A Guide for a Smooth Experience
Proper hair removal is crucial before your tattoo appointment to ensure the best results. It helps with visibility, stencil adherence, and infection control. Here’s everything you need to know to get the area ready:
Hair Removal Before Your Tattoo Appointment
You can either remove the hair at home or let the artist do it in the studio using a single-use razor. However, if you choose to do it yourself, it’s essential to be careful and avoid irritation or skin damage. Here are some methods to consider:
Waxing
If you plan to wax, do so 3-7 days before your appointment to allow the skin to settle. If you’ve never waxed the area before, consider having it done a couple of times in advance, as the first wax can cause more irritation.
Depilatory Cream
You can use hair removal cream the day before your tattoo appointment, but make sure to test it on a small area of skin beforehand to check for sensitivity.
Trimming
We recommend trimming excess body hair with electric clippers the day before your session. For coarser hair, such as beard or head hair, please remove it yourself or visit a barber before your appointment, as we do not have the tools to handle thicker hair.
Shaving
If you decide to shave, make sure to do so on the day of your appointment. Use a new razor with shaving cream, and be careful to avoid nicks or irritation. Keeping the area clean will also help prevent infection.
Pre-Hair Removal Tip
Hair removal before a tattoo is not mandatory, but it can be very helpful for areas with thicker or coarser hair. For hairier individuals or areas with dense growth, removing the hair beforehand ensures a smoother and faster tattooing process, as this type of hair takes longer to remove. By preparing the area in advance, you’ll save valuable time for both yourself and the tattoo artist.
Important: For any hair removal method, make sure to extend the removal area about 10cm beyond the tattoo area for the best results.
Aftercare: What to Do Once You’re Tattooed
After your tattoo session, it’s important not to remove any hair in the tattooed area while it’s healing. Avoid shaving, trimming, or using depilatory cream until your tattoo has finished peeling, which usually takes around 3 weeks. Even though the outer layer of skin might seem healed, the tattoo continues to heal beneath the surface for up to a couple of months.
For the best results, avoid waxing the area for at least 6 weeks after getting tattooed.
Laser Hair Removal: A Long-Term Option
Laser hair removal is an effective, long-term solution for removing hair, especially if you’re prone to ingrown hairs. In fact, some find laser hair removal sessions to be more affordable than waxing in the long run. However, it’s essential to plan well in advance if you’re considering this option.
What to Know About Laser Hair Removal Before a Tattoo
While laser hair removal is fantastic for permanent hair reduction, it’s important to know that once you’ve been tattooed, you can never have laser hair removal in that area again. Even though the laser used for hair removal works on a different wavelength than tattoo removal lasers, the laser can still pick up the pigment in your tattoo. This can result in burns and potentially damage or remove parts of your tattoo.
If you plan to get laser hair removal, make sure to schedule it well in advance of your tattoo appointment to avoid any complications. Laser hair removal is a process that requires multiple sessions to achieve full benefits, so timing it correctly is key.
Conclusion
Hair removal before a tattoo appointment is an important step to ensure the area is prepped properly for the best possible result. Whether you choose to wax, shave, trim, or use depilatory cream, the key is understanding what your skin can handle and letting settle before the appointment to avoid irritation. By following these guidelines, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, successful tattoo experience.