'Do your research': Tattoo removal myths busted as stars go under the laser, plus which Aussie state tops the ink charts

Sky News AU

a day ago

With shirts off and sleeves rolled up for summer, many Australians have been forced to confront their ink head-on, and for a growing number, winter is prime time to start the removal process.
As celebrities like Dune star Josh Brolin, Victoria Beckham and comedian Pete Davidson begin erasing their body art, experts say everyday Aussies are following suit, triggering a surge in laser tattoo removal across the country.
According to 2023 data from McCrindle, around 30 per cent of Australians have at least one tattoo, up from 20 per cent in 2018.
Tattoos have found particular popularity among Australian women, with one in three (33 per cent) inked, compared to just 26 per cent of men.
"This gendered preference showcases the growing acceptance of tattoos as a means of self-expression and personal adornment among women," McCrindle said.
Queensland tops the list when it comes to the most tattooed state, with 36 per cent of residents sporting ink, followed by South Australia (33 per cent), and Western Australia (30 per cent).
Victoria and the Northern Territory come in next at 29 per cent each, while NSW sits at 26 per cent.
The ACT and Tasmania round out the list at 22 and 21 per cent, respectively.
While most Aussies get their first tattoo between the ages of 18 and 24, but as time goes on, the ink doesn't always hold the same appeal.
A quarter of Australians (23 per cent) now say they regret at least one of their tattoos, up from one in five (20 per cent) in 2018.
That might explain why Australian-based tattoo removal company Removery Australia has seen a 30 per cent jump in removal treatments over the past year alone.
Jason Erwin, Director of Operations at Removery Australia, said a growing number of clients are referencing celebrity tattoo removal journeys as inspiration.
"Celebrities are just like anyone else- they have lifestyle changes, shifts in their careers, and ultimately can rethink their body art," Erwin told SkyNews.com.au.
"When a high-profile celebrity documents or discusses their tattoo removal journey, it increases awareness of the service and tends to support a normalisation and acceptance for the wider public."
Brolin, for example, recently revealed on Instagram that he was having his back tattoo removed "because he didn't need it anymore", joking that his natural edge was "intimidating enough".
Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham opened up about having the initials of husband David Beckham removed from her wrist.
"I had these tattoos a long, long time ago, and, they just weren't particularly delicate," she told US morning program TODAY.
"My husband has so many gorgeous tattoos, and the children do, and they're very fine… But mine were just a little bit thick, and they were bleeding a little bit and just not looking as pretty."
According to Erwin, the most common reason Australians seek removal is simply that their tattoo no longer suits their current life.
"Tattoos relating to old partners account for roughly 13 per cent of removals," he said.
"These clients are now at a different stage of their lives and their tattoos no longer suit their lifestyle or reflect who they are."
Other top reasons include poorly designed artwork (18 per cent), changing taste in tattoo style (12 per cent), and placement in a highly visible area that can't be easily hidden (nine per cent).
And winter, Erwin said, is one of the best times of year to start the removal process.
"Less sun exposure to a tattoo that is being removed means simpler aftercare, quicker healing time, and less time for your body to process out the ink," he explained.
Thankfully, Irwin said, modern laser technology has made the process far more precise and far less painful than many expect.
While full removal typically takes between eight and twelve sessions spaced at least six weeks apart, it's also possible to fade a tattoo enough to allow for new ink in the same spot.
"Because the technology we use is non-invasive, the surrounding skin is unharmed and able to be tattooed as it would have been beforehand," Erwin said.
"We recommend clients wait at least six weeks after their laser treatment before getting tattooed in that area, but ideally waiting three months or longer will provide the best results."
Although tattoo removal is becoming increasingly common, Erwin said the most important step is doing your research.
"When choosing a service provider, key things to note are what technology is being used, their tattoo removal experience, and whether they have a solid library of results and client reviews," he said.
"Whether you're regretting your tattoo 24 hours after getting it, or 10 years later, the most important thing is knowing your options."