Laser hair removal is one of the most effective methods to remove hair almost permanently. However, a new electronic device may challenge advances in lasers.

This at-home hair removal device, the Me My Elos laser, is reportedly much more effective than lasers and has a much lower risk of side effects. Launched in 2011, Me Elos uses electro-optic synergy to remove hair more efficiently than ever.

For people new to the device, Me My Elos uses a combination of intense pulsed light therapy and radiofrequency technology to remove hair. The device initially uses an intense pulsed light lamp to project the first pulse of low light. The pulse has enough energy to generate heat, but not enough to destroy the hair follicle.

According to Syneron, the maker of Me My Elos, the heat from the light pulse creates a thermal path for the radio waves to travel through the skin. The radio frequency waves are then attracted to the hair follicle. The waves heat the hair to the point of damaging and destroying it.

Although Elos may appear similar to a laser, it does not focus all of the thermal energy into a single point in the same way that a laser works. While some lasers use up to 54 joules per square centimeter every second, Me My Elos uses only about 9 joules per square centimeter. This means that the machine will not consume as much power or heat up as much as a laser machine.

The Elos machine is also much more accurate. Unlike lasers, which could possibly discolor or burn the skin surrounding the hair, Me My Elos only targets pre-heated hair. This is because the machine uses a combination of two technological processes that are less risky: intense pulsed light therapy and radiofrequency waves.

Since Me My Elos uses low-energy optical light pulses, it is much less likely to damage or discolor skin. By using only the radio waves to damage the hair follicle, the machine can also easily minimize all heat damage to the surrounding skin.

Although Elos technology has been in use since 2006, the Me My Elos home machine was launched this year. Me My Elos has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, because it is still a relatively new form of hair removal technology. However, it is still much safer than a laser hair removal machine. Covers larger portions of skin at a time, making treatment time shorter and more efficient.

Elos home machines also come with the same security implementations as home laser machines. It has a skin contact sensor, so the light pulse will not activate unless the device comes in full contact with the skin. It also won’t emit a pulse of light unless a hand is holding the device. The cartridge and protective cap must be in place for it to work.

The high price is probably the only factor that will keep people from buying it. It is currently priced at $840, which is more than $400 more than a typical home laser machine. It’s still cheaper than a typical laser treatment at a spa or salon, so if people are willing to get their hands on the latest technology, it’s certainly possible.