June 1, 2024
Hair Removal
8
TL:DR Summary
- Lasers can’t differentiate between tattoo ink and hair follicles – they target dark pigments indiscriminately. Zapping a tattoo can severely burn and discolor the skin.
- Laser hair removal uses concentrated light to destroy hair roots. But on tattoos, the laser energy fragments and heats up the ink particles instead, causing blisters and scarring.
- Even a small accidental hit on your tattoo can cause the ink to spread or fade. The damaged area may need a touch-up from your tattoo artist later.
- It’s best to avoid laser hair removal altogether on areas with tattoos. The technician can work around small tattoos, but larger pieces limit treatable zones.
- If you plan to get inked, complete your laser hair removal sessions first. Treating over fresh tattoos increases risks like infections and ink distortion.
- Stick to traditional hair removal methods like shaving or waxing for areas with tattoos. Lasers and permanent ink simply don’t play nice together.
Introduction: Why laser hair removal and tattoos don’t mix
In my years of experience in the aesthetics industry, I’ve often been approached with questions about the compatibility of laser hair removal and tattoos. Drawing from my extensive interactions with clients and insights from industry experts, I’ve come to understand the delicate relationship between these two popular aesthetic choices.
In this article, I’ll be exploring why laser hair removal and tattoos do not go together.
Laser hair removal affects tattoos like a typical tattoo removal session
Lately, laser hair removal has been a go-to for women wanting to get rid of unwanted hair. It’s usually safe and works well. But, it’s good to know about a few possible side effects.
One of these is that laser hair removal can destabilize tattoo ink, potentially leading to color changes or even worse. If you are considering laser hair removal as an option for your tattoos, it is important to research the risks involved so that you can make an informed decision.
As we just learned, getting laser hair removal over your tattoos could lead to some serious damage including discoloring your tattoo. Since laser hair removal targets the pigments, it can also reduce the color in your tattoo, or even worse, cause the pigment to scatter.
“Tattoos and laser hair removal don’t mix – it’s best to keep them separate for the sake of your skin!”
Tattoos can also cause skin irritation with laser hair removal treatment
Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the skin. According to Dr. Randeep Grewal, a dermatology expert at the University of Missouri, this ink often contains heavy metals such as mercury and lead. These metals are used to give the ink its color and permanence.
Now, when it comes to removing tattoos, one of the most common methods is laser treatment. The laser works by emitting a highly concentrated beam of light that breaks down the tattoo ink into tiny fragments, which are then eliminated by the body’s immune system. However, when these heavy metals in the tattoo ink are hit by the laser light, they can react and potentially harm your skin.
Lasers on metal-laden skin risk irritation, discoloration, cancer
This reaction can lead to various skin issues. It might cause irritation, which is a general term for discomfort and inflammation of the skin. It could also lead to lasting pigment changes, meaning the color of your skin in the treated area might change permanently. In some cases, the reaction between the laser light and the heavy metals could even increase the risk of skin cancer.
The heat from laser treatment can also cause tattoos to spread
Lasers have become a staple in the medical field, widely used for a variety of treatments due to their precision and effectiveness. They work by emitting a concentrated beam of light that can target specific areas or conditions. However, like any medical procedure, the use of lasers is not without potential side effects.
One such unintended consequence is the spreading of tattoos. Tattoos are essentially composed of numerous tiny particles of ink that are embedded in the skin. These particles are what give the tattoo its color and form.
Laser tattoo removal can spread ink, enlarging or blurring designs
When a laser is used in an attempt to remove a tattoo, it targets these ink particles, breaking them down so that they can be eliminated by the body’s immune system. However, in the process of targeting and breaking down the ink particles of the tattoo, the laser can also affect smaller, nearby particles of ink that were not initially part of the targeted area. This can result in the spreading of the tattoo, causing it to appear larger or more diffuse than it was prior to the laser treatment.
Conclusion: Why laser hair removal and tattoos don’t mix well
So here’s the deal: laser hair removal and tattoos are a bad combo. They can really mess up each other. Tattoos might scar or change color where you get them. And laser hair removal? It can lead to burns and blisters. Thinking about a tattoo? Best to wait until you’re done with your laser hair removal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get laser hair removal over a tattoo?
No, it is not recommended to perform laser hair removal directly over a tattoo. Laser hair removal cannot distinguish between pigment in the hair follicle and pigment in the tattoo ink, which may cause damage to the tattoo.
How does laser hair removal affect tattoos?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles, while tattoos are made up of ink pigments. When the laser is used, it may impact the tattoo and affect its appearance or cause potential damage.
Is it safe to get laser hair removal around a tattoo?
While it is generally safe to perform laser hair removal around a tattoo, there is still a risk that the laser may unintentionally target the pigment in the tattoo ink. It is recommended to consult with a laser technician to discuss the potential risks and precautions.
Can laser hair removal ruin a tattoo?
Although laser hair removal is not intended to directly damage tattoos, there is a possibility that it may impact the appearance of the tattoo due to the heat generated by the laser. It is important to consider this risk before undergoing laser hair removal treatments.
Can I get laser hair removal if I want to get a tattoo?
If you are considering getting a tattoo in the future, it is advised to avoid laser hair removal in the area where you plan to have the tattoo. Laser hair removal can interfere with the tattooing process and may affect the final result.
How does laser hair removal work on the body hair surrounding a tattoo?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicles, so it can effectively remove unwanted body hair in the areas surrounding a tattoo. However, caution should be exercised to avoid direct contact with the tattoo itself.
Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director
Serene Chiam is the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, a well-known aesthetic chain in Singapore. She has more than ten years of experience in the aesthetics industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) and CIDESCO certifications, she expertly combines scientific knowledge with practical skills. Serene is known for her personalized approach to beauty, ensuring each Wellaholic client’s journey is unique and transformative. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in establishing Wellaholic’s reputation for excellence in aesthetic wellness.
Contact Serene at support@wellaholic.com
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