Probably been done to death but.. IPL vs Laser vs Electrolysis?

[ChuffMuffin]

I have a couple of patches of thick coarse black hair either side and underneath of my chin, and in the corners of my top lip. I've had them for about ten years and I normally pluck them or thread them out. I'm getting big spots though from where I pluck them and they never go away. So now i'm hairy AND I have skin like Braille!

I'm really really fair skinned and naturally blonde so even hair just breaking through the skin is obvious. I do have more coarse facial hair but thankfully it's all blonde and not that noticeable! I've read up and I know that makes me an ideal candidate for IPL, laser and electrolysis but I have no idea which to go for. Obviously something with more "permanent" results but I know none of them are 100% effective. Also I've seen the at home IPL kits.. are they very effective?

Anyone have any advice of experience? Thanks

Hiya,

I'm the same in some respects - patches of dark coarse hair on and under my chin, some fine dark hairs on the corner of my lips and yes, fair-skinned as well.

So, my first piece of advice is to STOP plucking. That will just make the hair come back thicker and coarser. If you need to get rid of it temporarily then shaving is your best bet or possibly Veet (although I'm not sure if that's suitable for facial use). Avoid anything like plucking or waxing that pulls it out from the root.

In terms of treatment, I've had electrolysis in the past and numerous sessions of laser treatment with varying degrees of success. I would say, however, that the current standard of laser treatment is pretty good. I currently pay 60 per session for laser treatment for both patches on and under the chin, and the corners of my top lip and once the hairs that have been treated come out, I generally don't need to shave or do any hair removal for about 2 months and then once the hair starts coming back I go for another session. I had two treatments before I got pregnant and I've only just got round to going back for more so I know it'll be another treatment or two before I really start to see the difference.

For me, I don't think I'll ever find anything that's completely permanent but if I could get to the point of only needing two treatments per year or something then I would be quite happy as I'm always very self-conscious about whether the hair is visible or not and peoples reactions to it, and if I shave regularly it makes my skin very dry and red which looks almost worse.

I don't know where you live but for reference I'm in Manchester and I get treated by Skin in the city centre (I think they have branches elsewhere in the north).

Hope you find something that works for you.

I'm always curious as to why some people say plucking makes hair grow back thicker, and others say waxing makes it grow back finer. Surely they can't both be true?

Good point Amethyst24! I decided to Google and opinions on the Internet seem divided - surprise surprise! Anyway, the Huffington Post has this to say:

www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/27/does-tweezing-make-hair-grow-back-thicker_n_1705267.html

From my own experience, however, I have never plucked, waxed or shaved my upper lip hairs and they are a lot finer than my chin hairs which have been subjected to all manner of treatment over the years.

However, without wishing to be TMI there are are other areas where I've been waxed regularly and the hair doesn't grow back, so go figure!

Lazer. If you are fair skinned the Laser will deal with them very quickly and effectively. IPL takes longer and seems less effective.

Im another hairy mary, based in Manchester. After years of utter misery I went for electrolysis last April. Still having it done now, 30mins every fortnight, and though its pricey I will honestly say it has changed my life.

The only truly permanent solution is electrolysis, IPL and laser can only promise reduction whereas electrolysis kills the follicle.

I cannot put into words how thrilled I was when I went for my first full session and got full clearance. I went from constantly being shrouded in scarves - wooly in winter, chiffon in summer - to getting all fancy piercings in my ears. There was no point before electrolysis as I kept everything hidden.

I think whatever method you choose you should stop plucking. Plucking fucks up the hair shaft and causes it to twist and increase the risk of ingrown hairs. Plus if you choose electrolysis its much harder to penetrate the hair follicle if its all bent out of shape. As horrible as it is shaving is a better option but I prefer a v sharp pair of scissors to trim as close as possible.

Yes fair skin and dark hair is the best combination for laser or IPL to be effective.
IME
electrolsis=useless
salon IPL=effective but v pricey
home IPL=effective and much cheaper, I have the boots Ipulse, really good wish I'd got it ages ago

I tried the Phillips Lumea thing, complete waste of £400. Wouldnt recommend.