Inked skin and unwanted hair? It's a common combination, leaving many wondering if laser hair removal is a safe option when you have tattoos. The short answer is yes – but with important considerations.
It’s generally not recommended to perform laser hair removal directly over tattoos. Laser hair removal targets the melanin in the hair follicles. Tattoos also contain pigment, which raises concerns about potential interactions between the laser and the tattoo ink. While laser hair removal is generally safe around tattoos, treating the skin directly over them can lead to complications.
Why Tattoos Pose a Challenge to Laser Hair Removal
As mentioned previously, tattoo ink, like the melanin in the hair follicles absorbs the laser’s light energy. This can lead to several unwanted outcomes:
Fading or Discolouration: The heat from the laser can break down the tattoo ink, causing it to fade or change colour. This particularly applies to lighter or brightly coloured tattoos.
Burning or Blistering: The concentrated energy of the laser can damage the skin around the tattoo, leading to burns or blisters. This risk is higher for tattoos with a lot of dark ink.
Pain or Discomfort: Laser hair removal over tattoos can be much more painful than without. This is primarily due to the higher laser energy absorption by the tattoo ink. The ink heats up faster than the surrounding skin, leading to a more intense sensation during each pulse.
Can I have Laser Hair Removal over the Top of Tattoos?
Opting for laser hair removal over tattoos is not advisable. Laser hair removal is a treatment designed to eliminate hair, and exposing your tattoos to this type of laser can potentially result in significant damage, such as reducing colour in your tattoo, or can even cause the pigment to scatter.
If you have a forearm tattoo but desire laser hair removal for your underarms, you can typically get a laser hair removal treatment. However, you cannot undergo laser hair removal if your tattoo is on your thigh or calf, and you want a full-leg laser hair removal. Depending on the size and placement of your tattoo, Laser Clinics Canada can only treat around the tattooed areas with a gap of 3 cm.
Can Laser Hair Removal Be Done Near Tattoos?
The good news is that yes, laser hair removal can be performed on skin near tattoos. Skilled technicians can work around your inked artwork, keeping the tattoo safe while effectively removing unwanted hair.
The technician will carefully cover your tattoo with a white cloth or a special barrier cream to prevent the laser from directly contacting the ink. This creates a safe zone for the laser to target the surrounding hair follicles.
They will also adjust the laser’s settings such as the energy level and pulse duration, to minimise any potential risks to the tattoo.
Further, removing hair near tattooed skin requires a high level of precision and skill, the technician must carefully manoeuvre the laser handpiece to avoid the tattoo while effectively targeting the surrounding hair follicles.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe on Fresh Tattoos?
No, this is an entirely different story. Your tattoo artist will have already advised you on post-care instructions but in case you need reminding, freshly-inked skin is highly sensitive and vulnerable.
Your skin is still in the healing process and applying laser energy to a new tattoo can disrupt the healing process, potentially leading to complications like infection, delayed healing, and ink disruption.
Tattoo Removal Before Laser Hair Removal: A Safer Option
If you’re open to saying goodbye to your tattoo, removing it months before undergoing laser hair removal is your safest option. This process eliminates the risk of interactions with the laser, ensuring your skin is protected.
Laser tattoo removal is an altogether separate procedure that breaks down the tattoo ink into stellar particles your body can naturally absorb.
While this option might not be ideal for those who wish to keep their tattoos, it's worth considering if you're planning to remove the tattoo anyway or are open to the idea.
Remember: If you choose to undergo laser tattoo removal before laser hair removal, wait several months between the two procedures. This gives your skin time to fully heal from the tattoo removal process, ensuring it’s no longer sensitive or vulnerable.
Six to eight weeks is the recommended waiting period between laser tattoo removal sessions and an additional waiting period of 2-4 weeks after the final tattoo removal session before starting laser hair removal.
However, this timeline can vary depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, as well as your healing process. It’s best to discuss this thoroughly with a laser hair removal technician.
Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal for Tattooed Areas
If you have a tattoo and aren't keen on removing it, don't fret! Several safe and effective hair removal alternatives won't compromise your inked artwork.
Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are more affordable and accessible. However, they may not necessarily promise long-term results compared to laser hair removal, as they only remove hair at or slightly below the skin's surface. This means that hair will grow back relatively quickly, often within days or weeks.
Laser Clinics Canada understands tattoos are a form of self-expression and a cherished part of your identity. That's why we use the world's most efficient hair reduction system – the Candela GentleLase Pro and GentleYag Pro – to safely and effectively treat unwanted hair around tattoos without compromising your inked artwork.
Our experienced Therapists are skilled in working around tattoos, provided there is a gap of 3 cm. This safety margin ensures that the laser energy does not inadvertently interact with the tattoo ink, minimising the risk of fading, discolouration, or other complications.
In some cases, it may be possible to adjust the treatment area or explore other hair removal methods to protect your tattoo while still achieving your hair reduction goals.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for a laser hair removal treatment, reach out to Laser Clinics Canada.
Our trusted team of Therapists are highly skilled in safely treating around your tattoo. We can also tailor a treatment plan based on your skin type. Book a complimentary consultation with us today!
