Most laser hair removal devices struggle with darker skin tones because they target pigment, and they can’t tell the difference between hair pigment and skin pigment. The result on Fitzpatrick types IV-VI: burns, hyperpigmentation, and patchy results.
Aerolase Neo Elite, the platform we use at Bar Beauty Medical Toronto, was specifically designed to solve this. Here’s how it works and why it matters.
Why traditional lasers fail on dark skin
Conventional laser hair removal (diode, alexandrite, IPL) uses a wavelength that’s absorbed by melanin. On lighter skin with dark hair, the contrast is huge, so the laser zaps the hair follicle cleanly. On darker skin, melanin in the skin absorbs the same energy, causing burns or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Why Aerolase Neo Elite is different
Aerolase uses a 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength with an ultra-short 650-microsecond pulse. The pulse is so brief that the surrounding skin doesn’t have time to heat up, but the hair follicle still absorbs enough energy to be destroyed. FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick I through VI, including melanin-rich skin tones that were previously considered untreatable.
What to expect at your appointment
- No numbing cream required for most patients. The sensation is described as “rubber band snaps” rather than burning.
- No cooling gel on the skin surface. Aerolase doesn’t need contact cooling because the pulse is so short.
- Treatment areas: face, underarms, bikini, legs, back, chest, arms.
- Number of sessions: typically 6-8 spaced 4-6 weeks apart for permanent reduction.
Risks and side effects
The most common side effects are temporary redness and slight swelling around the follicles for 1-2 hours post-treatment. Rare risks (less than 1% of patients with proper technique) include hyperpigmentation in patients with very recent sun exposure. We always recommend at least 2 weeks of strict sun avoidance before treatment and SPF 30+ daily after.
Pricing at Bar Beauty Medical Toronto
Aerolase laser hair removal at our Fort York clinic starts at $50 per session for small areas (upper lip, chin) and scales up to $350 for full legs. We offer packages of 6 sessions at a discounted rate. See the full laser hair removal page for area-by-area pricing.
FAQ
Can I do Aerolase if I have a recent tan?
We’ll recommend waiting 2-3 weeks for the tan to fade. Treating sun-tanned skin even with Aerolase increases the risk of pigmentation changes.
How many sessions until I see results?
Most patients see 30-50% hair reduction after the first 2 sessions. Full clearance typically takes 6-8 sessions.
Is it permanent?
The FDA term is “permanent hair reduction.” Most patients enjoy 80-95% reduction long-term, with occasional touch-up sessions every 1-2 years for any regrowth.
Book a complimentary consultation to see if Aerolase is right for your skin type at Bar Beauty Medical Toronto.