Permanent Hair Removal

Consumers typically think of laser hair reduction as a permanent method to remove hair. While laser treatments can significantly reduce hair growth, only electrolysis keeps hair from growing back permanently. The differences in these services are further defined by cost and the amount of time it takes to see satisfactory results.

How "Permanent" Is Permanent?

When it comes to getting rid of hair, consumers might not notice the nuance between services that offer permanent hair reduction and permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal treatments, for example, are allowed to make the claim of "permanent hair reduction," which the FDA defines as "long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime, which may include several sessions." So permanent hair reduction doesn't mean that hair won't grow back.

Permanent hair removal, on the other hand, means that the hair follicle has been destroyed and hair cannot grow back again. Electrolysis is the only known method of permanently removing hair. However, unaware of these slight differences, consumers might not notice the slight variation in terminology used when they choose a "permanent" way to eliminate unwanted hair growth.

Laser Hair Reduction

Laser hair reduction (also called laser hair removal) can result in a permanent reduction in hair growth that varies anywhere between 20 and 90 percent, depending on whether someone is a good candidate for the procedure. According to the Mayo Clinic, usually six to eight laser treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart are required to see optimal results. Laser hair reduction is usually performed by a dermatologist or licensed practitioner. A laser beam targets the area of hair growth to heat and destroy the hair follicles without causing damage to the skin. Laser hair reduction can reduce hair on most parts of the body, with the exception of the eye area. A small area of hair growth, such as that on the upper lip, may take only minutes to treat, while a larger part of the body can take hours.

Electrolysis

Permanent hair removal can be achieved by electrolysis, which is most often performed by a skilled technician to receive satisfactory results. Unlike laser hair reduction, which addresses many hair follicles at a time, electrolysis removes hair follicle by follicle. The electrologist slips a very thin probe through the skin and into the hair root, after which a brief electric surge is used to kill it. A small area of skin such as the upper lip may take only an hour to treat, but a large area of the body, such as the back, may take more than 150 hours.

Who's a Good Candidate?

While laser hair reduction may seem more efficient, there is one caveat: it works best on those who are "good candidates." According to the Mayo Clinic, people with fair skin and dark hair get the best results, while those with darker skin and dark hair also get good results. People with white, blond or light brown hair won't see results from laser hair reduction. Electrolysis, on the other hand, is effective regardless of skin tone and hair color. Some hair regrowth will occur and require additional treatment regardless of which method is used. However, with laser hair reduction, ongoing treatments are necessary, usually yearly. With electrolysis, once hair regrowth has been effectively addressed, there's no need for ongoing treatments.

Cost: Laser Hair Reduction vs. Electrolysis

When it comes to deciding on a method of hair reduction or removal, it might ultimately boil down to cost efficiency. As of the last week of August 2009, the cost of one laser treatment was $355. Electrolysis is charged by the hour and ranges between $45 and $125. A small area of hair growth, such as the upper lip or brow area, might be less costly to treat in the long run using electrolysis. However, treatment for large areas of the body, such as the legs or back, may ultimately cost less using laser hair reduction. (For a cost comparison chart between these two services, see the Resource link below.)

Tags: hair reduction, hair growth, hair removal, laser hair, area hair, area hair growth