Choosing the best technique among permanent hair removal methods is not easy. You will find below a summary of major differences between Laser, IPL and Electrolysis to consider prior to selecting which method to adopt.
All of the Laser, Intense Pulsed Light or IPL and Electrolysis permanent hair removal techniques are not suitable for pregnant women, or children, and sun exposure should be avoided during treatment.
Comparison of Major Permanent Hair Removal Techniques and Relative Prices
| Laser Hair Removal | IPL Hair Removal | Electrolysis Hair Removal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body parts | All body parts Faster on large areas (legs, back) |
All body parts | All body parts Especially on small areas (bikini, underarms) |
| Effectiveness on hair | Maximum of 80% hair is removed | Less effective than laser | 100% hair removed |
| Duration of treatment | 12 to 24 months depending on hairiness | 8 to 15 months | 12 to 18 months |
| Skin types | White skin with dark hair Not suitable for darker, black or tanned skinned |
White skin with dark hair Not suitable for darker, black or tanned skinned |
All skin types |
| Risks | Skin depigmentation | Skin depigmentation, burns | Small burns |
| Warnings | Avoid sun, drugs or tanning cream | Avoid sun, drugs or tanning cream | Avoid sun |
| Disadvantages | Almost painless | Almost painless | Painful |
| Costs | Cheaper than electrolysis Check Laser hair removal description page for details on body parts |
The cheapest method Check IPL hair removal description page for details on body parts |
The most expensive method Check Electrolysis hair removal description page for details on body parts |
Recommendations
Permanent Hair Removal Regulation
Be aware that in some countries – including the United States – hair removal is an unregulated procedure that anyone can do. In other places, only doctors and doctor-supervised nurse practitioners can do it while in other cases permission extends to licensed professionals, such as regular nurses, physician assistants, estheticians, and/or cosmetologists.
For example, the Florida Board of Medicine has determined that the use of lasers, laser-like devices and IPL devices is considered the practice of medicine, and requires they be used only by a physician, an osteopathic physician, a physician assistant under the supervision of a physician, or an advanced registered nurse practitioner working under a protocol signed by a physician.
Prior to signing with a doctor or practitioner, make sure she or he is allowed to perform permanent hair removal with the technique you have chosen.
