Yahoo Lifestyle This Is The Only Hair Removal Method That's Permanent, Says The FDA. Experts Explain.
When it comes to removing body hair, there’s a wide range of tools at your disposal, both for in-person treatments and at-home use. From shaving and the best at-home epilators to waxing kits, eyebrow threading, depilatory creams, laser hair removal, and electrolysis, choosing the right method can feel overwhelming.
Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the time and money you’re willing to invest and how permanent you want the results to be. “Laser hair removal and electrolysis are a more permanent form of hair removal compared to waxing, shaving, and threading,” says double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is the only hair removal method officially approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as a permanent solution, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, laser hair removal is still a highly effective option.
Meet the experts: Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in La Jolla, California. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in New York City.
Below, we asked three board-certified dermatologists to break down everything you need to know about laser hair removal and electrolysis—including what skin types they’re best for, how long treatments take, how painful they are, and potential side effects you should be prepared for.
Laser Hair Removal
As the name suggests, laser hair removal uses a specific wavelength of light to target and damage hair follicles, reducing future growth. “The laser emits a beam of light absorbed by the melanin in the hair," explains Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a New York-based dermatologist. "This energy is converted into heat, damaging the hair follicle while minimizing harm to surrounding skin.” While not always permanent, laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth.
“This process is called selective photothermolysis, which ensures minimal damage to the surrounding skin while effectively reducing hair growth,” adds Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California.
What to consider
When considering laser hair removal, both your skin tone and hair color are critical factors. “Laser hair removal is less effective on lighter, gray, or white hairs because the target—melanin—is scarce or absent in these hair types,” says Dr. Camp. Per Dr. Murphy-Rose, newer lasers have improved in treating darker skin tones, but some remain unsafe. Lasers with longer wavelengths are generally safer for darker skin.
Laser hair removal also requires multiple sessions, but the number of treatments needed varies based on factors like hair density, color, skin tone, and type of laser used. “After two to three treatments, you should notice a significant reduction in hair density," Dr. Murphy-Rose says. "But it often takes four to eight sessions to achieve the appearance of no hair.” Dr. Shirazi adds that maintenance sessions every six to 12 months may be required, depending on regrowth and hormonal factors.
Benefits of laser hair removal
Long-lasting results: “Laser hair removal is more efficient and longer-lasting than other methods like shaving or waxing,” says Dr. Shirazi. She explains that it significantly delays hair regrowth, and in many cases, the hair becomes finer and lighter.
It's suitable for large areas: Certain hair removal methods are only meant to target specific areas; depilatory creams, for example, aren't advised for use around the eyes or nose, while threading is only really useful on the face, and not larger areas. The great thing about laser hair removal is that you can get it done mostly anywhere, including the legs, arms, underarms, swimsuit line, and even the face.
It's fast and efficient: Dr. Murphy-Rose explains that laser technology is particularly efficient for treating large areas compared to other permanent hair removal methods. “With laser hair removal, the duration of a single treatment, especially for larger surface areas, is significantly reduced. In contrast, electrolysis treats one hair at a time, while laser hair removal can treat much faster,” she says.
Side effects of laser hair removal
There are risks associated with any type of laser treatment, including laser hair removal. Dr. Camp notes that these risks can include:
Pain
Redness
Swelling
Bruising
Blisters
Discoloration
“Mild irritation, redness, and swelling are normal reactions to a laser hair removal treatment,” Dr. Camp says, but he adds that you can minimize the risk of the above side effects by choosing a board-certified dermatologist to do your treatments, since they have specialized training and expertise with lasers. Patients will rarely experience burns, scarring, or changes in skin pigmentation—this typically only happens if the procedure is performed incorrectly or on unsuitable skin types, according to Dr. Shirazi.
In terms of pain, laser hair removal is generally well-tolerated. There can be some mild discomfort during treatment, often described as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Some patients (like me!) opt to have numbing cream applied beforehand, which can make the process more comfortable.
Dr. Shirazi also mentions that laser hair removal can cause temporary acne-like reactions in some people. An uncommon risk is paradoxical hair stimulation (paradoxical hypertrichosis), where instead of reducing hair growth, laser treatment stimulates new or thicker hair growth in the treated area or nearby. This is often seen when low energy settings are used and is more common in patients with darker skin, particularly on the face.
Aftercare
For the first few days after treatment, avoid very hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms. Laser treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so Dr. Camp recommends avoiding sun exposure for at least one to two weeks post-treatment and always protecting treated areas with sunscreen. He also advises using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer on treated areas while steering clear of active ingredients, such as retinoids, for at least one week. Additionally, wait until the skin is fully healed before reintroducing exfoliating ingredients, like alpha-hydroxy acids, or physical exfoliating scrubs into your routine.
To achieve optimal results, schedule treatments four to six weeks apart. Maintenance treatments may be needed once or twice a year. If you're using an at-home laser hair removal device, you'll likely need significantly more sessions before seeing results, since professional lasers are generally more powerful. (You can read all about how to use a laser hair removal device at home here.)
Costs of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a big financial commitment that also requires a lot of time, as multiple treatment sessions are needed. Since it’s a cosmetic procedure, the cost is paid out of pocket by the patient, and Pprices typically range from $45 to $400 per session, depending on factors such as the treatment area, provider, location, and other variables.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique that uses electrical current to destroy hair follicles one at a time. Dr. Murphy-Rose explains, “A fine, needle-like probe is inserted into the hair follicle, and electrical energy is delivered to heat and permanently damage the follicle, preventing regrowth.”
What to consider
Dr. Camp notes that electrolysis typically requires about 10 treatments to achieve optimal results, compared to around six treatments for laser hair removal. Because multiple sessions are necessary, results may not be visible until after several treatments. The number of sessions needed can range from eight to 16, depending on the treatment area, hair density, and desired outcome.
Results can vary based on the device used and the practitioner’s expertise, which is why it's essential to choose a reputable provider.
Electrolysis also requires a bit more before-and-after care compared to other hair removal methods. Before your appointment, consult with your provider to determine if you should shave the treatment area, and if so, how many days in advance. Some providers may also recommend pausing the use of retinol five to seven days before your session. On the day of your appointment, clean the skin and avoid applying lotions or creams.
Benefits of electrolysis
It works on all hair colors and skin tones: Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis doesn't rely on melanin or pigment, making it an effective option for even the lightest hair colors. “If you have light or white hair, electrolysis or thermolysis is the best option,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. It’s also safe for all skin tones, so you don’t need to worry about whether your practitioner has the right tool for you.
It's more permanent: Electrolysis is particularly effective for targeting specific areas, like stubborn chin hairs. “Electrolysis and thermolysis can permanently affect the follicle more effectively than laser hair removal,” says Dr. Camp. However, for larger treatment areas, electrolysis takes significantly longer compared to laser hair removal, which quickly zaps larger sections of the body. Keep this in mind when informing your boss about your “doctor’s appointment.”
Side effects of electrolysis
Electrolysis is a safe procedure, and according to Dr. Shirazi, the most common side effects are redness, swelling, and slight scabbing. It can also be uncomfortable, often described as a sensation of heat or a mild pinprick—ouch! That said, topical numbing creams are highly recommended during treatment to help alleviate discomfort.
Aftercare
After your treatment, soothe the area with aloe vera or a gentle moisturizer. Dr. Camp says to avoid sun exposure, harsh chemicals, or exfoliating ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids and retinols for one to two weeks. Additionally, always use sunscreen on treated areas, as they may become more photosensitive. For the first few days post-treatment, avoid very hot showers, saunas, and steam rooms.
Follow-up sessions are typically scheduled about four weeks apart, or as recommended by your electrolysis specialist.
Costs
The average cost of electrolysis sessions ranges from $40 to $200, depending on factors such as your location, provider, treatment duration, and the area being treated.
The Bottom Line
When deciding between laser hair removal and electrolysis, it’s helpful to consider factors such as the size of the treatment area, your hair and skin type, and your long-term goals. Dr. Murphy-Rose explains, “Laser hair removal is generally faster, less painful, and more cost-effective for larger areas, while electrolysis is ideal for individuals seeking a permanent solution, especially for small areas or light-colored hair.”
Dr. Shirazi adds, “I prefer laser hair removal over electrolysis. Laser hair removal is better for large areas and delivers faster results, while electrolysis is ideal for those seeking permanent removal of specific hair.” If it's not clear by now, both methods have their benefits and limitations, so consulting with a professional can help you determine which option is best for your needs.
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