Intense pulsed light (IPL) hair removal is an essential method for getting rid of unwanted body hair. It's a tried-and-tested technique, but you may be concerned about a tattoo. Don't deprive yourself of this method of hair removal, simply buy patches to cover tattoos during your session.
Intense pulsed light hair removal and tattoos: the risks
Intense pulsed light hair removal targets melanin, a skin pigment. Flashes of light are emitted to heat the hair root, destroying the hair bulb and causing no damage to the skin. However, extra precautions are required if you have tattoos.
This is because the epilator is unable to distinguish the dark color of the tattoo from the dark pigment of the hair. As a result, you run the risk of burns, scars and tattoo discoloration.
If you don't take precautions or handle the epilator correctly, you risk damaging both your tattoo and your skin. The solution is to protect yourself using a specific methodology.
How to protect tattoos during pulsed-light epilation?
By now, you know that proper protection is a must during an IPL hair removal session, no matter what area of the body is being treated, whether it's the bikini line, the face or even the legs. For example, by using a white pencil. With a perfectly sharpened lead, you can cover the most sensitive areas, i.e. your tattoos, during a hair removal session. It's also proven useful for masking spots and moles. With the white pencil, you can easily delimit the area to be treated.
Another solution is to invest in self-adhesive stickers. You cover your tattoo so that the area is not flashed by the pulsed-light epilator. This is an essential product for safe hair removal. It can also be used to hide birthmarks, freckles, moles and warts.
Additional precautions and alternatives to Intense Pulsed Light hair removal
Intense pulsed light hair removal gives you excellent, long-lasting results. But there are a few precautions you should take before using it, such as ensuring that the area to be treated is free of recent tattoos. It is also essential to apply a high SPF sunscreen.
Alternative hair removal methods include depilatory creams, waxing, shaving, electrolysis and laser after consultation with a professional.
Conclusion
If you want to get a tattoo and take advantage of permanent hair removal with Intense Pulsed Light, we advise you to concentrate on the hair removal before thinking about your tattoo. In this way, you can evenly remove hair from the area to be tattooed. If the tattoos are already present, we recommend using specific patches or a white pencil. You'll enjoy a safe session with a remarkable result.