Will-laser-hair-removal-affect-my-tattoos
Does Laser Hair Removal damage tattoos?
Many people get knowing it may affect their laser hair removal. We see every week with a new tattoo and have to tell them we are not able laser hair removal over the area where the fresh tattoo is. (IPL cannot be either). This blog will hope to clear up…
By Mary Basiadima, 13 November 2019
Many people get knowing it may affect their We see every week with a new tattoo and have to tell them we are not able perform laser hair over the area where the fresh tattoo is. (IPL cannot be either). This blog will hope to clear up the about if it does laser hair removal damage tattoos?
Today there is almost no part of the body that cant and hasn’t been tattooed! Places that used to be off limits like face, neck and hands are no longer off limits. This challenges for people wanting to be hair free and also for laser clinics.
Not long ago, tattoos were mainly on upper arms so hair removal wasn’t much of an issue. Also laser hair removal or were not as common as they are now.
If you do not have a tattoo yet, but are about getting one, and it is going to be in an area where you are concerned about hair growth, the best thing to do would be to be prepared, have laser hair removal before you have your tattoo – if you want to keep the area smooth and hair free after the tattoo.
Some areas are hair free so there is no need to worry. If you are your next tattoo on your forearms or legs, which are hairier, then plan ahead and get laser hair removal before you get the tattoo done.
You will have to wait a number of weeks after the laser hair removal before you are able to get your tattoo done. This gives the skin a chance to heal as laser hair does hair and you need to give your skin a chance to . So once you have a tattoo lets discuss what your options are.
One of the key questions if you are thinking about laser hair removal and have is where is the tattoo located? If you have a tattoo that is on your ribs and wish to have laser hair removal you are to face any issues.
Large in areas where hair growth is such as on your arms, if you have a sleeve, or back or on your legs or in more discreet places!
Now for the bad news hair removal cannot be done over tattoos. Only the surrounding areas around the tattoo itself. The larger the tattoo, the the problem removing hair by laser.
There have been stories in the press of laser hair being done over a tattoo, usually by an clinic or untrained, inexperienced employee, which have in third degree burns hospital .
How to cover up a tattoo for laser hair removal
If you still want to do laser hair removal with a tattoo, then practitioners will be able to create a cover for the tattoo and then target the surrounding area, usually around 2-3cm the tattoo and the lasered skin.
As long as the laser does not go near the tattoo you will be fine. You can ask the practitioner to mark around the tattoo with their white pen as an extra precaution. tape or plasters are not necessary. Although be warned using this may lighten the colour of the tattoo and could still damage the tattooed skin. The most important thing you can do is find an experienced you can trust.
Laser hair works by targeting the melanin or in the skin using wavelengths of light.
This light energy attacks the hair follicle and it from growing back. Lasers cannot tell the between dark in a hair follicle or in a tattoo. A dark colour is a dark colour to a laser. Laser light is automatically drawn to the dark colour to destroy it. Unfortunately laser hair that can tell the difference between the two doesn’t yet exist, but may one day.
If laser hair removal was performed over a tattoo the laser would have the pigment in the hair as there would be from the tattoo surrounding, confusing the laser.
So you have the double effect of poor laser hair and exposing tattooed skin to the laser which could severe scarring or long term issues to the skin. So bad all round.
Also different lasers are used for and hair . What about IPL?
Can you use IPL on tattoos?
IPL are not classified as lasers. They are full-spectrum flashlamps. Like a flash on a camera. They are good for certain skin conditions like and . Not as for laser for hair removal. We would not recommend IPL for laser hair removal and you the same issues with your tattoos that you have with IPL.
If you are eager to remove the hair on a tattoo, don’t fret as there is a process that can be used as a . Electrolysis treatments avoid the risk of scarring and damage to the tattoo itself.
treatment is advised and the results are highly effective and can ease your about hair. You will not get the same results as having laser hair removal but it is the next best thing.
Of course, if you are genuinely concerned about the hair on your body then you could also decide what is more important: a tattoo or skin? If it is the latter, you could look at having the tattoo removed then waiting for a period of time, before the laser hair . At Premier Laser we do offer tattoo removal and laser hair .
Why not book a so we can have a look at your tattoo and hair growth and any plans along with performing a patch test to check your suitability.
Alternatively epilation could be the way although not as effective as laser hair it is still an option for you to be hair free. Then there are always the ways ofor waxing. Yes, they are a hassle and need to be constantly done but they are the options so you can enjoy hair free skin.
Post navigation
Related Articles
If you’re considering non-surgical fat freezing, you’ve probably come across both CoolSculpting and Elite. While they use the same core science, there are some important that can affect your results, time, and overall experience. At London Premier Laser, we offer both treatments and help choose the most suitable option based on…
Quick Answer: What Is ? Hyperpigmentation is a common skin that causes patches of skin to appear darker than the surrounding area. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. can appear as: Brown spots Sun spots Age spots Melasma Acne marks Dark patches after skin injury…
HIFU vs Ultherapy vs Sofwave vs Thermage: Comparison Guide skin tightening treatments have become popular for and the skin without or . With options like HIFU, Ultherapy, Sofwave, and Thermage, it’s not always obvious which is the right fit for your skin or goals. While all four work…
Seeing real in acne takes time — and for most people, noticeable results begin to appear within 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. Whether you’re starting a skincare plan or a professional treatment programme, what to expect helps you stay and avoid early frustration. Month 1: Skin Phase In…
– 14 The Pavement, SW4 OHY •
– 1/3 Hill, London EC4R 2RA •
– 3-5 Place, London, SW6 1AY •
– 4 Eden Street, KT1 1BB •
– 4 Spital Square, London E1 6DU •
– 177 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WX •
Copyright © 2026 Premier Laser & Skin Clinic. All rights reserved.
LPLC Soho Ltd. Company no: and DR Medical Clinic Ltd. Company no: .
·