What percentage of tattoos get removed?

Author: Johanna Bailey  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Tattoo Removal. With tattoo removal becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to get rid of their ink, nearly 1 in 4 (23%) Americans plan to have tattoos removed in the future. In fact, 51% plan to have one tattoo removed.

What percentage of tattoos are removed?

While there are no official statistics on the numbers of people who have tattoos removed, a survey undertaken by McCrindle suggests that about one-third of individuals who have been tattooed subsequently say they have some regret about the decision, and one in seven (14%) have either “commenced or looked into tattoo ...

Is tattoo removal 100 percent?

Answer: 100% clearing` While we cannot assure 100% clearing of tattoos, we do see this in many people. Variability is density and depth of ink used and how your body is able to absorb and remove the ink. The laser's job is to break up the ink particles small enough for your body to do this effectively.

What is the regret rate for tattoos?

Estimates suggest that about 20% to 50% of people with tattoos experience some level of regret about their tattoos. The reasons for regret can vary widely, including changes in personal taste, relationships, or lifestyle, as well as the quality or placement of the tattoo.

Can tattoos actually be fully removed?

In theory, your tattoo can be completely removed. The reality is, this depends on a variety of factors. Older tattoos and traditional stick and poke styles are easier to remove, as are blacks, dark blues and browns. The bigger, more complex and colourful your tattoo is, the lengthier the process will be.

How many sessions does it take to remove a tattoo?

What tattoos Cannot be removed?

Colors such as green, red, and yellow are the hardest colors to remove, while dark blue and black are the easiest. Flesh-colored tattoos, white ink, and permanent makeup are particularly tricky, because the pigment in these colors can oxidize (turn black) when treated by laser.

What is the most regretted tattoo?

The types of tattoos people regret most are lettering/script (19%), symbols (16%), names (12%), animal designs (10%) and tribal tattoos (9%).

What percentage of Gen Z have tattoos?

However, because those who fall under Gen Z's current age demographic is includes many people aged 12-17, too young for legal tattooing in most places. Even so, 23 percent are currently tattooed, meaning they may one day surpass tattooed millennials.

Are tattoos a sin?

Christianity. Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however.

What is the hardest tattoo to remove?

The Hardest Tattoo Colours to Remove

White is the hardest ink colour to remove. Why? Think about the colour spectrum. Black ink absorbs all wavelengths and retains the most heat, making it easier to break down with laser energy.

How painful is tattoo removal?

Depending on what type of tattoo removal you choose, there may be varying levels of pain or discomfort. Some people say that removal feels the same as getting a tattoo, while others liken it to the feeling of a rubber band being snapped against their skin. Your skin may be sore after the procedure.

Will tattoo removal leave a scar?

While tattoo removals can leave scars, tattoo removal scars are uncommon. Still, they can happen, and you may even notice scars left behind from your tattoo when you get it removed. If your skin has irregularities, such as existing scars, you can expect these to remain after the laser removal.

Is tattoo removal 100%?

Can a tattoo 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.

Is tattooing losing popularity?

Despite this, 98% believe tattoos are more socially accepted now than in years past. Among Americans without tattoos, 27% plan to get one in the future, and 2 in 3 think more people are getting tattoos now because of the accessibility and availability of tattoo removal technology.

What is the biggest concern with tattoo removal?

Risks. Scarring is likely after most types of tattoo removal. Infection or skin discoloration is possible as well.

What race gets the most tattoos?

Race and ethnicity: 39% of Black Americans have a tattoo, compared with 35% of Hispanic, 32% of White and 14% of Asian Americans. Age: Adults under 50 are especially likely to have a tattoo. Some 41% of those under 30 have at least one, as do 46% of those ages 30 to 49.

Do any tattoos age well?

Certain tattoo styles that use black and/or grey ink, such as Tribal tattoos, Greyscale tattoos, and American Traditional tattoos (as well as bold lettering or Zodiac tattoos) are known to age well. These different tattoo styles feature bold, detailed linework that is deeply injected into the skin.

Are tattoos fading in popularity?

Tattoos have experienced a rise in popularity largely since the 1970s but more abruptly in the last 15 to 20 years—21% of people said they had tattoos in 2012 and 30% said they were inked in 2019. The last two decades have led to a more commonplace acceptance of tattoos in churches, schools and the workplace.

What is the most overused tattoo?

Here are some of the most common cliche tattoos.
  • “Carpe Diem” ...
  • Om Sign. ...
  • Anchor. ...
  • “This Too Shall Pass” ...
  • Dreamcatcher. ...
  • Barred Wire. ...
  • Geometric animals. ...
  • Area Code. If you might want to get your area code tattooed on you in either large block numbers on your forearm, or in subtle small numbers somewhere else on your body.

What age do people regret getting tattoos?

In a recent study, 35.1% of persons who get their first tattoo before age 18 express regret, but only 12.8% of persons 18 years or older regret their first tattoo (Liszewski et al., 2015).

What are unprofessional tattoos?

If the content of a tattoo is racist, homophobic, or problematic in some way, this is a different story. Problematic tattoos can be revealing about a person's character. They show employers what values or beliefs they might bring to a workplace.

Does insurance pay for tattoo removal?

Does insurance cover tattoo removal? No. Since tattoo removal is considered cosmetic surgery, you can't get insurance coverage or use FSA or HSA funds to pay for the procedure.

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.

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