Tattoos are as individual as the person who wears them.
That is why, when it comes to removing them, there is not a one size fits all approach.
It needs to be tailored to you.
If you are thinking about laser tattoo removal, you need to understand that any tattoo removal specialist will need to factor in your skin type, tattoo type location and ink colour.
In fact, tattoo colours can make a big difference in the tattoo removal process.
Different tattoo ink pigments can be more challenging to remove than others.
So, if you are wondering what is the hardest colour tattoo to remove? We have you covered.
While the answer is not always straightforward, we will help break down how our laser technology works on different ink colours and what you can expect from your tattoo removal journey.
If you are ready to chat to one of our tattoo removal experts in-person, why not book an initial consultation at one of our studios today.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Before we dive into what the most stubborn tattoo pigments to remove are, we need to start with how laser tattoo removal works.
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use the most advanced laser technology to safely and effectively remove all types of tattoos – PicoSure laser system.
The PicoSure and PicoWay laser tattoo removal devices we use at Zapp Laser Studio work well to fade and fully remove all colours on the spectrum.
The device works by sending ultra-short bursts of laser light energy at a fast rate directly into the tattoo ink.
We deliver specific laser wavelengths of light energy depending on the depth of the tattoo ink and the ink colour.
The bursts of light energy shatter the tattoo ink into much smaller particles that are then processed through your body’s immune system over time.
Round-up of key factors during the laser removal process:
- We use different laser wavelengths to target different tattoo ink colours and ink depths
- The chemical composition and reflective properties in different pigments can affect how many sessions you will need for complete removal
- The tattoo artist also matters – professional tattoos can be more challenging to break down than amateur tattoos
What are the hardest tattoo ink pigments to remove?
Some tattoo ink pigments can be easier to remove, while others are much more challenging.
Hardest tattoo ink to remove:
- Green and blue ink (including dark blue inks and light blue)
- White ink
- Yellow pigments
These tattoo ink colours are harder to remove than black ink because:
- They tend to reflect the light energy
- They do not absorb laser energy easily
- Often require multiple wavelengths to break down the ink
While blue pigments are green tattoos present more of a challenge to fade and remove, for most people than can be fully removed.
The key is to have patience and find the right laser treatment for your tattoo ink and skin tone.
Why are coloured tattoos more difficult to remove than black ink?
Black and dark ink is often the easiest to remove with laser tattoo removal because it absorbs all laser wavelengths and not just specific wavelengths.
Most laser systems can treat black ink, although we still recommend doing your homework on finding the right laser treatment for you.
Multi-coloured tattoos – which ink colours are the easiest and hardest to remove?
Easier to remove
- Black and dark inks
- Darker inks such as deep reds (red ink)
- Dark blue and brown
Can be challenging
- Orange ink and some red tones
Most challenging ink colours to remove
- Lighter colours or lighter shades
- Blue ink (including light blue)
- Green and blue ink combinations
- White ink
You will need multiple treatments for any type of tattoo we remove with laser treatment.
However, challenging ink colours will need more advanced removal techniques and often more sessions.
Advanced laser technologies that target all ink colours on the spectrum
At Zapp Laser Studio, we use two of the most advanced tattoo removal lasers available that treat all skin types and tattoo colours.
They are both picosecond lasers that precisely target tattoo ink without causing damage to healthy surrounding skin.
Unlike other laser treatments that rely solely on heat to break down tattoo ink pigment, Picosecond lasers use ultra-short bursts of light energy to shatter tattoo ink particles.
They both work on all colours on the spectrum, but they each have areas where they excel.
PicoSure laser
This laser primarily uses a 755nm wavelength, which is ideal for targeting blue and green pigments. Although we can also use optional attachments to change the wavelengths to treat other colours.
It is most effective on lighter to medium skin tones (1-4), but can safely treat some darker skin types.
We will do a patch test to ensure you are suitable for this treatment during your consultation.
PicoWay laser
PicoWay uses three different wavelengths, which means we can tailor your treatment removal treatment to your skin type and tattoo type.
The three wavelengths are:
- 1064nm – black and dark ink
- 730nm – blue and green inks
- 532nm – red, orange and yellow inks
PicoWay – safe for darker skin tones
We understand how challenging it can be to find a laser treatment that works on dark skin types.
But the good news is that PicoWay uses the 1064nm wavelength. This ignores the melanin in your skin (pigment which gives your skin its colour) and instead only targets tattoo ink pigment.
As a result, it prevents scarring or hyperpigmentation issues on darker skin tones.
The depth of the laser is also important
Most tattoo ink sits in the dermis (deeper layer of the skin).
You will need more than one laser treatment session to fade or completely remove a tattoo.
In your first few laser sessions, we will focus on ink deeper in the skin by increasing the depth of the laser.
In your later sessions, we will decrease the depth of the laser, but increase the intensity. This helps target and shatter ink that sits closer to the skin’s surface.
How many sessions of laser tattoo removal will I need?
By now, you probably realise that laser tattoo removal is not one-size-fits-all. Different tattoos will require more sessions than others to remove them.
During your consultation, our laser expert will assess your skin type, tattoo type, location, and ink depth and density.
From this, they will develop a treatment plan that will give you your desired results.
On average our clients need:
- 2-6 laser sessions to fade a tattoo
- 6-10 laser sessions to completely remove unwanted ink
Just remember, that stubborn colours, new tattoos, and professional tattoos can take longer to remove, so be prepared to be patient.
But we promise that your patience will lead to amazing results.
Start your tattoo removal journey today
Our laser tattoo removal experts are on and to help you through every step of the tattoo removal process.
This all starts with a personalised consultation, where we can get to know more about you, and you can find out more about us and how we help our clients achieve clear skin.
Safe and effective tattoo removal starts here.