Can I get laser hair removal if I have a tattoo?

Thérapie Clinic has carved a niche, creating an exceptionally strong, recognized brand through the supply of affordable, accessible and most up to date Laser and Aesthetic treatments available globally.

Trust is one of our core values and our aim is to empower our clients, women and men, to become the best possible version of themselves. We want to not just meet your expectations, but to exceed them.

Got a question about laser hair removal? Our expert staff are here to answer them.

Can I get laser hair removal if I 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. Tattoos 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. These 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.

Where is your tattoo?
If you have a tattoo on your ribs and are targeting the body hair on your underarms, you likely won’t have a problem. You can expect an issue if you have a full sleeve and want to get rid of the hair on your arms, or if you have a tattoo on your thigh and want laser hair removal on your legs. Unfortunately, laser hair removal cannot be done over the tattoo and must work around it, so keep that in mind if you are planning to get any more tattoos in the future.

What your options are
If you’re trying to keep your tattoo but get rid of the surrounding hair, your expert laser hair removal technician at Thérapie Clinic will likely create a template to place over your ink. This will ensure that the laser doesn’t affect the skin around your tattoo and allow you to get hair removal everywhere else. Typically, your technician will ensure there are at least 2 to 3 centimeters between your tattoo and the treated area. If your tattoo is protected, there is no risk of it being ruined by laser hair removal.

For those who are looking into getting rid of an unwanted tattoo as well as laser hair removal, it’s best to focus on getting rid of the tattoo first. You will likely have to wait until your laser tattoo removal is complete before you can start the hair elimination process, but each case is different. It really depends on where your tattoo is located and how much overlap there is between your ink and the hair you want to be removed.

To find out more, contact Thérapie Clinic on 1890 650 750 or by visiting your local branch today.