is that electrolysis often involves more sessions and cannot treat large areas as quickly as laser therapy. Your decision may come down to whether you prioritize speed of short-term results or permanent reduction over time.

It’s also not ideal to undergo one method immediately after the other. For instance, having electrolysis after laser treatment can interfere with the effects of the first procedure. Research your options and consult your dermatologist about the most appropriate approach. If you switch between methods, you may need to wait several months before starting the new treatment.

For specific areas like underarms, consider options such as armpit laser hair removal as part of your discussion with a clinician.