If you have ever had a laser hair removal gray hair treatment, it is safe to say you ended up with utter disappointment and frustration. Does laser hair removal even work on gray hair?
Unfortunately, laser hair removal gray hair treatments are ineffective. That is because laser hair removal devices target the brown and black pigments in the hair follicles and gray hair has tiny amounts of those.
Why Does Your Hair Turn Gray?
Contrary to popular belief, stress does not cause your hair to go silver. As much as we don’t want to hear it, ageing, genetics and certain health conditions are the reasons why our hair may start to turn gray.
As we get older, so do our hair follicles. They start to produce less and less melanin which turns our hairs gray, silver or white. With less pigment, each hair strand is unable to absorb laser heat which in its turn cannot damage the hair follicle.
So, how to permanently remove gray hair? The answer lies in electrolysis.
Removing White Hair With Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a hair removal method that involves inserting a tiny needle into a hair follicle to break down its cells with electrical or radio energy.
Galvanic electrolysis uses a direct electrical current, while thermolysis uses high energy radio frequency. There is also the blend method that combines both for faster results.
Each method can permanently remove unwanted hair, regardless of its color.
The best part is you don’t need a professional dermatologist to get an electrolysis gray hair removal treatment. You can now use a home electrolysis machine and enjoy the same results.
Our team of medical experts has tried and tested the best electrolysis machines for home use, so read on to explore our top picks.
Product Comparison Table
Best Laser Hair Removal Gray Hair Machines
| Best For | Product | Type of Electrolysis | Best Feature | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Beginners Clean and Easy Deluxe Kit |
|
Galvanic Method | Convenient & Portable | 4/5 | |
|
Best Ease of Use V2R Deluxe |
|
Blend Tone Method | No Training Required | 4/5 | |
| Best Value Machine Aavexx 600 Blend |
|
Blend Tone Method | High Energy Output | 5/5 | |
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IN DEPTH PRODUCT REVIEWS
The Clean & Easy Deluxe Home Electrolysis Kit from the American International Industries is excellent for beginners. It uses the galvanic method and features a stylet tip to prevent the needle from piercing the skin.
It has a comfort control dial with 10 intensity levels, perfect for men and women with sensitive skin. It is best for removing those unwanted hairs from the bikini line and face as it works on one hair strand at a time. Still, you can use it anywhere on the body.
To break down the stem cells, you need to hold the stylet in place for approximately 15 seconds.
This electrolysis gray hair removal device runs on a 9V battery (not included). The kit features a spare stylet, tweezers and a magnifying mirror.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works on gray hair
- Effective on coarse and thick hair
- Beeps on good skin contact
- 10 intensity levels
Cons
- Requires correct technique
- Time consuming
- May cause slight redness, itchiness and swelling
Biotechnique Avance’s V2R Deluxe Professional Electrolysis Machine is a brilliant device for new and experienced users looking to remove unwanted hair from any body area.
It has a 22,000 kμV output and uses the blend method to speed up the treatment and increase its effectiveness. It features an adjustable rheostat for higher precision and a foot switch for hands free control.
The kit includes five reusable electrolysis probe stylets and a conductivity gel anode (2 ounces). You can safely use any other conductivity gel once you run out.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works on gray hair
- Compatible with all electrolysis probes
- Compatible with Aavexx transdermal accessories
Cons
- Electrolysis probes require careful use
Editor’s Choice: Aavexx 600 is our favorite electrolysis gray hair removal device. Its high output, dual function, overload protection and outstanding performance make it one of the best electrolysis machines that work on any skin and hair color, including gray. It may be more expensive but it gives the best value for money.
Aavexx 600 is another fantastic electrolysis machine for home use from Biotechnique Avance. It uses the blend method but allows switching between galvanic electrolysis and thermolysis.
Its powerful output of 24,000 kμV makes it one of the most effective, high performing electrolysis machines on the market. It features a timer, a foot switch, overload protection and a detailed electrolysis guide.
The kit’s accessories are like no other, including galvanic tweezers, a stainless steel anode with attachment assembly, a swab electrode with four hands free clips and four patch electrode assemblies. Additionally, you get five replacement probes, reusable electrolysis patches and a conductivity gel.
Pros
- Single and multiple output modes
- High kμV output
- Works on gray hair
- Suitable for all body areas
Cons
- Requires learning
- Time consuming preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser hair removal gray hair treatments are ineffective because gray hair contains little to no melanin – the pigment that laser devices target. Consequently, gray hair cannot absorb the heat that hinders its growth.
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unlike laser hair removal devices, which disable the hair follicles temporarily, electrolysis destroys their stem cells permanently so they can never grow hair again.
It depends on your pain tolerance. Some users feel slight discomfort during grey hair removal electrolysis, comparing it to a mosquito bite. Others find it somewhat painful like getting a tattoo and turn to numbing creams, ice or ibuprofen.
Regardless of your pain tolerance, treating sensitive areas such as the upper lip and the bikini line will be more painful.
Remember that if we are ageing, so is our skin. Mature skin is thinner, more fragile and sensitive. In this case, electrolysis may be your preferred method of gray hair removal. Waxing and epilating might cause skin injuries to thinner skin.
Yes! Since it breaks down hair follicles’ cells instead of targeting pigment, it works on any skin and hair color. That is why it wins the laser hair removal vs. electrolysis battle.
Conclusion
Electrolysis is your way to go if you want to remove unwanted hair from any body area permanently. It may be more time consuming than laser hair removal, but it is incomparably more effective.
It is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, safe to use on any body part, skin tone and hair color. Since it does not rely on melanin, it is the best alternative to laser hair removal gray hair treatments.