Laser hair removal on tattoos: is it possible and safe?

Are you looking for permanent laser hair removal but have a tattoo and are wondering if it's even possible? This article is for you!
Laser hair removal on tattoos: is it possible and safe?

Laser hair removal is now a popular solution for achieving smooth, hair-free skin. This technique can eliminate up to 95% of hair if the treatment is successful and all the advice given has been scrupulously followed.

Is it compatible with a tattooed area? Are there any risks associated with tattooing? Should you take any precautions? Are there any risks? We will try to answer all these questions.

Why is laser hair removal a problem for tattoos?

In tattooing, ink pigments are injected under the skin. In laser hair removal, the laser targets and destroys the melanin-laden hairs in the hair follicle, thus the laser targets and destroys the pigmented elements, thus, tattoos are pigmented elements.

Laser hair removal on tattoos: is it possible and safe?

Therefore, a tattooed area presents the risk that the laser will not make the difference, there is therefore a risk of burns, risks of blisters that can become infected and then the risk that the tattoo will fade because it could lose up to 75% of its colors. There is also a risk of depigmentation, then scarring following damage caused. Obviously, everything will depend on where the tattoo is located, if the area to be hair removed is not concerned, the practitioner will then take the necessary precautions, in summary laser hair removal on tattoos is not recommended.

How laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal is the most effective solution for permanently removing hair. Laser hair removal must be performed by trained, certified, and qualified professionals.

The progressive permanent laser hair removal technique targets the melanin in the hair to destroy the hair follicle, therefore there is a risk of interference with the tattoo ink.

Interaction between laser and tattoo pigments

The laser targets and destroys highly pigmented elements, this is the case for hairs which are loaded with melanin, but it is also the case for tattoo ink, therefore, the laser may not make the difference, this is therefore the main risk for the precautions to be taken when a tattooed skin wishes to have laser hair removal treatment.

Therefore, not all areas can be affected if they are tattooed. Furthermore, laser and tattoos do not mix well for the following reasons:

• Skin burns.
• Alteration of the tattoo colors.
• Scars or depigmentation.

Additionally, dark colors like black absorb even more energy, increasing the risks.

Is it possible to perform laser hair removal on a tattoo?

If the tattoo is directly on an area to be removed, such as a thigh or leg, laser hair removal treatment is not recommended. If the tattoo is located nearby, the practitioner will take the necessary measures to protect it. Of course, you must choose a qualified laser hair removal facility.

It is the practitioner who will tell you whether or not the treatment is possible. In any case, it is necessary to be aware that laser hair removal and tattooing are not really compatible.

Obviously, if you don't have a tattoo yet, it's best to start with laser hair removal and then consider getting your tattoo.

Tattooed areas to avoid

Among the tattooed areas, some should be avoided, this is the case for different reasons:

• Professionals advise against treating directly on a tattoo.
• Alternative: bypass the tattooed area when waxing.

Techniques to protect the tattoo

If hair removal is possible according to your practitioner, he will then take the necessary precautions such as:

• Opaque protective cover to cover the tattoo during the session.
• Precise delimitation of the area to be waxed to avoid any risk of exposure.
• Prior consultation with the specialist is therefore mandatory to assess the risks.

Cases where hair removal is possible

• Small tattoos away from the areas to be waxed.
• Light tattoos with less dense inks.
• A dermatological consultation for personalized medical advice is strongly recommended.

Potential risks of laser hair removal on a tattoo

As we have seen before, tattooed skin is not really compatible with permanent laser hair removal because there are risks, laser hair removal and tattooing present:

Burns and scars

• Excessive heat absorbed by the ink.
• Formation of blisters or irritations after the session.

Discoloration or deterioration of the tattoo

• Altered colors, loss of sharpness of contours.
• Unintentional partial “tattoo removal” effect.

Unexpected skin reactions

• Stubborn redness, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
• Increased sensitivity of the treated skin.

Alternatives to laser hair removal for tattooed skin

For tattooed skin, there are alternatives to laser hair removal, here they are:

Electrolysis

• Safe method for removing hair from a tattooed area.
• The process targets each follicle individually without interacting with the ink.

Waxing or traditional hair removal

• Temporary solution, but without the risk of damaging the tattoo.
• Suitable for small areas.

Electric epilators and depilatory creams

• Less aggressive, but require regular touch-ups.
• Checking the ingredients to avoid reactions on the tattoo.

Precautions to take before a laser hair removal session on tattooed skin

Consultation with a qualified professional

• Risk assessment of tattoo and skin type carried out by a qualified person .
• Explanations of the limits of the procedure.

Tests on a small area

• Preliminary test to observe the reaction of the skin and the ink.
• Monitor for side effects before continuing treatment.

Hydration and post-session care

• Use of healing creams to protect tattooed skin.
• Avoid sun exposure and harsh products.

Conclusion

As you now know, laser hair removal on tattooed skin presents significant risks. Depending on the areas to be treated and the results obtained following the required medical consultations, you may or may not be eligible for laser hair removal.

These preliminary consultations are mandatory and highly recommended if you do not want to have unpleasant surprises for your tattoo as well as for your health. For expert advice, you can contact a specialized institute like sssKin , a beauty center or an aesthetic clinic, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure.

One thing is certain: it's still best to get laser hair removal before getting a tattoo. So there you have it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use laser on a tattoo?

Performing laser hair removal on a tattooed area of ​​the skin presents damage that can have serious consequences of infections, depigmentation, purulent blisters, burns, for all these reasons, laser hair removal is not really recommended on tattooed skin, apart from a few rare exceptions.

Can you wax over a tattoo?

You can wax a tattoo; you just need to prepare your skin well before applying the wax. Also, be aware that exfoliation helps soften your skin and remove wax residue. Use a suitable oil like coconut oil to moisturize your skin.

Can you wax tattoos?

With laser hair removal, your tattoo may lose up to 75% of its color. Furthermore, laser hair removal on skin that already has a tattoo exposes you to tissue destruction in the treated area, skin depigmentation, and the risk of burns and infections, which can then leave scars.

Who can't have laser hair removal?

Contraindications to laser hair removal treatment include those taking photosensitizing medications, acne medications, and blood thinners; however, these are temporary contraindications. Moles and certain skin problems, such as herpes, infections, and allergic reactions, are also a barrier. Tattoos are also restrictive.