Tattoo Removal

What to Know About Colour Tattoo Removal

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A common misconception about laser tattoo removal is that blue, green, and purple inks are impossible to remove (or at least very difficult to remove). While this is true for most other laser tattoo removal clinics (who do not have the proper wavelengths to target these colors), it is not the case at Removery. We have invested in the best and latest technology so that we can remove any color of ink on all skin as quickly as possible.

Can Colour Tattoos Be Removed?

Yes, colour tattoos can be fully removed using the proper laser technology. While some colours are more challenging to remove than others, advanced lasers like the PicoWay can successfully target a wide spectrum of tattoo inks. The success of removal depends on the tattoo’s colours, the type of ink used, and your skin tone. This guide explains how colour tattoo removal works, which colours are easiest and hardest to treat, and what you can expect during the process.

How Does Colour Tattoo Removal Work?

Laser tattoo removal uses concentrated light energy to break down tattoo ink in your skin. The laser’s energy is absorbed by the tattoo ink, causing the particles to shatter into tiny fragments. Your body’s immune system naturally flushes these fragments away, causing the tattoo to fade gradually over time. In order to remove colour tattoos effectively, the laser must use a specific wavelength of light for each respective colour. Multiple laser wavelengths are needed to remove a multi-coloured tattoo, making it crucial to choose a removal provider that can accommodate a multitude of wavelengths. If the wrong wavelength is used on a certain colour, the ink will not break into smaller fragments. 

Which Tattoo Colours Are Easiest and Hardest to Remove?

The difficulty of removing a colour tattoo depends heavily on the specific ink colours used. Generally, darker and older tattoos are easier to remove than lighter and more vibrant colours.

Colour Removal Difficulty

  • Easiest: Black, dark blue, dark green, brown
  • Moderate: Red, orange, purple, darker yellow
  • Most Difficult: Light green, light blue, teal, turquoise, yellow, white

Frequently Asked Questions: Colour Tattoo Removal

How Many Sessions Are Needed to Remove a Colour Tattoo?

The number of sessions required varies based on the tattoo’s size, age, location, ink density, and colour composition.

On average, most color tattoos require between 8 and 12 sessions for complete removal. During a consultation, a specialist can evaluate your tattoo and provide a more personalized treatment estimate.

Does Colour Tattoo Removal Cause Allergic Reactions?

Allergic reactions to tattoo removal are rare, but possible if you’ve experienced an allergic reaction to tattoo ink previously. Certain tattoo ink colours, such as red and pink, contain higher amounts of heavy metals compared to blue, purple, and green. This heightened presence of heavy metals poses a higher risk of causing an allergic reaction once injected into the skin. The laser tattoo removal process can reignite one’s allergy to coloured tattoo ink due to the breakdown of particles. We recommend notifying your removal specialist during your consultation if a colour tattoo has caused an allergic reaction.
Illustration showing how tattoos can cause infections in the skin

Can All Tattoo Colors Be Removed?

Yes, most tattoo ink colors can be fully removed from the skin. However, some are more challenging than others and therefore, require an additional amount of care to treat. Removery’s advanced PicoWay laser can target a wide spectrum of colours, including yellow, light green, blue, and other stubborn colours.

Is Colour Tattoo Removal More Painful?

No, the pain from colour tattoo removal is comparable to removing black and grey tattoos. Most clients describe the feeling as a rubber band snapping against the skin, regardless of the tattoo’s colour palette.

Is Colour Tattoo Removal More Expensive?

At Removery, the cost of tattoo removal is based solely on the size of your tattoo. While some colours may require more sessions, the price of our treatment packages does not change.

Why Is White Ink So Difficult to Remove?

White ink is difficult to remove because it does not absorb the laser’s energy effectively. In some cases, the laser causes the white ink to darken before it can be treated further.

Will My Tattoo Get Darker After Treatment?

In some cases, tattoos containing white or flesh-toned pigments may appear darker immediately after a session. This is a normal reaction caused by oxidation of the ink.

The darkened pigment can usually be treated in future sessions as the removal process continues.

What Factors Affect Colour Tattoo Removal?

Several factors influence success of your colour tattoo removal journey, including:
  • Ink Colours: Lighter and brighter colours are harder to remove.
  • Tattoo Age: Older tattoos are usually easier to remove.
  • Skin Tone: Certain treatment settings are needed to safely treat all skin types and ink colours.
  • Tattoo Location: Tattoos closer to the heart (like on the chest or back) tend to fade faster due to better circulation.

Start Your Colour Tattoo Removal Journey

The best way to understand your tattoo removal journey is by booking a complimentary consultation with our experts. We will assess your tattoo, discuss your goals, and create a detailed treatment plan with flexible monthly payment options.

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 colours, 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.

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