Unwanted hair growth can be frustrating, particularly when shaving, waxing and plucking don’t work. Laser hair removal offers a safe, permanent and effective alternative.
However, laser treatments were never meant to be used on tattoos and could potentially cause burns, blisters and discoloration if improperly applied – prompting many people to ask whether laser hair removal could work on tattoos? So here lies the question – can laser hair removal work on tattoos?
Preparation
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure that effectively and permanently eradicates unwanted body hair. This procedure uses light beams to target pigment in hair follicles, effectively damaging them and stopping further growth. For this reason, laser hair removal can be an excellent option for individuals with sensitive skin who experience negative side effects from traditional methods of hair removal such as shaving, waxing and depilatory creams. Before beginning your laser session, it is crucial that you refrain from applying lotions, perfumes and alcohol-based topical products to the area being treated. Doing so could have adverse reactions during laser treatment that result in minor burns or irritation – they may even react with your tattoo and result in discoloration or scarring.
Prior to your laser hair treatment, it is also advisable to refrain from tanning either naturally in sunlight or using UV tanning beds, for at least a month. Tanning can distort the pigment of your skin and make it harder for a hair technician to distinguish between your natural skin and tattooed areas. Also important is keeping the treatment area free from scabs or flaking as this will interfere with laser targeting hair follicles; so let your skin recover fully before scheduling one of these laser treatments.
Many people proudly display tattoos all over their bodies, from discreet designs to full sleeves and backpieces. People take great pride in their body art and want it to remain as vibrant as possible; to do this they may be tempted to use laser hair removal on areas with tattoos; however this should be avoided as tattoo ink is highly pigmented; using direct laser pulses over it could damage the skin permanently, leading to scarring and possibly loss of the ink completely.
Lasers used for hair removal treatments are designed to absorb dark pigment. If they are pulsed over a tattoo, its pigment can confuse them and potentially damage surrounding tissues as well as reduce or scatter your tattoo’s colors across its surface.
As such, it is crucial that one chooses an experienced professional when treating tattoos. They will be able to design a template over the tattoo and ensure at least 2-3 cm is left between it and the laser light source.
Electrolysis offers another viable solution for permanent hair removal from tattooed skin, without damaging or irritating the tattoo itself. Although multiple sessions will likely be necessary to achieve desired results with electrolysis, people with tattoos can still remove unwanted hair through methods such as shaving, waxing and depilatory lotions; though repeated treatments will likely lead to regrowth. Although painful at times, results tend to be more satisfying with these options than other options like laser treatment alone.
Treatment
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment used to eliminate unwanted body hair, leaving behind smooth and soft skin. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure with no downtime for recovery compared to alternatives like waxing or shaving. Furthermore, its cost effectiveness makes it an exceptional value.
Unfortunately, laser treatments aren’t advised when applied over tattoos due to laser’s inability to distinguish between pigmentation in hair follicles and skin pigmentation; thus, drawing attention away from ink itself and damaging ink itself. Therefore it’s vital that a trained laser technician is used who knows how to avoid your area when conducting laser hair removal treatments.
Unwanted hair should ideally be removed prior to getting a tattoo; however, other methods like shaving may also work, provided you do not shave in areas where there are tattoos until they’ve fully healed.
If your tattoo covers an expansive enough area and doesn’t mind having some surrounding hair removed with laser hair removal, then laser hair removal shouldn’t pose a significant problem. However, if you intend on getting full leg or arm sleeve laser hair removal and have tattoos on ribs or thighs that might interfere with this plan then it would be prudent to consult a dermatologist or esthetician first to ascertain your options and assess them appropriately.
Lasers used for hair removal differ significantly from those utilized for tattoo removal, with their wavelengths differing significantly. Therefore, it’s essential that practitioners offering both services can access both Nd:YAG laser for hair removal as well as Ruby or Alexandrite wavelengths needed for tattoo removal laser treatments. Some practitioners even possess dual laser devices capable of providing both wavelengths simultaneously for simultaneous treatment for tattoo and hair removal.
Laser hair removal can be an extremely safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted body hair, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Prior to undergoing laser treatment, always consult a dermatologist or esthetician and be aware that they may advise against it; in the meantime you can still shave over tattoos safely or use other hair removal methods safely. If razor burn or shaving irritation are becoming an issue for you, contact Therapie Clinic and learn about our range of laser treatments – no contracts necessary! We look forward to helping you realize your ideal body!
