Can someone clarify if Electrolysis is the only proven method of permanent hair removal ?

I read this on a salons price list and it left me a bit confused as the way it is worded implies to me that anything else eg. laser is not permanent.

hmmmm,i thought Laser was more efficient in hair removal.

Also,i hear now,permanent "reduction" rather than removal,so this tells the client,that it could not always be successful would it not??

Im glad i dont offer it...LOL

Having saaid that laser was more successful for me for facial hair.

This is what im thinking to.

My friend has been literally been lasered from top to toe and its been really successful nothing grows back yet she had electrolysis before and wasn't very impressed with the results.

I would love to offer electrolysis as its one of my fave treatments but I have never had anyone show any interest in it.

Electrolysis is the only proven method of permanent hair removal. Laser is classed as permanent hair reduction. As far as I am aware, this is because the results of laser are not consistent, i.e. it works for some but not others, so legally, it cannot claim permanent hair removal.

Laser can be good for large areas but the conditions have to be right, i.e. it works best on dark hair / fair skin.

Electrolysis works on any colour hair, any colour skin, but it is more suited to small areas, i.e. lip, chin, underarm, bikini line. It is possible to treat larger areas, i.e. legs, but obviously it requires a big commitment from the client in terms of both money and time.

I have a few clients who have tried electrolysis and it has not been successful for them. I always thought that laser was more effective?

Electrolysis works, it is proven to work, and it is the only method of hair removal that is legally allowed to call itself permanent removal. However, it needs to be carried out correctly which unfortunately is not always the case. It also requires a proper treatment plan, and the client must understand that commitment is required, i.e. regular appointments are necessary on an ongoing basis over a period of time.

While we all know that electrolysis is permanent, there have never been any studies to prove it. The FDA grandfathered us in as permanent, since we go back farther than the FDA. The laser is absolutely permanent as long as (as has been previously stated) the patient's skin type is properly matched to the correct wavelength laser.

The laser companies all had to jump through some very expensive hoops to prove that laser hair removal can permanently treat hair. I haven't shaved anything on my body in over 5 years!

I provide both services in my clinic. They both work and offer permanency. When my patients have non-pigmented hair that the laser won't work on, then I offer them electrolysis. They are equally effective, as long as the person who provides the service is properly trained, and can efficiently master the techniques required to ensure proper treatment!

Hi, just to let you know that I didn't like electrolysis. The time and money that it takes plus the fact that you can end up bruised and spotty.
I have since found light touch, a non evasive form of hair removal, however it only works on those with dark hair.
It is the best method I have found and although it seems expensive at first - approx £35 for chin area- the results are very quick.

So what do you suggest for us blondies Flawless?

Also fyi electrolysis only causes bruising when it is carried out incorrectly

I now know that the bruising was because it wasn't performed properly, but at the time I didn't. I kept going back. Wish I had know then so I could have found a more competent therapist.
I'm not saying that electrolysis doesn't work just that for once being a boring brunette works in our favour

What Zo Zo has said is perfectly correct (for this country, I don't know about the US).

Electrolysis is very successful provided it is done correctly. I had one lady who came to me after a year of electrolysis treatment. She had seen very little effect from the electrolysis until I started treating her, then in a couple of sessions from me the hair was virtually gone. Not that I'm blowing my own trumpet here, but just to prove that it does work.

Rouge, how weird i had a client exactly the same. I asked her how she usually removed her hair and she said electrolysis. i asked how long she had been having treatment and how often, she said every 2 weeks for years!!

I told her it sounds like the therapist was just plucking the hairs out, they were growing back really thick too. I advised she should only need between 5-7 treatments as she only had a small amount, she was shocked, but thanked me and has already booked for her next treatment.

Not blowing my own trumpet too or anything but............. no hold on, i am!!

IPL hair removal works on blonde as well as dark hair, as well as aisian and black skins, It doesn't work on WHITE hair as this hair won't absorb the light.
HTH
xxxx

Thanks for your answers that has cleared things up for me now !

I was wondering if the reason had anything to do with the fact that Electrolysis has been around for longer than Laser ? So there is a longer period of time to compare results ?

I think it's more because of the inconsistency of the results (re laser)