Laser hair removal first started with lasers that could only treat very light and fair-skinned individuals with dark hair. The evolution of the ruby laser to the alexandrite and diode lasers has expanded the scope of treatment to all but the darkest skinned individuals. With the Nd:YAG, the darkest skin types can now be treated with laser hair removal. Between these lasers, both fine and coarse hairs can be treated effectively. The biggest limitation with all the lasers collectively is the inability to treat non-pigmented hairs. White and blonde hairs without pigment do not have the melanin chromophore to respond to treatment.
Although this technology is still not perfected, ELOS™ technology may be more effective than other lasers in treating white and blonde hairs. 
ELOS™ or photoradiotherapy, combines light energy (either narrow spectrum laser or broad spectrum pulsed light) with bipolar radiofrequency electrical energy simultaneously. Radiofrequency is not sensitive to skin or hair color. This type of electrical energy is considered to be chromophore-independent. The electrical radiofrequency surrounds the hair follicle. The energy is converted to thermal energy, or heat. The heat destroys the hair follicle itself. Lower overall energy levels are needed for this system and adverse effects are similar to current lasers. The combination is needed for effectiveness because radiofrequency itself is not quite as effective as light energy. The radiofrequency, however, is needed for the treatment of non-pigmented hair (including white, gray, blonde, and red). Even though photoradiotherapy is marketed to be more effective in treating non-pigmented hair, it definitely does not treat these hairs with the effectiveness as colored hair. It also does not seem to offer any advantages over current modalities for the treatment of darker hairs alone.
Hair removal has become increasingly technologically sophisticated. Laser hair removal still offers the most effective treatment, although ELOS™ technology may offer some relief for non-pigmented hairs. Practitioners who treat a wide variety of ethnic populations usually need to have more than one laser available. Perhaps in the future, practitioners may be able to use on piece of equipment for all skin and hair types. Until then, consumers should seek an experienced physician with extensive laser training and more than one laser available.
