Laser hair removal and tattoo
Contents
Many of our clients ask if it’s possible to perform laser hair removal over a tattoo. Our expert provides a detailed answer to this question.
How laser devices work
To answer the question about hair removal over tattoos, first, let’s briefly discuss how the laser beam affects tissues and what leads to hair removal.
A concentrated beam penetrates the body to a certain depth. This depth depends on the type of laser – from 1 to 4 millimeters.
The coloring pigment in the follicles absorbs light and accumulates heat.
Thus, the high temperature destroys the hair growth zone, preventing hair from growing.
The laser beam similarly affects the coloring pigment used by tattoo artists.
Is it possible to do hair removal over a tattoo?
First and foremost, it is dangerous.
The heat exposure procedure can lead to deep thermal burns and subsequent scarring in the treated area.
This is because the particles of ink in the skin attract the laser’s light energy and heat the surrounding cells. However, the tattoo can be “avoided.”
Secondly, the design, which the tattoo artist carefully selected and inked, will be ruined by the laser – the pigment will be destroyed. Different shades absorb laser beams differently. In addition to potential scars and blisters, light and dark spots may appear on the skin, and the tattoo’s color may change.
| Question | Answer |
| Can I have laser hair removal on tattoos? | No, the laser can damage the tattoo and cause burns. |
| What should I do if the laser hits the tattoo? | Consult a specialist to assess the damage. |
| Are there hair removal methods for areas with tattoos? | Yes, for example, waxing or sugaring can be used. |
| Can I remove hair around the tattoo? | Yes, provided that the laser does not affect the tattoo. |
| Why is the laser harmful to tattoos? | Tattoos contain pigment that heats up when interacting with laser beams. |
| How to protect the tattoo during laser hair removal? | Usually, specialists in laser hair removal salons cover the tattoo with a bandage or draw over it with a white pencil. |
If hair removal is necessary
If there are hairs on the arms, legs, or other body parts, and you want to remove them – we will cover the tattooed area with a plaster and treat the surrounding skin with the laser.
Another option, if the design on the skin is minimalistic, is to cover it with a white cosmetic pencil, as we do when covering moles.
This way, we will protect you from burns and remove the hair around the tattoo.
If you have a tattoo on your shoulder and want to remove hair under your arms, it’s not a problem. But if the design is on your thigh and you need to remove hair from the entire leg, unfortunately, this is not possible with a laser.
You will have to use other hair removal methods in this area, such as electrolysis, waxing, or sugaring.
What to do first – tattoo or hair removal?
If you are wondering which procedure – hair removal or a tattoo – to do first, it is definitely better to do the hair removal first. This will protect you from even minimal risk of skin damage and make the work easier for the hair removal expert.
Later, after completing the hair removal course, when you decide to get a tattoo, you will also make the tattoo artist’s job easier, as they also shave the hairs on the skin before applying the design. Thus, the quality of the design will be at its best.
Are you unsure if your tattoo allows for a visit to the hair removal salon? Come in – we’ll consult with you. We’ll do everything to ensure the course of procedures is safe and effective for you.
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