Technology
Diode laser and ELOS: what the difference is
In short
How does ELOS differ from a diode laser?
ELOS is light plus bipolar radiofrequency, while a diode laser is only light of one wavelength, usually 808 nm. The light part of ELOS can be IPL or a diode laser. In salons, ELOS hair removal most often means IPL with radiofrequency. The idea is that light heats the hair, while radiofrequency adds energy based on the difference in the electrical resistance of tissues. The diode directs all its energy at melanin. ELOS depends less on the amount of melanin in the hair, which is why it is promoted for light hair. In a 2004 study, the combination of IPL and radiofrequency gave an average 48% reduction in light and white hair six months after a course of treatments. Radiofrequency energy spreads through the volume of tissue, not only through the follicle. ELOS has two adjustable energies, so ask for ready-made protocols for skin types. Comparing a diode and ELOS by a single power figure makes no sense: they deliver different kinds of energy. Below are the parameters by which the comparison is valid.
What energy do the diode, ELOS and IPLASER deliver?
| Parameter | Diode laser | ELOS | IPLASER (iPRO MINI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of energy | Coherent light | Light plus bipolar radiofrequency | Light, IPL |
| Spectrum | One wavelength, usually 808 nm | In IPL attachments, a band after the filter; in diode ones, one wavelength | IPL band after the narrow-band filter |
| Main target | Melanin | Melanin plus the difference in tissue resistance | Melanin |
| Form of delivery | Depends on the model | Depends on the model | Three pulses per flash |
Comparing ELOS and a diode by a single power figure is incorrect: they deliver different kinds of energy.
In terms of energy type, IPLASER is closer to the light part of ELOS: it is also IPL, but without radiofrequency. For how IPL differs from a laser, see IPL, IPL hair removal and lasers.
Which parameters make the comparison valid?
- Speed of treating an area: spot size and repetition rate.
- Behaviour on different skin types: what is claimed and at which parameters.
- Cost of ownership: consumable parts and service.
- Consistency of results from one specialist to another.
What to choose for light hair?
The main argument for ELOS is its smaller dependence on melanin in the hair. In a 2004 study, the combination of IPL and bipolar radiofrequency gave an average 48% reduction in light and white hair on the chin and above the upper lip. The measurement was taken six months after four treatments.
An alternative approach to the same task is a short wavelength of 755 nm, where absorption by melanin is higher. It works if there is pigment in the hair: grey and white hair responds poorly to light-only hair removal. The analysis is in the article on wavelengths.
Where IPLASER fits in
The iPRO MINI hair removal handpieces are not a diode or alexandrite laser, but IPLASER technology. This is IPL with narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash, the way Innovatione devices have worked since 2013. How the technology works and how it differs from lasers is on the IPLASER page.
Who this analysis is not for
- If you are looking for a treatment for yourself. The article is for equipment buyers.
- If you need to compare two specific models. This is about classes of technology.
What to ask the supplier
- Which wavelength or spectrum. Specific figures, not “broadband”.
- What share of the energy is light and what share is radiofrequency. For ELOS this is the key question.
- Spot size and frequency. The treatment time for an area depends on them.
- Consumable parts over three years. What is replaced and how often.
- Protocols for skin types. Are there ready-made ones, and who prepared them?
Questions and answers
How does ELOS differ from a diode laser?
A diode laser uses only light energy of one wavelength. ELOS combines light with bipolar radiofrequency. The light part of ELOS can be IPL or a diode laser.
What is better for light hair?
ELOS depends less on melanin in the hair: in a 2004 study it gave an average 48% reduction in light and white hair. For light but pigmented hair, the alternative is 755 nm, where absorption by melanin is higher.
Can they be compared by power?
No. Light energy and radiofrequency energy have a different nature, and a single power figure does not describe them.
What can be compared correctly?
Speed of treating an area, behaviour on different skin types, cost of ownership and consistency of results between specialists.
Is ELOS always IPL?
No. ELOS platforms have attachments based on IPL and on a diode laser, both with bipolar radiofrequency. Ask the supplier which light source is in a particular attachment.
Does iPRO MINI use radiofrequency?
No. iPRO MINI is an IPLASER light system: IPL with narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash.
How does IPLASER differ from ELOS?
IPLASER is also IPL, but with narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash. It has no radiofrequency.
This material describes the principles of how the technologies work and is not a promise of a treatment result. Checked 14 October 2026.
