Once considered a permanent personal statement, tattoos are increasingly being treated as semi-permanent forms of body art, thanks to the rise of laser tattoo removal. With high-profile figures like comedian Pete Davidson, actor Angelina Jolie and reality star Khloé Kardashian undergoing removals, improved laser technologies, and shifting cultural attitudes, this growing trend is reshaping both the aesthetics industry and the way people view body art. For aesthetic professionals like those supported by Hamilton Fraser, understanding the scope and implications of this trend is more relevant than ever.
According to a recent feature by The Independent, more people than ever are seeking to erase tattoos that no longer align with their identity, relationships, or professional image. Laser tattoo removal has become not only more accessible, due to advancements in technology, which mean a broader range of pigments can be removed faster than ever before.
Whether it’s a youthful mistake, an outdated design, or a reminder of a former partner, motivations are becoming more diverse. In fact, many removal clients cite emotional closure or personal reinvention as their key reason, fitting with broader lifestyle trends around self-care and intentional living.
Pete Davidson’s heavily publicised tattoo removal journey has added fuel to the trend. Once known for having over 100 tattoos, Davidson is undergoing an extensive process to erase much of his ink, citing professional reasons related to acting roles. His openness has demystified the procedure and normalised the decision to “undo” body art, even among younger generations that once embraced tattoos as badges of identity.
Laser tattoo removal is not pain-free, nor is it cheap. In The Independent article, Davidson's removal experience is described as “time-consuming and painful,” but ultimately worthwhile. Depending on size, colour, ink depth, and skin type, the process may require anywhere from six to 12 sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Each session can cost between £50 and £300, making the full journey a considerable financial investment for clients, but it is one that many are now willing to make. This means there is an increasing business opportunity for clinics that have tattoo removal lasers.
The evolution of laser technology has made tattoo removal more effective and less invasive. While older technologies were associated with more discomfort, modern lasers, such as Q-switched and picosecond lasers, are far more precise, effective, and safe, targeting various ink pigments with precision and minimising damage to surrounding skin tissues. These advancements have reduced the risk of complications like scarring and dyspigmentation, making the procedure more appealing to a diverse clientele, with most patients comparing the sensation to being flicked with a hot rubber band — quick but intense.
As noted by industry insights from AllWhite Laser, the UK tattoo removal market presents a lucrative business opportunity. An estimated one in five Brits regret at least one tattoo, and demand for safe, effective removal is growing, with 17% expressing a desire to have them removed.
This growing interest is projected to continue, with an estimated annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2021 to 2028.
For aesthetic clinics, adding laser tattoo removal to their service menu can lead to significant profits, especially with low overhead costs after the initial equipment investment. Treatments cost between £50-300 per session, with potential earnings ranging from £900 to £2,500 per client, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
This is also a chance for professionals to appeal to a broader audience, including men, who are increasingly seeking treatments previously dominated by female clientele. According to Pulse Light Clinic, the rise in laser treatments among men includes not just hair removal but tattoo removal too, aligning with a cultural shift toward male grooming and personal care.
As treatments grow in popularity, clinics offering laser tattoo removal must make sure they're properly insured. Hamilton Fraser offers specialist aesthetic insurance that covers the use of laser and IPL equipment. This protection is essential not just for compliance but for building trust with clients who are increasingly savvy about safety and qualifications.
Proper insurance also provides coverage for complications like hypo or hyperpigmentation, blistering, or allergic reactions to ink release — all rare, but real risks.
Laser tattoo removal is no longer a niche service — it’s becoming more mainstream. With its emotional, cultural, and financial implications, the trend reflects a broader change in how we define beauty, permanence, and personal evolution.
For practitioners, staying ahead of the curve with the latest technologies, certifications, and insurance is key. For clients, it’s a second chance at a blank canvas.
