Cosmetic tattoos and traditional body art tattoos may look similar on the surface, but when it comes to laser removal, they respond in very different ways. Whether it’s faded brows, lip liner, or eyeliner that no longer suits your style, or a piece of body art you’ve outgrown, understanding the differences in how lasers interact with each type of tattoo is key to setting realistic expectations.
Cosmetic tattoos, often referred to as permanent makeup, are created with pigments rather than tattoo inks. These pigments are designed to mimic natural shades of skin, brows, or lips. Unlike the bold inks used in body art, cosmetic pigments often contain compounds such as titanium dioxide or iron oxide. When treated with laser, these compounds can behave unpredictably—sometimes darkening instead of lightening. This reaction is called “paradoxical darkening,” and it’s something clients should be aware of before beginning their removal journey.
Traditional tattoos, on the other hand, generally contain more stable inks that respond in a predictable way to laser treatments. Black ink remains the easiest and fastest to break down, while brighter colours like greens, blues, and reds may take longer. With consistent treatments, body art tattoos usually lighten gradually and evenly without the risk of turning darker.
Because of these differences, cosmetic tattoo removal often requires a more cautious and specialised approach. Test spots are usually performed first to see how the pigment reacts before moving forward with full sessions. Patience is key, as results may take longer and sometimes require a combination of laser treatments and other methods to achieve the best outcome.
If you’re considering removing an old tattoo—cosmetic or otherwise—having a consultation is the best first step. That way, we can assess the pigment, placement, and your skin type to map out a treatment plan that’s right for you.