HAIR REMOVAL GUIDE
Electrolysis, laser, IPL, sugaring, waxing, shaving and other methods work in different ways. Here is a simple comparison of what they do, how long results last and which hair types they usually suit.
Important: Ensjø Elektrolyse offers electrolysis. The Sugar Touch offers sugaring. The other methods on this page are described for information and comparison only.
PERMANENT GOALA very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a controlled electrical current targets the growth cells. Each hair is treated individually.
Suitable for: all hair colours, including blonde, grey and red hair, and all skin types. Several treatments are normally needed because hair grows in different phases.
LIGHT-BASEDLaser uses concentrated light that is absorbed by pigment in the hair and converted to heat in the follicle. It is often most effective when the hair contains clear pigment.
Limitations: very light, grey and red hair may respond less well because it contains little of the pigment targeted by laser. Results are usually described as long-term hair reduction, and maintenance may be needed.
LIGHT-BASEDIPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Unlike laser, IPL uses a broader spectrum of light. Its effect also depends on pigment in the hair.
Best suited: results vary with hair colour, skin type and device. IPL is not the same as laser.
TEMPORARYSugaring uses a sugar paste that grips the hairs and pulls them out from the root. The result lasts until new hair grows back.
At our location: Sugaring is offered by The Sugar Touch for women and men.
TEMPORARYHot or cold wax grips the hair and removes several hairs from the root at once. Skin stays smooth for a period, but the follicle is not permanently affected.
SHORT-TERMShaving cuts hair at the skin surface. It is quick and inexpensive, but hair soon becomes visible again. Shaving does not make hair thicker; the cut end may simply feel coarser.
TEMPORARYAn electric epilator uses small mechanical tweezers to pull many hairs out from the root. Results usually last longer than shaving, but the hair grows back.
TEMPORARYTweezers remove hairs one by one. Threading uses a twisted thread to catch and pull out several hairs. These methods are often used on the face and smaller areas.
SHORT-TERMDepilatory cream contains chemicals that break down the hair shaft at or near the skin surface. The result is temporary. Always follow the instructions and test on a small area first.
COMPARISON
| Method | How hair is removed | Duration | Blonde/grey/red hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolysis | Each follicle is treated individually | Goal of permanent removal of treated follicles over a course of treatment | Yes |
| Laser | Light/heat aimed at pigment | Long-term hair reduction; maintenance may be needed | Often limited effect |
| IPL | Broad-spectrum light | Long-term reduction varies; repeated treatments | Often limited effect |
| Sugaring | Hair is pulled out from the root | Temporary | Yes |
| Waxing | Hair is pulled out from the root | Temporary | Yes |
| Shaving | Hair is cut at the skin surface | Short-term | Yes |
| Epilator | Hair is pulled out from the root | Temporary | Yes |
| Tweezing/threading | Hair is pulled out from the root | Temporary | Yes |
| Depilatory cream | Hair shaft is dissolved at the skin surface | Short-term | Yes |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Electrolysis treats each follicle individually and does not depend on hair colour. Laser is light-based and targets pigment in the hair. Electrolysis can therefore be an option for hair that is too light for laser to work well.
Yes. Electrolysis does not depend on hair pigment and can be used on blonde, grey and red hair.
No. Laser uses a more concentrated wavelength, while IPL uses a broader spectrum of light. Both are light-based and their effect depends on several factors.
Sugaring pulls hair out from the root and gives a temporary result. Electrolysis treats the follicle itself with the goal of permanent hair removal over a course of treatment.
Would you like to know whether electrolysis is suitable for the area or hair type you want to treat? Ensjø Elektrolyse is located at Gladengveien 4E in Ensjø.
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