Can you remove a white ink tattoo?

Author: Dr. Titus Champlin PhD  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

So is white ink tattoo removal even possible? Board-certified plastic surgeons and medical aestheticians agree that white ink tattoo removal can be done but it will be very difficult. Based on what has been observed so far, white ink laser tattoo removal takes more sessions and leads to less predictable results.

What color tattoo cannot be removed?

Answer: Pinks and Yellows are the hardest tattoo colors to remove Unfortunately, because pinks and also yellows are the closest colors to natural skin color in caucasions, and lasers are designed not to damage skin, lasers do not remove these colors well. If they did, they would burn your skin as well.

Is a white ink tattoo permanent?

They fade into a fleshy color. This could be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it-- but white tattoos don't stay vibrant forever and end up fading into a fleshy color.

What's the hardest tattoo color to remove?

The hardest tattoo color to remove is generally considered to be green, followed closely by blue. These colors are more challenging because they absorb certain wavelengths of laser light less effectively than darker colors like black or red.

Is white pigment easy or difficult to remove?

The process is longer and demands a skilled technician for optimal results. White and Pastel Shades: At the pinnacle of difficulty are white and pastel-coloured inks. These pigments reflect laser light rather than absorb it, significantly complicating the removal process.

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Can a white ink tattoo be removed?

So is white ink tattoo removal even possible? Board-certified plastic surgeons and medical aestheticians agree that white ink tattoo removal can be done but it will be very difficult. Based on what has been observed so far, white ink laser tattoo removal takes more sessions and leads to less predictable results.

What is the easiest tattoo ink to remove?

The color of the ink affects how easy it is to remove a tattoo. We take into account the color of your tattoo to provide you with realistic goals. Typically, black, green, and blue are the easiest tattoo pigments to remove. On the other hand, whites, reds, yellows, and oranges are more difficult.

What is the most painful tattoo color?

While there is usually not much pain difference between gray, black, or color tattoos, white ink tattoos are known to hurt more than others. The artist will often need to go over the same spot on the skin to saturate the area.

Why do tattoo artists not like white ink?

White ink tattoos might also be considered more painful because of how many times the design must be tattooed. In order to completely saturate the intended area with ink, the artist will likely need to go over the white ink several times during multiple appointments with time to heal in between.

What do white ink tattoos look like over time?

Unfortunately, white ink molecules do not hold in place well and require extreme stretching of the skin and heavy applications to be visible. As a result, white ink tattoos over ten years will become distorted and faded. Most end up looking like a scar rather than a piece of artwork.

How painful is white tattoo ink?

For those unfamiliar, white ink is notorious for being the most painful part of a tattoo session.

Where is the hardest place to remove a tattoo?

Tattoo removal is harder in areas that have a limited vascular supply and slower healing. Thus, tattoos on the feet, lower legs, or hands require more treatments than tattoos in areas like the chest or back.

What to know about white tattoos?

White ink tattoos are extremely light, and if your skin isn't dark enough, chances are it won't be very distinct no matter how much ink the artist adds. Freckled and blemished skin does not provide a solid color canvas for the artist to work with, so it may appear patchy or out of place.

What colors are banned in tattoos?

Green and blue (pigments Green 7 and Blue 15:3) have been banned since the beginning of 2023. These two pigments, Green 7 and Blue 15:3, are particularly important.

What is the riskiest tattoo color?

Red ink is still the most likely color to cause skin problems. Why? Red tattoo inks are the most likely to cause health complications, including rashes and pseudolymphomas, both symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What is tattoo pain most comparable to?

How bad do tattoos hurt? There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you'll feel when getting tattooed. But if you're wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.

How much is it to remove a 6 inch tattoo?

Across the United States, laser tattoo removal cost can range between $200 to $500 per removal treatment, which usually varies based on factors like tattoo size. At Removery, we also offer the option to pay-per-session and the average cost per removal session is $175 to $600, depending on the size of the tattoo.

Can white tattoo ink be removed?

Most white ink tattoos cannot be reliably removed by laser.

Tattoo removal on white ink is unpredictable at best in some cases, white ink can actually become darker from laser tattoo removal. White tattoo ink often contains titanium oxide and/or zinc, both of which can darken with exposure to light.

Does Vaseline fade tattoo ink?

The American Academy of Dermatology says petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade. They recommend using water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead. But why? Products like Vaseline and super thick ointments may trap moisture and bacteria on top of a new tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection.

What tattoo ink cannot be removed?

These include things like metallic ink, light greens, light blues, and permanent makeup.

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