Laser hair removal is popular among people who want long-lasting hair removal. It can be performed on nearly any body part, including the face, arms, legs, shoulders, and back.
The relationship between permanent laser hair removal and tattoos is problematic: tattooed skin tends not to respond well to the lasers that remove hair. Still, you can get laser hair removal regardless of the tone of your skin or the number of tattoos on it.
However, you and your provider will need to work together to keep you and your tattoos safe during and after each treatment.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
During laser hair removal, a technician moves a handheld wand emitting a laser across the entire treatment area to target the dark pigment cells in hair follicles. Specifically, the laser is set to a wavelength that heats the pigment cells only in hair follicles but not those in the surrounding skin. The heat damages the follicles, preventing them from growing new hairs.
Hair removal lasers only target hair follicles in the growth phase, so they can’t remove all hairs at the same time. You typically need several sessions to ensure all follicles entering the growth phase in the treatment area are removed.
Still, laser hair removal is highly popular because of its safety. While you may experience slight soreness or redness after each session, the treatment won’t cause lasting wounds or burns.
Will Laser Hair Removal Damage a Tattoo?
Laser tattoo removal uses lasers of wavelengths that break specific ink colors in your tattoo into tiny particles, which your body flushes naturally. This treatment also requires multiple sessions to achieve full results.
But can you get laser hair removal over a tattoo? Because hair removal lasers work at different wavelengths than tattoo removal lasers, they might not fade a tattoo. However, they may cause injuries if applied to tattooed skin.
Hair removal lasers can heat tattoo inks the same way they destroy hair pigment cells. When heated to a dangerous degree, the heated inks can cause painful burns, skin damage, and scarring.
Laser Hair Removal Tips for People With Tattoos
Having tattoos does not mean you can’t get laser hair removal. It simply means that you should not get the treatment on the tattooed area of your skin.
If you want laser hair removal near a tattoo, your provider can work around your tattoo to safely and effectively remove hair adjacent to the ink.
While you should avoid getting laser hair removal on tattooed skin, you can either try shaving or use other safe, mostly effective hair removal options, including:
- Electrolysis — In this permanent hair removal method, an electric current is used to target hair follicles and stop their growth.
- Depilatory creams — These creams superficially dissolve body hair temporarily. The hair grows back normally over time.
- Epilators, waxing, or sugaring — With these methods, body hairs are pulled out from their roots. This gives you two to four hair-free weeks.
The Importance of Working With an Experienced Laser Provider
When you want to get laser hair removal over a tattoo, finding a skilled, experienced laser provider who can design a safe, effective treatment plan is pivotal.
At Lasers by Monica, our motto is safety first. We are proud to protect our client’s safety and well-being during all treatments.
If you’re looking for the best laser hair removal in Murray Hill and Manhattan, NYC, call Laser by Monica today. Our concierge services, provided by NYS-certified laser hair removal specialists, are designed for clients looking for permanent hair removal.