Can You Do Laser Hair Removal Over Tattoos?

Laser hair removal is a popular and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair nowadays. The light energy from the laser selectively damages the hair follicles in the skin, reducing the new hair growth. 

Tattoos are unique forms of self-expression, often holding deep personal meaning, and it’s natural to want to preserve their appearance for as long as possible. If you’re someone who has invested in body art and is now considering laser hair removal, a common and very valid concern that often arises is whether the laser technology could potentially damage or alter your tattoo.

Given that both tattoos and the Process of Laser Hair Removal fundamentally interact with color – specifically, pigments – it’s crucial to understand the safety considerations involved.

The straightforward answer to your question is this: Yes, you absolutely can undergo laser hair removal if you have tattoos, but with a critical caveat. The laser treatment itself must never be applied directly onto the tattooed skin. This distinction is paramount for both the integrity of your body art and the safety of your skin.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the dark color in hair roots, heating them up, and stopping hair from growing back. The problem is, tattoo ink also has dark colors. If the laser is used on your tattoo, it can react with the ink, which can lead to:

• Fading or patchiness in your tattoo
• The colour of the ink is changing
• Burns or blisters
• Scars on your skin

Because the laser can’t tell the difference between hair colour and tattoo ink, it’s risky to treat tattoos.

If your tattoo is on one part of your body and you want laser hair removal on a completely different, untattooed area (like a arm tattoo and treating your face or legs), there’s no concern. The laser will only be applied where hair removal is desired, leaving your tattoo untouched.

If the desired laser hair removal area is close to your tattoo, your qualified skin doctor will follow strict safety protocols:

Cover and protect the tattoo:- A medical-grade barrier, like tape or a shield, will be placed directly over your tattoo to block the laser’s energy.
Target only untattooed skin:- The laser technician will precisely target skin next to, but not over, the tattoo.
Maintain a safety margin:- They will stay slightly away from the tattoo border to prevent accidental laser exposure.

These measures ensure your tattoo remains safe while you still get smooth, hair-free skin in surrounding areas.

If you have hair growing right on top of your tattoo and want it removed, regular hair removal like shaving or waxing is safe and will not affect your ink. For a long-term solution, electrolysis is a good option. Electrolysis treats each hair one by one and does not react with tattoo ink.

Best Tattoo Removal Treatment

1. Can laser hair removal be done directly over a tattoo?

No, hair removal lasers should not be used directly over tattooed skin. The laser targets pigment, and tattoo ink contains pigment, so the laser can react strongly with the ink. This can cause burns, fading, colour changes or scarring.

2. Can I still get laser hair removal if I have tattoos?

Yes, you can safely undergo laser hair removal on any non-tattooed area. Your dermatologist will simply avoid the tattooed region and treat the surrounding skin.

3. What happens if the laser accidentally hits the tattoo?

If the laser overlaps the tattoo, the ink can absorb too much energy, leading to blistering, burns or changes in the tattoo’s appearance. This is why trained professionals carefully shield or cover the tattoo before treatment.

While laser hair removal is safe and effective, it cannot be performed directly on tattooed skin due to the risk of damage to both the skin and the tattoo.

However, you can still undergo laser hair removal on non-tattooed areas and around your tattoos with proper precautions.

For personalized advice and safe treatment, consult with the dermatologists at ClearSkin to ensure your laser hair removal journey is smooth and successful.