Laser hair removal and electrolysis both provide long-term solutions to unwanted facial or body hair growth; however, both may pose certain potential concerns that should be taken into consideration prior to undertaking either treatment option.
Sheila Farhang and Dhaval Bhanusali of MD indicate that both electrolysis and laser treatments performed by inexperienced technicians may cause scarring, which will reduce results significantly. Selecting the ideal treatment plan suited to your skin tone can make a big difference in terms of results achieved.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is an increasingly popular long-term hair reduction method. This procedure uses laser light to target individual follicles under the skin and destroy them permanently; making this the only FDA-approved permanent method to get rid of unwanted hair.
However, it may not work for everyone – this process only seems to benefit people with light skin and dark hair, while darker complexions or lighter hair won’t see long-term benefits from treatment.
Most people experience minimal discomfort during laser hair removal treatments. Since laser treatments may lead to irritation, numbing cream should be applied prior to beginning; this reduces any sensations of burning when targeting hair follicles. If you have sensitive skin however, pain could arise during treatments; however this usually subsides after the numbing cream has worn off.
Laser hair removal can be beneficial for people with dark skin, but it is vital that they find a dermatologist specialized in this treatment. An inexperienced technician or lack of skill could result in burns on the skin or improper techniques that damage or destroy tissue in surrounding areas. Unsterile probes inserted into skin may also lead to infections or cause scabbing.
Electrolysis hair removal may take more time and money than laser, but it is one of the few techniques that can treat all hair colors and skin types effectively. Multiple treatment sessions may be needed until all unwanted hair has been eliminated – so we advise scheduling sessions every week or two until desired amount has been removed; after which touch-up sessions should take place once every year or two.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a permanent hair reduction solution that is safe and suitable for people of all skin tones, making it a viable choice when treating dark skin tones. When looking for an electrologist qualified in treating dark skin tones it is key that they use methods specific to treating them effectively.
Electrolysis uses a small probe inserted into each hair follicle, and an electric current then passes through it to destroy it. This method allows for more accurate removal of curly, wavy or course hair and is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal option. While more costly than laser treatments initially, electrolysis’ lasting results require fewer maintenance visits over time and require significantly fewer follow up visits after initial removal sessions are over.
According to Healthline, laser hair removal works best on those with light skin and dark hair since its effectiveness depends on contrast between these factors. People with darker skin may still benefit from this procedure but may require multiple sessions and may not be as successful in eliminating unwanted hair.
Burns or pigmentation changes may be possible from laser hair removal on dark skin, although such side effects are unlikely. They could occur if performed by an untrained laser technician or on people with sensitive skin types.
Those with sensitive skin should ensure they select a qualified dermatologist or aesthetician, who understand how to perform treatments safely. Tanning or excessive sun exposure before having treatments could increase risks for adverse side effects.
Before your appointment, it’s essential not to wax or tweeze the area as this can cause hair follicles to become misshaped and less responsive to laser treatment. Furthermore, inform your electrologist of any past history of keloid scarring which is a raised scar that can be painful and difficult to treat.
Cost
Like laser hair removal, electrolysis is also a permanent hair reduction procedure; however, unlike its more costly counterpart, it typically requires multiple sessions before seeing full results. Furthermore, electrolysis tends to be more painful; most electrologists will apply numbing cream beforehand, but many still experience a slight sting with each needle that enters a hair follicle.
Your exact treatment requirements depend on who you ask; typically four to eight sessions should do it for most people. As this treatment option is not covered by insurance plans, costs associated with its implementation could become significant; to get an estimate before making your decision it is wise to speak with a dermatologist first.
Laser hair removal requires using a handheld device with thin needles to access each hair follicle and release light into your skin, heating up melanin in each follicle and disabling its ability to produce new hair growth. After your initial session, touch-up treatments are usually needed about once annually for maintenance purposes.
Electrolysis sessions tend to be more expensive per session than laser hair removal treatments, yet can treat virtually any area of the body. When seeking electrolysis treatment it’s essential that an experienced electrologist be found as home epilators are unregulated by FDA and may lead to complications.
As with laser hair removal, electrolysis may leave your skin red and swollen after treatment; however, these effects typically last only a few days. You might experience temporary dark spots where hair was extracted; these should fade with time. It is also essential that if you’re predisposed to keloid scarring that you inform your dermatologist so that a customized plan can be designed accordingly; they may suggest using numbing cream or decreasing treatment frequency to ease pain during this process.
Pain
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal option suitable for dark skin to eliminate hair permanently, employing a small probe inserted into each hair follicle to deliver a small current that destroys it. Results typically take four years or longer than with laser hair removal treatments due to longer sessions and treatments being spread out over an extended period. Electrolysis sessions also cost more because more treatments must be undertaken.
As part of the procedure, you may feel a slight sting each time a probe prods a hair follicle. Depending on the area being treated, you may require numbing cream prior to beginning treatment. Afterward, your skin may appear slightly red or irritated for up to a few hours afterward but this usually subsides within hours or taking painkillers prior to and applying ice immediately post-treatment may help minimize discomfort.
Though both options for hair removal are generally safe, for best results and to prevent complications relating to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (dark spots or light spots), it is advisable to find a board-certified dermatologist with experience performing it, particularly on darker skin tones. In particular, technicians must apply less laser energy on darker complexions in order to minimize risks of complications like these occurring.
Lasers are effective at removing hair because they use different wavelengths of light to target chromophores – pigments responsible for color – beneath your skin’s surface. Unfortunately, however, this method may be less successful on finer or lighter hair tones because its light has difficulty picking up differences between their tones and skin tones.
Results
Laser hair removal offers long-term solutions compared to shaving or other methods of hair removal, yet results vary depending on individual patients. Your skin tone also plays a factor when responding to laser treatment – it is therefore crucial that you work with a dermatologist with experience treating all skin types – particularly darker skin tones.
As lasers target their targets by searching for contrast, they’re most effective when used on people with lighter skin tones and dark hair. But thanks to modern laser technology and increased focus on inclusivity, laser hair removal has become more accessible than ever for those with darker skin tones – though results will depend on factors like device quality and frequency of treatment sessions.
When selecting a specialist for laser hair removal, be sure to select one equipped with multiple laser devices. Different lasers emit different frequencies of light which may have an effect on certain skin tones’ pigmentation; additionally, sun exposure should be limited before and after treatments since laser light can cause temporary changes to pigmentation levels.
Electrolysis and laser hair removal both work by targeting individual hair follicles to remove unwanted hair. Electrolysis requires more time due to having to target each individual follicle one at a time – something which may prove especially challenging if your darker skin reacts more sensitively than expected during treatment.
Notify your electrologist immediately if you have an increased susceptibility to keloids, a type of scarring which often leaves large, raised scars that won’t fade with time. They may need to adapt their treatment accordingly in order to ensure you achieve successful results.
