Let’s first illustrate how laser hair removal successfully works, as understanding how our technology works will help explain why laser hair removal directly over a tattoo isn’t safe. Now onto the science: the melanin in your hair follicle absorbs the light from our laser, which effectively destroys the follicle so hair will no longer grow there.

However, laser hair removal can negatively affect tattoos because the laser can’t differentiate between the pigment in the follicle and ink from the tattoo, leading to both complications and pain in the tattooed area. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get laser hair removal; you’ll just have to avoid lasering over areas where tattoo ink is present.

“We have protocols in place to ensure safety when treating near tattoos,” said Milan Laser Medical Management Specialist Manager Kayla S. “At Milan, we define tattoos as any permanent or semi-permanent ink on the skin.

“If you are interested in getting new ink in a place where you have unwanted body hair, we would recommend that you complete laser hair removal first.”

Protecting Your Ink: Risks of Laser Hair Removal on Tattoos

Tattoos typically have special meaning. Whether you’re honoring a memory or just showcasing a unique piece of art on your body, you want your tattoo to look great. So during your laser hair removal consultation, be sure to share about any tattoos on your body.

That way, your laser hair removal professional can avoid the area and you can be safely treated. Failure to do so could lead to complications for not only you, the client, but also your tattoo. Should laser hair removal happen over a tattoo, fading and discoloration of the tattoo pigment could result.

And that doesn’t even factor in the possible scarring and skin damage on and around the tattoo. The whole treatment process could lead to pain and potential discomfort.

Steering Clear of Trouble: Alternatives for Hair Removal around Tattoos

It’s possible you have a tattoo in an area that still requires hair removal. And for those areas, there are still effective methods you can use, including:

• Shaving, waxing, and trimming: Any of these three choices will get the job done. Just know it’s something that will require routine maintenance every few days or weeks, depending on your choice. And if you have a recent tattoo, make sure it’s fully healed and peeled before you address the area. 
• Electrolysis: While time-consuming, electrolysis is an effective method to remove hair growing over a tattoo. A small, thin needle is inserted into the hair follicle and an electric current destroys it.