Laser hair removal is generally safe and effective, however, it should not be performed over tattoos as this could damage them and lead to the fading or distortion of body art.
As this method works best on areas with darker hair and lighter skin, the contrast helps the follicles absorb heat more efficiently, as well as decreasing the need for depilation, shaving and waxing treatments.
Why Can’t You?
Laser hair removal is an incredible treatment that can permanently rid unwanted hair and create a smoother skin surface. It is an ideal alternative to time-consuming methods of hair removal such as shaving, waxing and using depilatory creams which often only offer temporary results. Unfortunately, however, people with tattoos on areas of their bodies that typically grow hairy are sometimes worried that laser hair removal won’t still be an option; but don’t be put off; laser hair removal treatments should still work there are just a few key points you need to keep in mind before having it done.
Lasers work by sending out light energy that penetrates the skin and converts into thermal energy that destroys hair follicles, effectively stopping future hair growth. Tattoo ink contains pigments which may interfere with how energy is absorbed by your body, potentially leading to blistering, scarring and discoloration resulting in damage to your tattoo and irreparable scarring or discoloration of its colors.
Tattoo ink may also react with dyes present in other skincare products, like tanning beds. This interaction could result in lighter-toned skin and faded tattoo pigments; therefore, it would be wise to wait to expose tattooed skin to tanning beds and similar products until after having undergone laser hair removal treatment.
Your technician may ask you to cover your tattoo with something, like gauze or bandaging during laser hair removal treatment to protect it from being damaged by laser light. They may also ask that a shield be put over it.
If you have tattoos and are considering laser hair removal, it is essential that you consult a dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider about your concerns and receive advice on the most suitable methods available to you. They will be able to offer advice regarding electrolysis or other non-heat or chemical-based solutions without impacting on them or altering them significantly.
Damage to the Tattoo
Laser hair removal involves the use of laser technology to target and destroy active hair follicles, thus stopping unwanted hair growth. While it can be performed on many areas of the body – including those with tattoos – laser treatment should not be performed over a tattoo as this could damage its ink and natural pigments that interact with laser targeting of hair follicles, leading to discoloration or scarring or blistering of skin pigmentation and even discoloration of tattoo itself.
Tattoo ink and natural skin pigments may absorb some of the laser energy, which could potentially cause harm to surrounding areas if located close to skin’s surface. Therefore, it is wise to leave sufficient distance between where tattoos are situated and where laser hair removal will be undertaken for optimal results.
When treating large tattoos, laser technicians typically create a template to shield and protect it from the laser’s path of action. Furthermore, during treatment they will make sure that there is at least 2-3cm between tattoo and laser to protect clients and avoid skin damage from occurring during their session. Certified practitioners follow this standard procedure as part of their standard operating procedure to safeguard client safety and preserve skin health.
Before your new tattoo has fully healed, it is advisable not to shave or wax its surrounding area until it has set completely. Laser treatments can interfere with its recovery process and potentially even lead to infection; while regular shaving and waxing can irritate skin. Instead, IPL or electrolysis hair removal methods might provide safer options that help remove unwanted hair without risking smearing waxing cream onto it or razoring across it.
Alternatives
Laser hair removal is an effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, however, it should not be used on areas containing tattoos due to possible damage of ink which could result in painful blisters, scarring and faded tattoos. Luckily, there are other alternatives which are safe alternatives that can safely be applied on areas containing tattoos.
One viable solution is shaving, which although inconvenient can still be effective and doesn’t harm the tattoo. Another option would be using hair removal creams; however, be mindful that these only act on the outermost layers of skin without penetrating into layers where ink resides.
Electrolysis is another hair removal option suitable for tattooed skin. However, it must be carried out by a qualified and experienced practitioner as this involves inserting needles into the skin in order to destroy hair follicles – it can be costly and painful!
If you want laser hair removal on a certain part of the body, it would be prudent to wait at least several weeks after receiving a new tattoo before beginning treatment with laser. This will enable it to heal properly while protecting its color against damage from laser treatments.
Alternately, laser hair removal could be used on areas without tattoos while other methods may be necessary for those adorned with tattoos. Before making this decision, speak to a reputable tattoo studio and laser technician as they will be able to assess your skin type, hair color and tattoos before providing advice about whether laser hair removal would be an appropriate treatment option for you and any suitable treatments needed for the best possible outcomes.
