Consider Laser Hair Removal Before Getting Tattoos

Let’s get right down to it: nobody wants a hairy tattoo! So whether you’re planning an amazing, huge back tat or something a little less dramatic, we have some very important advice for you: take care of the hair first!

You might be looking forward to endlessly shaving or otherwise removing hair from your tatted area for the rest of your days, but we think not. It makes more sense to get rid of that unwanted hair, virtually permanently, with laser hair removal. That way, your tattoo will always look its detailed best, never stubbled or furry. Unfortunately, once that ink is in place, laser hair removal is no longer an option; nor is intense-pulsed light (IPL).

Laser Hair Removal Must Come First

Lasers use pinpoint, highly controlled light to target hair follicles. Specifically, they zero in on the pigment in the follicle. They require color contrast to clearly distinguish that pigment from surrounding skin cells. This is why laser treatments are not suitable for those with dark hair and darker skin tones – the laser can’t reliably find its target, meaning an increased risk of burns or other skin damage. No matter the color of your tattoo, it darkens the skin and renders the laser both ineffective and unsafe.

Laser Hair Removal Works Almost Anywhere

Tattoos come in a stunning array of sizes, shapes and intricate, colorful designs, as limitless and unique as the individuals who wear them. And these days, tattoos are showing up all over the body. Some of those areas don’t have much natural hair anyway, so it’s not an issue. But other areas, well...man or woman - hair could spoil the visual effect you’re going for.

For example, let’s say you’ve always wanted a little something special in the way of a tat on your backside, but you have also inherited the “hairy bottom” gene. Or you’re longing for full tattoo sleeves or a beautiful piece on your calf that would look great with shorts, but you’re worried about those hairy forearms and legs. Or you’re considering a facial tattoo. Anyway you slice it, the hair has to go.

So the “laser hair removal first” rule applies almost everywhere you might be getting a tattoo. Keep in mind that laser hair removal is a gradual process that requires multiple treatments, thanks to the fact that hair grows in phases. The laser can only target actively growing follicles. With several successive treatments, we can ultimately catch all the hairs in their growing phase.

Laser Hair Removal Prepares Your Skin for Tattooing

Once your treatments are finished, you’ll have silky smooth skin – the ideal canvas for your ink artist. They won’t have to shave the area before they get started, and you’ll never worry about having to shave or wax or smear depilatory creams all over your stunning tattoo, ever.

Don’t schedule your tattoo appointment immediately after laser hair removal, though. You’ll want to leave enough time for all the final hairs to fall out and for your skin to calm and be in prime condition for needling.

Don’t Be Disappointed

The last thing our Raval Facial Aesthetics team wants is to tell a patient we cannot help you with laser hair removal because you already have a tattoo in that area. Our goal is to help you get rid of unwanted hair so you can then get the tat of your dreams, confidently and safely. So, if you’re planning a new tattoo, or you’re even considering adding ink someplace on your body where hair could interfere, let’s get started with laser hair removal now so you can be ink-ready as soon as possible.