A Guide for a Smooth Experience
Hair removal is an essential part of the tattooing process, as it’s necessary for clear visibility, proper stencil adherence and infection control. For this reason, your artist will always shave the area with a single-use razor at the start of your appointment.
That said, single-use razors can be irritating on sensitive skin and are slow to get through dense or coarse hair. Because of this, some clients choose to remove hair themselves before their appointment to save time and minimise irritation.
Removing hair before your appointment is not required, but it can be beneficial if done correctly. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to leave hair removal to your artist. If you do choose to remove hair beforehand, the following methods and tips will help you do so safely.
Shaving
Shave on the day of your appointment, not earlier. Use a brand new razor blade or cartridge, as used ones can harbour bacteria. Lather generously with shaving cream or soap, and take your time to avoid nicks or razor burn. After shaving, wash the area thoroughly with soap and keep the skin clean until your appointment.
Waxing
If you plan to wax, do so at least 3–7 days before your appointment. Waxing before a tattoo is only recommended if the area has been waxed before. First-time waxing, or waxing after a long break, often causes more irritation because the hair is removed at its full growth cycle. If you’re new to waxing an area, plan to start 3–4 months ahead to allow time for multiple waxing sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart.
Depilatory Cream
You can use hair removal cream the day before your tattoo appointment if you have previously tested it before on your skin to check for sensitivity.
Trimming
Dense or coarse body hair can be trimmed with electric clippers before your session to make shaving quicker and easier for your artist.
Beard/Head Hair
Single-use razors are not designed for beard or head hair, so your artist will not be able to shave these areas for you. Please remove this hair yourself or visit a barber before your appointment.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal works on the same principle as tattoo removal lasers by targeting pigment. It’s a long-term process, with treatments spaced to match hair growth cycles and typically taking 12–18 months (sometimes longer), so this timeframe needs to be considered before planning a tattoo in the same area. Once an area has been tattooed, laser hair removal cannot be performed there, as the laser would interact with the tattoo pigment and damage the tattoo.
Important:
Whichever method you use, remove the hair well beyond the tattoo area. At least a full hand-width of extra space around it works best
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 2 – 3 weeks.
Even when the outer layer of skin might seem healed, the tattoo continues to heal beneath the surface for up to a couple of months, so avoid waxing the area for at least 6 weeks after getting tattooed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for your skin and how you’d like your appointment time used. Understanding your options allows you to choose the approach that’s most comfortable for you, whether that’s preparing the area yourself or leaving it to your artist.
Leave a Reply