Laser hair removal treatment has become a popular choice for people who want smooth, hair-free skin without the hassle of regular shaving or waxing. At the same, tattoos have also become a common way to express individual style and personality. But what happens when you have both, can you still get laser hair removal if you have tattoos?
In this blog, we will explore how laser hair removal works, why having skin tattoos can be a concern, and what alternative options you have. Whether you already have ink or planning to get some, it’s important to know how laser treatments might affect your tattooed skin.
How Laser Hair Removal Works?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses focused light beams (lasers) to remove unwanted hair.
Step 1: The Laser Device is Prepared
A trained professional uses a special laser machine that is designed for hair removal. The settings are modified based on your skin tone, hair color, and the area being treated.
Step 2: The Laser Targets the Hair Pigment
The laser transmits a beam of light that is attracted to the melanin (pigment) in your hair. Darker hair absorbs more better, so it works best on dark hair.
Step 3: Heat is Created
The light energy absorbed will turn into heat which goes down the hair shaft to the hair follicle.
Step 4: The Hair Follicle is Damaged
The heat will destroy the follicle, which helps to stop or slow down future hair growth in that area.
Step 5: The Treated Hair Falls Out
After a few days or weeks of treatment, the damaged hair falls out naturally. The skin might look slightly red or feel sensitive for a short time.
Step 6: Multiple Sessions are Needed
Hair growth has cycles, so laser hair removal treatment requires several sessions. It usually takes 6 to 8 multiple sessions of treatment to catch all the hairs during their growth phases.
Bonus Read - Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal Treatment on Tattooed Skin?
The short answer is no. It’s not safe to get laser hair removal treatment directly on your tattooed skin. We have seen in the above section that laser hair removal works by targeting dark pigment which also includes tattoo ink, not just hair.
When a laser light hits the area, it can’t tell the difference between the hair and tattoo pigment. This can cause serious problems like:
- Burns or blisters
- Skin damage or scarring
- Fading or distortion of your tattoo
Due to this reason, most professional laser clinics avoid using lasers directly on tattoos. For example, if you have a tattoo on your leg, arm, or back, the technician will usually leave a small area around the tattoo untreated.
So while you can still get laser hair removal near your tattoo, the tattooed area itself is considered off-limits for safety reasons.
What Issues Could Happen if You Use Laser Hair Removal on Tattooed Skin?
Using laser hair removal on tattooed skin can lead to several side effects. This happens because the laser targets pigment, and tattoo ink is full of pigmentation. When the laser reacts with the ink, it can cause unexpected and damaging results. Here are some common issues that might happen:
-
Burns and Blisters: The laser can generate intense heat when it hits the tattoo ink, especially darker colors like black or deep blue. This may burn the skin or cause painful blisters that take time to heal.
-
Skin Damage and Scarring: Severe burns or improper treatment can damage the skin layers, which leads to permanent scars. In some cases, the skin may become uneven in texture or lose its natural tone.
-
Tattoo Fading or Distortion: Laser hair removal can break down the tattoo ink in your tattoo which causes it to fade or distort. The treatment can ruin the appearance of your tattoo and make it look patchy or unclear.
-
Discoloration or Hyperpigmentation: Some people may experience changes in skin color, either darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation), especially if the skin reacts poorly to the laser.
- Pain and Inflammation: After exposing your treated tattooed skin, it becomes sore, red, and swollen. This discomfort may last longer than it would on non-tattooed skin.
In short, treating tattooed skin with laser hair removal treatment isn’t just ineffective, it can actually be harmful. So it’s best to leave tattooed areas untreated and explore safer options.
Additional Read - 7 Tips for Your Body Sculpting Treatment Procedure
What Are the Alternatives?
If you have tattoos and want to remove unwanted hair, then don’t worry. There are certain ways to manage it safely. While they may not offer long-term results, they can still keep your skin smooth without damaging your tattoo.
Shaving
- It is safe and easy to do around tattoos.
- Doesn’t affect the tattoo skin or damage the skin.
- Shaving needs to be done regularly, but it’s the least risky method.
Waxing
- Waxing method removes hair from the root, so results last longer than shaving.
- It is generally safe over tattoos once the tattoo has fully healed.
- It may cause mild irritation, but won’t fade the ink.
Skin Tattoo Removal Consultation
If you are considering removing a tattoo, especially for laser hair removal treatment in that area, then it’s essential to book a tattoo removal consultation expert first. A trained professional can analyze your tattoo, skin type, and hair removal goals to help you understand the risks, costs, and expected results of tattoo removal before and after. This can help you make an informed decision if you are looking for long-term solutions.
Final Thoughts
Laser hair removal is a successful procedure for long-term hair reduction. But it’s not safe to use directly on tattooed skin. Fortunately, there are safe and effective alternatives that can help you manage unwanted hair without risking your tattoo’s appearance. It’s always better to schedule a consultation for tattoo removal as the professionals can help you take the right step.