Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal for Gray, Light or Hormonal Hair: An Upper East Side Guide
ROW 89 Team • October 18, 2026 • 5 min read
Laser hair removal is the first thing many people think of for unwanted hair, and for good reason. But if your hair is gray, white, blond or red, or if hormonal changes have brought new hair to the chin and jawline, laser may not be the right tool. Electrolysis often is. At ROW 89 on the Upper East Side we offer both, so this guide explains how each works, who each suits, and how they can be combined.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your provider will advise you on what is appropriate for your skin and health history.
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal uses light that is absorbed by pigment in the hair. The light heats the follicle and slows regrowth. Because it targets pigment, it works best on darker hair, and your provider will also look at your skin tone to choose suitable settings. Only hair in its active growth phase responds, so laser is done as a series, often six to eight sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart, with occasional touch-ups.
Laser covers an area quickly. A full set of legs or an underarm takes minutes per session, which makes it efficient for larger areas with dark hair.
How electrolysis works
Electrolysis treats one hair at a time. A very fine probe is placed into the follicle and a small electrical current treats it. Because it does not depend on pigment, electrolysis can treat gray, white, blond and red hair as well as dark hair. It is slower than laser, since each hair is treated individually, and it usually takes a series of sessions as hairs cycle into growth.
Which one fits your hair?
| Situation | Usually a better fit |
|---|---|
| Dark hair on larger areas (legs, underarms, bikini, back) | Laser |
| Gray or white hair | Electrolysis |
| Blond or red hair | Electrolysis |
| A few stubborn hairs left after a laser series | Electrolysis |
| Brows shaping or small, precise areas | Electrolysis |
| Coarse dark hair on the chin or upper lip | Either; often laser first, electrolysis for what remains |
Hormonal hair, including PCOS
New or increasing hair on the chin, jawline, upper lip, chest or abdomen can be linked to hormones. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause, and changes around menopause can play a part too. If hair growth is new, sudden or comes with other symptoms such as irregular periods, see your doctor first: an underlying cause is worth checking, and treating it can affect how much new hair grows.
Hair removal can still help while you work with your doctor. Laser can reduce dark, coarse hair across an area. Electrolysis can treat finer, lighter or gray hairs that laser misses. Because hormones can keep prompting new follicles, many people with hormonal hair need more sessions and occasional maintenance, so it helps to plan for that from the start.
What it costs at ROW 89
Laser hair removal is priced by area. Small areas such as the upper lip, chin or ears start at $59; a full face is $159; underarms are $89; a Brazilian is $159; full legs are $220 for women. Every area and price is listed on our laser hair removal page.
Electrolysis is priced by time: 5 minutes ($49), 15 minutes ($89), 30 minutes ($129), 45 minutes ($159) and 60 minutes ($189). Small areas such as a few chin hairs may need only short sessions. See our electrolysis page.
How many sessions?
For laser, many clients need about six to eight sessions for an area, spaced four to eight weeks apart depending on the area. For electrolysis, the number of sessions depends on how many hairs there are and how coarse they are; short, regular sessions every week or two are common at first, then less often. Your provider will suggest a plan after seeing your hair and skin.
Combining both
Many people get the best of both: laser to reduce most of the dark hair in an area, then electrolysis for the light, gray or stubborn hairs left behind. If you are on the Upper East Side and have tried laser without the result you wanted, electrolysis may be the missing step.
Before your first session
- For laser: shave the area the day before; do not wax, pluck or thread for about four weeks; avoid tanning and self-tanner.
- For electrolysis: let the hair grow out a little so it can be seen and treated; skip plucking beforehand.
- Tell your provider about medications, pregnancy, pacemakers or metal implants, and any history of keloid scarring.
Frequently asked questions
Is electrolysis permanent?
Electrolysis is widely described as a permanent hair removal method for treated follicles. New hairs can still grow from follicles that were not treated, especially with hormonal changes, so maintenance sessions may be needed.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser is better described as long-term hair reduction. Many people see a significant reduction after a series, with occasional touch-ups to keep results.
Does electrolysis hurt?
Most people feel a brief heat or sting with each hair. Sensitivity varies by area; the upper lip is usually more sensitive than the chin. Short sessions help.
Can I do both in the same area?
Yes. A common approach is a laser series for dark hair first, then electrolysis for the lighter or stubborn hairs that remain. Your provider will space the treatments appropriately.
Do you treat men?
Yes. Both laser and electrolysis are available for men, including beard lines, neck, back and shoulders.
Why winter is a good time to start laser
Laser works best on skin that has not been recently tanned, and treated areas should be kept out of the sun. Starting in the fall or winter means a series can be well underway before summer.
Visit ROW 89 on the Upper East Side
ROW 89 is at 219A East 89th Street, New York, NY 10128, between Second and Third Avenues in Yorkville, a short walk from Carnegie Hill and Lenox Hill and about five minutes from the Q at 86th Street (see directions from the 86th Street subway). One street entrance serves both floors: nails and lashes on the first floor, aesthetics on the second. We are open 10am–8pm every day. Call (212) 722-1959 or book online.