Is it safe to have laser hair removal if you have a tattoo?

Yes, it is safe to have laser hair removal if you have a tattoo. However, it is unsafe to laser directly over your tattoo. The area where you have your tattoo must be avoided for safety reasons.  Laser is designed to absorb into anything on the skin that contains dark pigment. This is why moles and birthmarks should also be avoided. These structures contain larger patches of pigment which will cause more heat to be absorbed by the laser.  When laser is pulsed over the skin hair follicles are much smaller in size so the heat delivered by the laser will not be as destructive.  This heat travels down the hair shaft and will destroy tiny cells at the base of the hair follicle. This interconnecting cells bring blood flow to the hair helping it to grow and if laser disables these hairs lose their blood supply and don’t regrow. 

How to safely perform laser if you have a tattoo?

Your tattoo may be left distorted if a laser was to be directly pulsed over the area. The skin in the area may blister and separate also. All responsible laser clinics will ensure that therapists are fully trained to ensure this does not happen. If by accident this does happen it may take a number of months to fully heal. When it has healed you can get the tattoo touched up so that the design is back to normal. It is safe to have laser hair removal if you have a tattoo but caution must be taken during treatment. 

Being a dedicated hair removal clinic we perform treatments on clients with tattoos every day. We have protocols in place to always make sure your skin is kept safe at all times throughout your treatment.  If you are thinking about laser hair removal contact us today to book your free consultation. Our team of specialists will talk through any concerns you may have.