If you spend a lot of time on TikTok, you might believe laser hair removal is a recent fad, even though the technology has existed since the late 1980s. Given that the hashtag #laserhairremoval has been seen more than 1.8 billion times on Instagram, it's clear that the therapy is a hit.

IPL hair removal has recently become a trending topic on the internet, with over 23 million video views on TikTok alone. These gadgets allow consumers to remove unwanted hair in the privacy of their own homes.

Even though laser hair removal has received much attention in the media, not everyone will benefit from it. Tattoos are a clear indication of this fact. What follows is comprehensive information on tattoos and laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal: How It's Done

A concentrated beam of light is aimed at the hair follicles, killing them. Pigment (in the hair root or the blood supply to the follicle) is what the laser is drawn to, and it is this pigment that absorbs the light and heat, injuring the follicle enough to prevent further growth.

Tattoos and Laser Hair Removal: A Closer Look

As we have seen, the pigment within your hair follicle is what the laser hair removal system is drawn to in the deepest layers of your skin. As the laser can't tell the difference between the pigment in your hair follicle and the pigment in your ink, it can disperse the pigment of your tattoo when used to remove hair. Occasionally, it might even dull the hue of the tattoo itself.

Is laser hair removal safe for use on tattoos?

Simply put, no, laser hair removal over a tattoo is not safe, regardless of whether or not the tattoo was intended to be permanent. Lasers designed for hair removal should not be used on tattoos because doing so might cause scarring, blistering, and other skin damage.

There are still choices available if you currently have tattoos and have chosen to want laser hair removal as well. The best way to ensure that the region where your tattoo will go will be completely hair-free is to undergo an entire course of laser hair removal in advance. This is not only the most practical and risk-free choice but also provides the best possible surface for your tattoo to show off its true beauty.

Safer Hair Removal Methods Than Lasers

If you have tattoos and hope to get rid of unwanted hair, you may be disappointed to learn that laser hair removal is not an option. The less expensive alternatives to laser removal of body hair that covers tattoos are safe shaves and waxing. Simply shave or wax in the same direction your hair grows (the "grain"), and you will be fine. You should always use a clean razor with sharp blades when shaving, regardless of whether you have tattoos or not, to avoid nicks and cuts. The Kitsch Perfect Glide Safety Razor ($29) is one example of a razor with a safety guard that might help you avoid accidental shaving cuts.

In Conclusion

Green says that because tattoos and laser hair removal don't go together, you should consider your long-term goals for your appearance before choosing between the two. The laser will see the ink in the tattoo instead of the hair, and it will either burn the skin or harm the skin and the tattoo.