Can you get laser hair removal, without effecting a tattoo? After being asked this question numerous times by friends, and family I sought to search out the answer. I asked a few laser hair technicians, and tattoo artist alike but none seemed to have the answer. If you are a technician, or tattoo artist I would suggest educating yourself on the effects of laser hair removal.
After rigorous research, I have found many cases of people who have had laser hair removal preformed. Most cases were caused by a slip up of the technicians preforming the laser hair removal "slipping", or being careless. The results were often the same, a puss-filled blister covering the area that had been crossed by the laser. In some cases, infection was almost immediate , and had to be treated in the emergency room?
They have reported, that after the painful blister had healed, the tattoo was either considerably faded or disfigured. There are many problems that can arise from this, infection being the main concern. It can also cause significant scarring.
So, my only suggestion would to seek laser hair removal prior to getting your tattoos. If you do, indeed end up with scarring from your treatment you will need to check with your artist. Most artists will not tattoo over fresh scars, and depending on your own body's healing it may take years for the scar to flatten enough before it is able to accept pigment.
If you are still considering getting laser hair removal around your tattoo, protecting yourself with knowledge is the key. Read the fine print in any contract you are requested to sign, if it includes anything to the nature of "not responsible for damaged tattoos" I would then search for another company. If laser hair removal goes wrong, it can not only damage your tattoo but cost you time, and possible thousands of dollars to repair.
Though, there is one option that you do have. Though it can be expensive, and tedious Electrolysis is the only proven hair removal method that will not have an adverse effect on your tattoo.
