How to choose the right option for your tattoo and your future plans
There are many reasons why people decide they no longer want a tattoo. Sometimes it’s a name that no longer feels relevant. Sometimes it’s a design that hasn’t aged well. Sometimes your style has simply changed, or you’d like to make room for something new.
Whatever your reason, one of the first questions we usually ask at Bare UK isn’t “When would you like to start?” It’s “What would you like the end result to be?”
The answer to that question helps determine whether complete tattoo removal or tattoo fading is the best option for you.
There isn’t one right answer
Many people assume they need complete tattoo removal; in reality, that isn’t always the case. If your goal is to replace your existing tattoo with a new design, fading it may give you better results than removing it completely.
On the other hand, if you’d like the tattoo to disappear altogether, complete removal is likely to be the better route. Neither option is better than the other – it simply depends on what you want to achieve.
When complete tattoo removal makes sense
Complete removal is often the right choice if:
- You no longer want a tattoo in that area
- The tattoo has personal memories you’d rather leave behind
- You’d like the area to return as closely as possible to natural skin
- You’re unsure whether you’ll want another tattoo in the future
Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process. Each treatment breaks the tattoo ink into smaller particles, which your body naturally removes over the following weeks. The process takes time, but for many clients, achieving clear skin is worth the investment.
When tattoo fading may be the better option
If you’re planning a cover-up tattoo, complete removal isn’t always necessary. Many tattoo artists will happily work over a faded tattoo rather than trying to cover one with heavy shading and a complex design that doesn’t work with the new desired art. Lightening the existing tattoo to an agreed level gives them much more freedom when creating a new design. It can also open up more possibilities for subtle colour, detail and perfect placement.
That is why tattoo fading has become such a popular choice for clients who don’t want to remove their tattoo completely, but simply want a fresh start as quickly as possible.
We always start with your end goal
Before recommending any treatment, we’ll spend time understanding what you’re hoping to achieve.
We’ll talk about:
- Why you’d like to change your tattoo.
- Whether you’re considering a cover-up.
- If you’ve already spoken to a tattoo artist.
- What sort of timescale you’re working towards.
- Whether complete removal or fading is likely to give you the best result.
Every tattoo tells a different story, so every treatment plan should be different too. If you’d like to know more, here’s what happens at your first laser appointment.
Every tattoo responds differently
No two tattoos are the same. The number of sessions you’ll need depends on several factors, including:
- The age of your tattoo.
- The colours used.
- How much ink is present.
- Where the tattoo is on your body.
- Your skin type.
- How your body naturally clears the broken-down ink.
Because of this, we’ll never promise a fixed number of treatments before we’ve seen your tattoo. Instead, we’ll give you honest advice based on our experience and explain what you can realistically expect.
Why choosing an experienced clinic matters
At Bare UK, we’ve invested in the best equipment for this treatment – our new Deka Q switched Lynton STUDIO laser, which can target almost every colour of ink in a tattoo. Lynton have been a leading supplier to the NHS for over 30 years, and is one of a few laser companies on the NHS supply chain.
Laser tattoo removal isn’t simply about owning the right equipment, though. It’s also about knowing how to use it safely and effectively for every individual client. We believe in taking the time to understand your goals rather than recommending the same treatment for everyone.
Phil is Level 5 trained, one of the highest levels of qualification for laser treatment, and he will be your clinician throughout your treatment journey, giving you continuity, consistency and personalised care from your first appointment to your last.
Working alongside your tattoo artist or helping you find one
If your goal is a cover-up, we’re happy to work alongside your chosen tattoo artist. Many clients begin their journey with us before returning to their artist once the tattoo has faded sufficiently. We will want to chat with your tattoo artist fairly early on to establish how far we need to fade your existing design. And if you currently do not have a tattoo artist in mind, we can introduce you to a highly creative and quality salon in Oxford to see if you like that fit.
Taking this collaborative approach often leads to a better final result than trying to cover a dark tattoo straight away. It’s all about giving a tattoo artist the best possible canvas to work with.
Which option is right for you?
The answer is different for every client. Some people leave their consultation knowing complete removal is exactly what they want. Others realise that fading their tattoo is a quicker and more practical way to achieve the result they’re looking for.
Whatever your goal, we’re here to guide you through the options with honest advice and realistic expectations.
Ready to explore your options?
Whether you’re considering complete tattoo removal or preparing for a future cover-up, we’d love to help.
Book a consultation at Bare UK, and we’ll assess your tattoo, talk through your goals and recommend the approach that’s right for you. Sometimes the best first step isn’t choosing a treatment, it’s simply having the conversation.
