Can You Get Laser Hair Removal With Tattoos?
So after continuous monthly waxing and weekly shaving, you have decided that you had enough of them. It is time to look for an affordable and sustainable solution. Hence, you get the idea of laser hair removal.
Now, just when you are about to proceed with the idea, you suddenly look at yourself and see your dear tattoos. And you are at a loss, thinking if it is alright going under the laser treatment. After all, a tattoo is nothing if it is not sensitive to hundreds of things, right?
The good news is that you can get laser hair removal with tattoos. They will be safe. But it will not be so if the laser accesses the tattoo directly.
I guess you already have a bunch of questions now. Find them answered here!
How Does The Process Of Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal, a long-term method, reduces your hair growth. It applies the technology of selective photothermolysis to remove the tissues of targeted body parts. It can do so without causing any damage to the surrounding tissues.
The laser device emits light to target the hair pigments when the session begins. Then the melanin absorbs it, which becomes thermal energy after reaching the hair follicles. The heat destroys them to stop hair growth.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal With Tattoos?
You can get laser hair removal with tattoos as long as the hair is not on the tattooed part of your body.
As you have read, the hair pigments attract the laser light to damage the follicle. Now, if you think about it, a tattoo is the amalgamation of skin deposited as pigments beneath your skin. That means when the laser light is on, the ink will draw it, eventually causing damage due to the excessive presence of heat.
Besides, it will cause pain, giving you burning sensations, fading, and running your tattoo. That is not even the least. It can create permanent damage and blisters, making it longer to recover from them.
If you want, you can have the treatment in the surrounding areas of your tattoo. That will not harm it in any way. But if it is the tattooed area itself, you will want to rethink your decision.
What If I Want To Get A Tattoo After Having My Hair Removed?
If you want to get a tattoo after your laser hair removal treatment, you should wait till it completes. Your skin will be sensitive and vulnerable to sun damage and other external factors. So, it needs a while to recover first.
You can get a tattoo after several weeks of laser hair removal. Then you can contact your tattooist to schedule an appointment and have your tattoo checked. If they give you a green signal, you can have your tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have any options?
Yes, you have. Considering you want to keep the tattoo but remove the hair around it, your technician will make and place a template over the tattoo ink to ensure the laser does its job without affecting your tattoo.
They will secure 2-3 centimeters between the tattoo and the area to be treated. Your tattoo will be at no risk as long as it stays protected.
What if I want to remove hair and tattoo both?
In that case, you should remove your tattoo first. You will have to wait for the completion of the laser tattoo removal before the laser hair removal. However, it differs because it depends mainly on the tattoo location and the overlap between your hair and your tattoo ink.
How long does it take to complete the laser hair removal treatment?
That depends on how an individual’s body responds to the treatment. Some get their desired result within 6 sessions, while others need 12.
The hair location and hormonal functions are highly responsible for the time and length of the procedure.
Final Words
It should only be a matter of concern if you have a tattoo in the place whose hair you want to remove. If that is the situation, you can talk to the technician before the treatment begins, so they can take necessary measures to keep your tattoo unharmed. But letting the laser work on the tattooed skin is not a decision you want to make. It will not only ruin your tattoo but also cause you physical issues. About getting a tattoo on the area where you have undergone laser, give your skin enough time to get prepped for another lengthy procedure.
So, take your time and contemplate all the probable consequences before whatever step you take. Best of luck!
