Hair Removal

Can You Get Laser Hair Removal With Tattoos?

Laser Hair Removal and Tattoos: What You Need to Know

Laser hair removal is one of the most effective ways to achieve smoother skin and ditch the razor for good—but what if you have tattoos? The good news is, you can absolutely get laser hair removal if you have tattoos. The not-so-surprising caveat: it can’t be done on your tattoo.

At LaserAway, we specialize in safe, medically-backed laser hair removal treatments that deliver real results—no matter your skin type, hair texture, or aesthetic goals. And when it comes to tattoos, we take extra steps to make sure your ink stays protected while the surrounding skin is treated. Here’s how it works.

First, What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal uses concentrated pulses of light to target and heat the pigment in your hair follicles. This damages the follicle to inhibit future growth, leading to long-term hair reduction over a series of sessions. It’s a clinically proven approach to hair removal that’s fast, effective, and tailored to your skin.

We use advanced laser technology that’s safe for a wide range of skin tones. Most patients need around six to eight treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. The goal: smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, and way less time spent shaving or waxing.

So, Can You Get Laser Hair Removal If You Have Tattoos?

Yes—but not directly over tattooed skin.

The laser used in hair removal is designed to seek out pigment. While it effectively targets the melanin in your hair, it can also be drawn to the ink in your tattoo. That interaction can cause adverse effects like burns, blistering, or even distortion of the tattoo’s appearance.

To avoid that, we don’t treat tattooed skin. Instead, your clinician will carefully cover any tattoos in or near the treatment area with a protective, opaque bandage. Then, they’ll proceed with laser hair removal on the surrounding untreated skin. You’ll still get results in the areas that matter—without compromising your ink or your safety.

What to Expect During Treatment Around a Tattoo

If you have a tattoo near the area being treated—say, a forearm sleeve and you’re targeting underarm hair—we’ll map out the treatment zone and ensure the laser avoids any inked skin. Here’s what your LaserAway experience might look like:

  • Step 1: Free Consultation. We’ll evaluate your skin, hair type, and tattoos to create a personalized treatment plan.
  • Step 2: Prep. Before the laser is activated, your clinician will place a protective covering over any tattoos.
  • Step 3: Treatment. The laser is applied to the non-tattooed skin using settings customized for your skin tone and hair color. 
  • Step 4: Post-care. You’ll receive expert aftercare guidance, including how to care for your skin between sessions.

Our exclusive LaserSafe Solution is a set of industry-leading laser hair removal safety protocols, combining Cynosure’s cutting-edge laser software and the expertise of our experienced clinicians. Together, they deliver smarter, safer treatments by automatically starting and resetting to the safest laser setting—Nd:YAG—to minimize risk and ensure precise, skin tone-appropriate care at every session. This process is designed to keep your skin safe and your tattoo intact—while delivering the long-term hair reduction you came in for.

How to Prep for Your Appointment

A few simple steps can help you get the best results from each laser hair removal session, whether or not you have tattoos:

  • Shave 24 hours before. This allows the laser to effectively reach the follicle without interference from surface hair.

  • Avoid sun exposure. Stay out of the sun and skip tanning (including self-tanner) for at least two weeks before treatment.

  • Skip retinoids and exfoliants. Avoid these products on the treatment area for several days to prevent unnecessary skin sensitivity.

  • Don’t wax or pluck. These methods remove the hair at the root, which the laser needs to target.

  • Let us know about tattoos. Mention any tattoos near the treatment area during your consultation so we can plan accordingly.

Can You Tattoo Over Treated Skin Later?

If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo after finishing your laser hair removal series, you’ll need to wait. It’s important to let the treated area fully heal before getting new ink to avoid irritation, poor ink absorption, or other complications. Most patients should wait at least several weeks post-treatment, but we’ll give you personalized guidance based on your skin’s recovery.

Why Choose LaserAway?

At LaserAway, we combine cutting-edge technology with medical expertise to offer the most effective laser hair removal experience possible. Our licensed clinicians don’t just know lasers—they know how to tailor treatments to your body, your goals, and yes, your tattoos. Every detail of your appointment is designed with your comfort and results in mind.

If you have tattoos, we’ll take the extra steps to protect them while still delivering smooth, lasting results where it counts.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between your body art and laser hair removal. As long as the laser avoids direct contact with tattooed skin, it’s completely safe to treat the surrounding areas. And at LaserAway, we make sure your tattoos are protected every step of the way.

Ready to experience smoother skin—without compromising your ink? Book your free consultation today and see what laser hair removal can do for you.

References:

  1. “Nd:YAG Technology for Laser Hair Removal: What’s New?,” Dermatological Reviews, July 26, 2024.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal With Tattoos?

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