24/02/2026
This is something that’s come up a lot over the years, so let’s talk about it properly.
If you’re a person of colour, you are absolutely not excluded from tattoo removal. It’s completely possible. It just needs a slightly more careful approach.
Here are a few honest things to keep in mind:
• Some colours — especially reds, oranges and those “sunset” tones — are very difficult to safely treat on Fitzpatrick 5–6 skin types. In many cases, they’re best left alone.
• There is a risk of hypopigmentation (lightening of your natural skin tone). It doesn’t happen to everyone, and it’s often temporary — but in rare cases it can be permanent.
• Choosing the right practitioner really matters. Ask to see healed results on clients with similar skin tones to yours, not just treatment photos that don’t apply to your skin type.
• The technology makes a big difference. Older or cheaper lasers with longer pulse durations create more heat in the skin, which increases risk.
• 1064nm is generally the safest wavelength for darker skin types, and Pico or high-end Q-switched systems are the safer option when used correctly.
This isn’t about fear — it’s about being informed.
With the right settings, the right machine, and the right experience behind it, tattoo removal on darker skin can likely be done safely and successfully.
Please feel free to leave your questions below this post!
