The Best Way to Combine Laser and Electrolysis Hair Removal

We often hear about laser hair removal treatments in combination with electrolysis hair removal. The problem is that most people don’t know the proper way to do it. These 2 hair removal methods are very different and offer different results. They feel different on your skin and cost different amounts too. 

From what you probably know, laser is a temporary hair removal method while electrolysis is a permanent hair removal treatment. If you know how to combine them together you can get some of the best results in terms of getting rid of your unwanted hair. 

The Difference Between Laser and Electrolysis 

Laser Hair Removal – Pulses of laser light are directed at the follicle, aiming to permanently damage it. However, the follicle is not permanently eliminated as it is with electrolysis. The follicle simply pauses hair production for a limited period, typically around 2 years. Laser can provide faster short-term results and shorter appointments, but over the long term, electrolysis proves more effective. 

Electrolysis – A fine metal probe that resembles a small needle is inserted into the skin until it reaches the follicle. Electrical current is delivered to the follicle to permanently destroy it. It’s far more precise than laser treatment. It doesn’t destroy the actual root of the hair. The current makes the follicle unable to produce any new hairs. And that’s why electrolysis remains the only truly permanent method. 

When comparing electrolysis vs. laser permanent hair removal methods, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. We’ve created a side-by-side breakdown of electrolysis vs. laser to help you make the right choice for your needs – whether you’re managing a few stray hairs or seeking hair removal for your bikini line, chest, back, legs, and more! With over 15 years of experience helping men and women across Los Angeles, she’s a specialist when it comes to removing unwanted hair – for good! 

How does electrolysis differ from laser hair removal? Read on and make a confident decision for your face and body! 

Hair removal/reduction amount 

• Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method, as corroborated by the FDA. 

It is currently the only method of hair removal that will last for your entire life. 

• Laser hair removal is a long-term method of hair reduction that lasts for about 2 years. You can expect about 45-90% of hair growth reduction. 

Laser can in some cases actually stimulate hair growth, and make the hair coarser and darker, especially on the hormonal areas (face, nipples, stomach). 

Who can have hair removal? 

• Everyone can get electrolysis hair removal. It is safe and effective for women and men, all skin tones, and all hair color. It works on all hair types, including straight hair, curly hair, and kinky hair. 

• Laser hair removal only works on people with light skin and dark hair. The darker the hair, the better. The main people that see results with laser are non-hormonal people, working on non-hormonal areas, with the perfect blend of “light skin, dark hair.” Arms get really bad results from laser. 

Amount of pain 

• Electrolysis is mostly pain-free. Discomfort is felt, like a warming sensation, but not pain. 

• Laser is known to cause pain. That’s why there’s even a special numbing crème used. It can be really bad for some people, but others describe it as a pinch or rubber band snap. Laser burns the skin, not the root of the hair like electrolysis. 

Which Should You Do First? 

In most cases, you should start with laser hair removal. 

Here’s why: 

• Laser is faster and treats large areas efficiently. 

• It removes 80–90% of dark hair after a full series of treatments (usually 6–8 sessions). 

• After laser, only a small amount of light, fine, or colorless hair remains. 

Once you’ve completed your laser sessions and most of the coarse hair is gone, electrolysis is used as a “finishing touch.” 

It permanently removes any remaining fine or light hairs that the laser can’t detect. 

In short: 

• Start with laser for speed and coverage. 
• Finish with electrolysis for precision and complete removal. 

How Much Hair Each Method Removes 

Final Ideas 

Many people feel safer with getting laser hair removal over electrolysis for multiple reasons like the pain level, price, and duration, but sometimes combining these two methods can improve the results drastically. Most of the people don’t know that recently many electrolysis clinics started to offer some really advanced pain management options to their patients so that they can get treatments of 7+ hours straight without any pain at all. These options include Rx Topical Numbing Cream, ProNox Gas, Lidocaine Injections, Oral Sedation, and more. Electrolysis clinics report that 99% of their patients got laser hair removal before their first electrolysis treatment, but once they start with electrolysis, there’s no need for another laser treatment because electrolysis removes hairs permanently.