Tattoo Removal

15 Great Cover Up Ideas for Your Ex’s Name Tattoo

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Published: 12.07.2020
Updated: 03.18.2026

Getting rid of your ex’s name tattoo can be an important step in truly moving on. Whether you recently went through a breakup or you’ve kept the tattoo for years without knowing what to do about it, there may come a time when you decide it’s time for a change. The good news is that covering up an ex’s name tattoo is absolutely possible with the help of a skilled tattoo artist or laser tattoo removal.

At the time, a relationship tattoo can feel like a romantic way to express lasting love. However, relationships sometimes change, and that tattoo may become a painful reminder of the past. With modern tattooing techniques and advancements in laser tattoo removal, relationship tattoos no longer have to be permanent. You can replace your tattoo with a brand-new cover-up piece or fully remove the tattoo with laser tattoo removal.

Can a Name Tattoo Be Covered Up?

Like your past relationship, a tattoo of your ex’s name doesn’t have to last forever. Name tattoos can usually be covered up just like other tattoo styles, often by incorporating the existing linework into a new design.

In some cases, tattoo fading may be recommended before getting a cover-up. Laser tattoo fading lightens the existing tattoo, making it easier for a tattoo artist to create a new design without limitations. This process opens up more creative possibilities and can significantly improve the final result.

Fading may not always be necessary, but consulting with an experienced tattoo artist is the best way to understand what will work for your specific tattoo.

How Much Does It Cost to Cover a Name Tattoo?

The cost of laser tattoo removal across the United States typically ranges between $200 and $500 per treatment session.

At Removery, the cost of removing a name tattoo depends primarily on the size of the tattoo. For clients who plan to get a cover-up tattoo, we offer treatment packages designed specifically for tattoo fading. These packages can provide the necessary fading for a cover-up at a lower overall cost than paying for each session individually.

To make tattoo removal more accessible, payment plans are available that can span anywhere from six months to five years depending on your financial needs.

Ex Name Tattoo Removal with Removery

Some tattoos simply can’t be covered up in their current state, which makes tattoo removal an important first step. Laser tattoo fading can significantly improve the chances of a successful cover-up or help clients achieve completely clear skin.

Removery uses advanced PicoWay® laser technology to safely remove and fade tattoos on all skin types. The system can treat a wide range of tattoo ink colors, sizes, and ages.

To better support clients throughout their cover-up process, Removery partners with tattoo artists who specialize in tattoo cover-ups. Once the original tattoo has faded enough, these artists can transform the area into a completely new design.

Ready to remove your ex’s name? Book a free consultation with Removery to learn more about tattoo removal and fading options.

15 Name Tattoo Cover-Up Ideas

Some script tattoos can be covered up fairly easily without laser fading, especially if the original tattoo is small. New designs with flowing lines, shading, or creative elements can often incorporate or disguise the existing lettering.

However, the possibilities depend on factors such as the tattoo’s size, ink density, and placement. Consulting with a professional cover-up artist is the best way to determine what design options are available and if your tattoo needs to be faded first.

Here are 15 creative ideas to cover up an ex’s name tattoo—or any script tattoo that no longer suits you:

feather tattoo cover up

Idea #1: Get the Blues

feather tattoo cover up
A watercolor-style tattoo so captivating, no one will ever realize it’s hiding an ex’s name. This skilled tattoo artist blended the letters into the featherwork of this vibrant design.
Get the Blues
space tattoo cover up

Idea #2: Sometimes You Need Some Space

space tattoo cover up
Maybe you didn’t have a cosmic connection with your ex after all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see stars. Here, the old tattoo forms the top of a window into a colorful galaxy.
Need Some Space
frog tattoo cover up

Idea #3: When the Prince Turns Into a Frog

frog tattoo cover up
Here, you can see how the “G” in “Gene” becomes part of the new tattoo’s outline, turning into wisps of smoke floating away as quickly as the former lover’s memory.
Prince to Frog
owl tattoo cover up

Idea #4: Find a Feathered Friend

owl tattoo cover up
Here, “Laura” becomes nothing more than some owl feathers on this cute bird design, while the star forms the dark spot between the eyes.
Feathered Friend
ex name tattoo cover up ankle before and after

Idea #5: Replace It With a Love That’s Sure to Last

ex name tattoo cover up ankle before and after
For Valentine’s Day last year, DoorDash offered to cover up ex name tattoos with people’s favorite foods. Now there’s a love that will never die!
Love that's Sure to Last
spider tattoo cover up

Idea #6: Along Came a Spider

spider tattoo cover up
For many people, having a 3D tattoo of a spider feels less creepy than sporting a tattoo of their ex. We can’t blame them! The old name script easily becomes part of the spider’s legs and body in this ex name tattoo cover up.
Along Came a Spider
bee tattoo cover up

Idea #7: You’ll Bee Alright

bee tattoo cover up
Here, one woman had the name of her ex-boyfriend’s band covered up by an adorable bee. The bold lines of the new tattoo follow the curvature of the old one, which is now completely invisible.
You'll Bee Alright
batman tattoo cover up

Idea #8: Batman Saves the Day

batman tattoo cover up
In this coverup piece, the bold and blocky design of the new tattoo easily swallows up every trace of this former lover.
Batman Saves the Day
finger tattoo cover up

Idea #9: Put a (New) Ring on It

finger tattoo cover up
A small ring tattoo name is easily covered here with an ornate ring design. Tattoos on the fingers often fade almost as quickly as a former love anyway, which can help make a cover up of an ex name tattoo much easier.
Put a New Ring on it
dragon tattoo cover up

Idea #10: Call In the Dragons

dragon tattoo cover up
This stylized three-headed dragon image neatly covers up Wendy’s name, absorbing it into the gray tones of this cover up tattoo. The ex’s name has completely vanished!
Call in the Dragons
skull tattoo cover up

Idea #11: Embrace the Kiss of Death

skull tattoo cover up
You can always express your sentiments about a past relationship with a grotesque design like a stylish skull. If you look closely, you can see how the letters help to form the intricate curvatures.
Embrace the Kiss of Death
name tattoo cover up

Idea #12: Try a Modified Tribal Design

name tattoo cover up
Here, the artist worked the name “Christopher” into a new segment added onto an existing tribal tattoo. Simply expanding the tattoo allowed the name to be absorbed into the elegant design.
Modified Tribal Design
tree tattoo cover up

Idea #13: Opt for a Moonlit Forest

tree tattoo cover up
As you can see, if you’re looking for an ex name tattoo cover up, you’re not alone. Even celebs end up in this situation! Check out this coverup that Pete Davidson had done after a breakup. The bold textures of the forest scene easily cover the lines of the original—except for the moon, which fits perfectly!
Moonlit Forest
butterfly tattoo cover up

Idea #14: Wow Them with Bold Colors

butterfly tattoo cover up
Or maybe, like Cardi B, you don’t really care about covering every hint of the old tattoo as long as you can’t read the name. After all, colorful body art like this butterfly will steal all the attention!
Bold Colors
eye tattoo cover up

Idea #15: Hindsight Is 20/20

eye tattoo cover up
One Bollywood star covered up his ex’s name tattoo with this startlingly realistic eye. The “A” helps to form the eyelashes, while any remaining traces of the original in the white area blend with the tiny veins in the eye.
Hindsight is 20/20

Start Your Tattoo Fading Journey

Interested in how laser tattoo removal can support your cover-up plans? Our studios are equipped with advanced laser technology and trained clinical professionals who can safely fade your tattoo to prepare it for a new design.

Book a free consultation to receive a custom treatment plan tailored to your goals, budget, and timeline. Our specialists will evaluate your tattoo, explain the fading process, and help you take the first step toward your next piece.

Dr Eric Korsh Dr. Eric Korsh Spine & Orthopedic Surgeon

Get your free estimate

We’re on a mission to give you the most straightforward, easy and efficient laser tattoo removal experience. Your estimate will be entirely bespoke to your tattoo; the size, the colors, the ink. It won’t take long and afterwards you’ll have a plan to finally get rid of your unwanted tattoo and get back to being you.

Get Your Free Estimate

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