Today you can quickly and effectively get rid of unwanted hair on the body. Elos hair removal or laser: which is better and what to choose? This dilemma faces those who decide to give up the razor and seek help from a professional cosmetologist. Each type of hair removal has its own advantages and features.
The choice of a specific technique depends on the individual physiological characteristics of the person and his expectations from the procedure. Each person's body is unique, so hair removal results sometimes vary. But is laser hair removal harmful or not? The information in the link will help you understand.
Review of procedures
Laser hair removal
The action is based on light radiation with a certain wavelength, which allows the laser to penetrate strictly to the depth of the hair follicle and practically not damage the surrounding tissue.
Buyanov Sergey Yurievich (Expert Doctor):
The specialist adjusts the device before the procedure in such a way that the light beam does not scatter along the periphery, due to which there is no unnecessary exposure to the laser beam on areas of the skin that do not have hair follicles.
Laser types:
- Alexandrite – ideal for combating dark hair on fair skin;
- Diode - also suitable for hair removal of dark and dark brown hair on light skin, when there is a strong contrast;
- Neodymium – designed for removing dark-colored hair on skin of any phototype.
It is important to note that any hair removal is painful, so an anesthetic is first applied to the skin. Also, many devices are equipped with a cooling system, which makes manipulation more comfortable.
The recommended number of sessions is on average from 5 to 12. To maintain the effect, experts recommend 2-3 procedures per year.
The statement that laser hair removal permanently eliminates hair, alas, is not true. After the procedure, the number of hairs is significantly reduced, and the remaining ones become thin and light, making them almost invisible.
Elos hair removal
Elos hair removal is photoepilation in addition to radiofrequency radiation. This technique is highly effective, but quite painful and is strictly contraindicated for people with a low pain threshold.
Buyanov Sergey Yurievich (Expert Doctor):
A low pain threshold refers to a high cutaneous sensitivity to pain, which may differ from pain in general. This depends on the individual sensitivity of the skin, which may also depend on the condition of the skin. That is why the procedure is not recommended for people with chronic diseases of the skin and connective tissue.
The procedure is performed on special photosystems equipped with krypton lamps.
During operation, the device generates many waves in the range from ultraviolet to infrared, and each pulse of the device is accompanied by a bright flash.
The photoepilator radiation is actively absorbed by tissue pigments, scattered and reflected, which causes damage to skin cells in comparison with a laser.
Photoepilation: advantages and disadvantages
This type of hair removal is in many ways similar to the previous one - hair destruction occurs under active thermal influence. But they have their advantages and disadvantages. Among the first are:
- High efficiency - duration of action is about 5 months;
- Can be used in different areas;
- There is no pain during or after the procedure. Exceptions include people with hypersensitivity. Such procedures are not recommended for them;
- On average, photoepilation takes 20 minutes.
The disadvantages of this method can be written down:
- Slight effect on light and gray hairs;
- Several sessions are required for results;
- Burns and skin depigmentation are possible if the specialist is not properly trained or the equipment is not in proper condition;
- Peeling of the skin after the procedure.
Precautionary measures
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation period.
- Large benign and malignant skin neoplasms.
- Severe diabetes mellitus.
- Acute infectious diseases.
- Increased body temperature above 37 degrees.
- Exacerbation of herpes infection with rashes.
- Violation of the integrity of the skin, dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis in the intended area of influence.
- Burns.
- Individual intolerance to a particular method of getting rid of unwanted hair.
Complications
- Burns.
- Paradoxical hypertrichosis.
- Appearance or intensification of pigmentation.
- Folliculitis, pustular rashes.
- Malignant degeneration of benign skin formations.
- Scarring.
- Eye damage if precautions are not taken.
- Allergic reaction.
Getting rid of excess hair on legs
Leg hair removal is considered one of the most popular and effective methods of ELOS technology. This area of the body contains the maximum number of hair follicles, 20–30% of which are in the active period. Therefore, the use of a laser requires a larger number of sessions for high-quality treatment of this area than is provided for other areas of the body.
It usually takes a little more treatment to remove leg hair.
Recommendations
After any hair removal, protect your skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation, do not visit solariums, promptly apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the body, do not use peelings and scrubs, and do not take a hot bath or visit a sauna (at least 72 hours).
During the session, be sure to protect your eyes from any type of radiation.
Between procedures, do not remove hair from the roots (waxing, sugaring, or electric epilator), otherwise subsequent manipulations will not be effective. You can only use a razor, and immediately before the procedure, hair lengths up to 2 mm are allowed.
Features of electrolysis
As the name suggests, electrolysis is the process of hair removal using weak current discharges that are directed to the follicle area. Today, this method of hair removal has several methods:
- Tweezers – a tweezers-shaped electrode grabs each hair;
- Needle – needle electrodes with a thickness of up to 0.1 mm are used.
This technique is good because the hair is completely removed and the procedure can be performed on any type of hair and skin. But there are much more disadvantages from it:
- A large number of health contraindications (diseases of the endocrine system, cardiovascular system);
- The procedure itself is painful;
- There is a risk of infection;
- Sessions take a long time;
- High price.
Opinion of cosmetologists
Professional cosmetologists and dermatologists prefer various methods of laser hair removal, in particular diode. The opinion is based on the greater effectiveness, tolerability and safety of laser devices for the patient. Thus, when choosing an ELOS or a diode laser, it is better to choose the second option.
What is Qool hair removal?
Another technique for removing unwanted body hair in hardware cosmetology is Qool hair removal. This type of procedure also involves the use of a neodymium laser, whose waves are long enough to affect the blood vessels.
Its advantages are:
- High efficiency;
- There are no effects on the skin or side effects;
- Painless;
- A Qool hair removal course lasts for 4-5 years.
Qool hair removal also has a number of disadvantages:
- High price;
- The duration of one course is higher than that of other types of hair removal;
- Long sessions (can reach 1.5 hours).
Facial hair removal
After several procedures, hairs on the cheekbones, upper lip and chin can be removed. It is also possible to treat the neck area and some other areas of the face.
It is important to take into account that if patients have hormonal disorders and some other diseases (such as impaired ovarian function, polycystic disease), the number of sessions may increase to 10 or 15 procedures.
You can also remove hair from your face
Methods
Electrolysis can be performed using several methods:
- Thermolysis involves exposing the hair follicle to alternating current of high frequency and low voltage. Due to instant heating, rapid coagulation of the follicles is ensured. Thermolysis allows you to quickly treat large areas of skin. Not suitable for removing crooked hairs.
- Electrolysis involves the use of direct current. This is an electrochemical process due to which alkali and acid are formed in the hair follicles. When they react, they destroy the follicles. This method is also suitable for curly hair, but requires more time.
- Micro-Flash is an improved type of thermolysis. A current of extremely high frequency and instantaneous (in flashes) is used. The method does not require anesthesia, since the needle is completely isolated except for the tip itself.
- Bland represents a combination of the first two methods. Provides better results.
Laser vs Elos
If you need to do everything quickly, at a relatively low price, painlessly and with absolute confidence that no scars or burns will remain, this is a laser procedure. When you want to remove deep-growing hair forever in several long sessions, regardless of hair pigment and skin tone, this is elos.
Interesting fact. You can check the depth of hair growth in an easy way: if waxing can handle your hair, laser removal will be quick and easy.
So, what is better – elos hair removal or laser? Reviews show that everything depends solely on the individual characteristics of the representative of the fair half of humanity. The last word will always be solely yours.
Contraindications
As noted earlier, the procedure is safe, therefore there are very few contraindications to it. These include allergic reactions to sunlight; diseases affected by intense light waves; severe chronic pathologies of internal organs; dysfunction of the body's defense systems.
Note ! The procedure is prohibited for people who have mechanical implants or cardiac stimulators in the desired treatment area.
This procedure has contraindications
Sessions must be canceled if there are existing pathologies of an infectious nature, an active form of herpes, or if there are wounds or skin injuries in the area of intended treatment.
Doctors prohibit women from undergoing the procedure during pregnancy. To carry out ELOS hair removal in the chest area, bikini area or armpits, you must undergo a preliminary ultrasound and then obtain permission from a specialist mammologist or endocrinologist.
The procedure is not performed during pregnancy
Some components
If we continue to talk about cost, then elos costs several times more. This is due to the fact that the equipment for the procedure has a much higher price, unlike a laser. And there are not many craftsmen capable of performing this procedure efficiently, even in big cities.
Also in the question of what is better: elos hair removal or laser hair removal and how these procedures differ, it is worth focusing on the sensations experienced. The fact is that with laser hair removal, the maximum trouble that can happen is redness. But with elos, everything is more complicated, since due to the penetration of needles into the skin, the integrity will definitely be compromised. Moreover, according to reviews, cases of burns are not uncommon.
Best Manufacturers of 2021
Equipment for Elos hair removal was developed by Israeli specialists 10 years ago. Israeli manufacturers supply devices to the Russian Federation under the Tanda Me and Iluminaga brands. Combining radiation, optical and electrical energy, the device gently affects the upper layer of skin with high-frequency currents.
The treatment area prepared in this way for the effects of light pulses allows the hair follicle to be painlessly heated to 80 degrees using a flash. At such a critical temperature, the coagulation of protein bonds occurs as safely and effectively as possible, the follicle is destroyed and the hair follicle is released.
The most significant indicators of this type of equipment are the presence of a variety of attachments, the ability to select the power and frequency of flashes, as well as the wavelength. For removing unwanted hair, the optimal wavelength range is from 640 to 1200 nm.
Comparison of other indicators
What is better – Elos or electrolysis? Cosmetologists claim that electrolysis is considered the most effective today. This treatment allows you to completely stop the growth of vegetation after 6-8 sessions, and there is no need to repeat it after that.
The undoubted advantage of the procedure is that it is suitable not only for brunettes, but also for blondes and girls with red hair. But, despite its high effectiveness, electrolysis is not in great demand, since it is a rather painful procedure and often leaves small burns that last up to 5 days.
As for the duration of the effect, most girls, after completing a course of photo, laser and Elos hair removal, have to undergo repeated treatment after 1.5-2 years, since the hairs still begin to grow. After a course of electrolysis, hair regrowth is possible only due to hormonal imbalance.
