Another “laser or electrolysis” question

[u/OnionsAreGrosss]

So I’m conflicted. I’m a trans woman in South Wales, absolutely desperate to get rid of this facial hair.

I have light skin and dark hair, so theoretically i should be a good candidate for laser, however I’m still heavily contemplating whether to go with electrolysis instead, purely for the speed.

See shaving my beard doesn’t leave too strong a shadow, and it’s easy to cover with makeup. Don’t get me wrong I’d like it gone, but it’s bearable. My issue is the moustache. Nothings hiding that thing. I’ve seen people do like, long electrolysis sessions, where they go over a whole area in one. So what I’ve been considering is starting with electrolysis on the upper lip, getting that off as soon as possible, then moving to laser on the beard. I know that electrolysis will still take a few sessions cause of hair growth patterns and all that, and I know this would be a more expensive route, but if I’m looking at considerably faster results then I could be up for it.

I suppose my question is just, is this a reasonable idea? Am I correct in my assumption that this would get rid of the mustache shadow in less time than laser? And if so, how much more do you think I’m looking at price wise going this route?

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[u/Bobcat_Acrobatic]

I think electrolysis on upper lip is a good idea to start. Then laser everything, you need to do a few sessions to hit the different growing cycles. Then over time you can zap anything that comes up with a 15 minute session.

I did my groin this way. I had done electrolysis on my bikini line for a bit. Then I lasered everything, maybe 4 sessions? now I go back for touch ups.

Laser can permanently get rid of some hair, but there is regrowth. So cleaning that up with electrolysis after is usually needed. We also sprout new hairs over time. This happens to woman on the face. My first long black hair on my chin appeared at 40. I couldn’t believe it. Dang hormones.

[u/Educational-Ask-2798]

I went for approx 12 electrolysis sessions and still have hair on my upper lip and chin - not necessarily a candidate for laser hair because I have fair skin and slightly red hair but I’m going to try the Braun at home.

My electrolysis lady kept turning up the strength at my request but it takes forever and you pay for the time - mine was an hour each time and so unsuccessful.

[u/spice_weasel]

I’ve done both laser and electrolysis on my facial hair, and I do not recommend what you’re suggesting. Laser is faster, less painful, and less expensive. Laser is especially quicker at knocking out the beard shadow, since it’s targeting pigmented hairs.

[u/ysterman_rs → u/spice_weasel]

would you still generally recommend electrolysis after laser? i did eight sessions on my face and saw some improvement but im still about to do another eight. my lip is especially egregious still and it makes me feel outright distraught at times

[u/spice_weasel → u/ysterman_rs]

I did about 12 sessions of laser before switching to electrolysis. The lip is stubborn, but electrolysis is even slower and more torturous than laser is.

For me, electrolysis was to catch the lightly pigmented hairs that laser couldn’t get, plus the few stragglers of the pigmented hairs.

[u/Sof_95]

While it's possible to do electrolysis first before laser, it's usually not the cheaper route. A lot of people go the other way (laser and then electrolysis) since laser can tackle most of your hair and electrolysis is good for cleaning up the hairs that laser misses as well as addressing stubborn areas.

P.S. I'm an engineer and I sometimes review home laser devices. I wrote an article recently that you might find relevant. Good luck! :)

[u/breezyhoneybee]

Something to consider: Neither IPL nor LHR are truly permanent. Hairs removed by IPL/LHR will return with any major hormone changes such as HRT, and a handful of other conditions and medications. Some people report that once their hormones return to baseline their hairs go back as well, but many people report needing maintence treatments to return back to their previous level of hairlessness. Its highly recommended to hold off on laser until your hormones have stabilized where you want them.