By Ela Matters Staff 
We understand the excitement when you first had that tattoo. It meant the world to you. Life happens. We no longer think the same way as we used to. It’s completely natural. What started as a spontaneous decision might now feel like a permanent reminder of a past belief. Looking at it, you don’t feel like you anymore.
Now you have decided to get a tattoo removal machine but are having second thoughts about buying it. After all, you don’t know: Can it really fade all ink colors?
The truth is it depends! Not all colors fade equally. That’s where the right technology makes all the difference.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about what works, what to watch out for, and how advanced machines handle even the trickiest shades.
Let’s not beat around the bush and set the facts straight!
How Tattoo Ink Works?
Let’s start from the beginning. To understand how tattoo removal works, it pays to know what you are working against.
That tattoo ink on your skin is not just sitting on the surface. It’s deposited deep into the dermis i.e., the second layer of your skin. This is why tattoos are permanent. That’s why fading them is not as simple as getting inked for the first time.
Each ink pigment is made from different compounds. They vary in how they absorb light and respond to laser energy. Some pigments easily absorb laser light and break down faster, like black. Some are more stubborn. Like green or yellow, they have unique chemical structures, making them hard to fade away.
Now that you know that not all inks behave the same. When you are investing in a tattoo removal machine, keep this in mind.
How Tattoo Removal Machines Work ?
Tattoo ink resides deep into your skin. Tattoo removal machines are designed to target those pigments and make them fade. Let’s learn how the work in detail:
Laser tattoo removal machines send short pulses of concentrated light into your skin. Upon absorbing these pulses, ink pigments start breaking down into tiny particles. Your body then comes to the picture and through lymphatic drainage flushes those particles out of the system.
The thing is: not all lasers are made equal. Lasers have different wavelengths and they target different colors.
For instance, 1064 nm lasers work best on dark inks, including black and navy. 532nm lasers are better for reds and oranges. There are more advanced laser tattoo removal machines like picosecond lasers. These machines use ultra-fast pulses to shatter even the most stubborn pigments, like the greens, blues, and light colors.
It’s clear how the type of laser you choose matters. When you choose the right laser, it does not only speed up the fading process but also minimizes risks like skin damage. Plus, you don’t have to take the time out of your busy schedule every now and then.
Which Ink Colors Are the Easiest to Remove?
Let’s start with the good news! Some ink colors respond well to laser treatment. That means you can expect a smoother and faster session. Black ink tops the list.
Why?
Because pigments present in black absorb the full spectrum of laser wavelengths. This means that it breaks down more easily under the laser.
Dark blues and deep purples tend to fade relatively easily. Given that they are exposed to the right wavelength. These pigments absorb light well and break down into tiny particles that’s easier for your body to flush out more quickly.
If you or your clients have tattoos in black or dark tones, chances are you will see visible fading in fewer sessions.
Which Ink Colors Are the Hardest to Remove?
Not all colors absorb lasers well. Unlike black and darker pigments, lighter colors are more likely to resist laser treatments. These include yellow, green, light blue, turquoise, and fluorescent shades.
Why?
These colors tend to reflect more light than they absorb. This makes it hard for the laser energy to effectively target and break them down.
Take green and turquoise, for instance. Their chemical composition makes them tougher to treat unless you are using the ultra-precise picosecond lasers.
Similarly, yellow and white inks barely absorb standard laser wavelength. They may take more sessions and may never fully disappear.
But difficult does not mean impossible, especially with today’s advanced multi-wavelength and picosecond laser machines. You can target those stubborn shades with these machines, if the approach is right.
The Role of Laser Technology Advancements
Laser technology has come a long way. Older versions often worked well on dark inks but struggled with lighter pigments.
Now, we are experiencing a completely different shift in laser technology. Thanks to multi-wavelength and picosecond lasers, there are endless possibilities.
Picosecond lasers, for example, fire ultra-short bursts of energy. These short pulses shatter even the most stubborn pigments with high-grade efficiency. The best part? The heat produced in the process is so minimal that there’s no risk of skin damage at all.
Some advanced laser tattoo removal machines combine multiple wavelengths. They give you the flexibility to target an array of ink colors with precision.
Still on the fence about investing in a machine? It’s time to embrace modern technology to ensure safer outcomes, faster fading, and broader color coverage.
Can All Colors Be Removed Completely?
Honestly, while most tattoo inks are easy to disappear, not every color vanishes completely in every case.
Black or darker tones tend to respond quickly. Whereas, lighter tones might leave behind a faint trace even after multiple sessions.
That said, complete tattoo removal depends on a few factors, including the ink type, skin tone, depth of the tattoo, and most importantly, the laser used.
You can break down those notoriously stubborn colors with advanced picosecond and multi-wavelength lasers. But it takes patience and consistency.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, tattoo removal is both a science and a process. Don’t expect overnight results. When you set the expectations right and use the right equipment, results will happen.
So if you want a second chance and create a story again, investing in the right equipment and technology makes all the difference. Remember, patience is key. Be kind to your skin and set the goals right. You will surely reach the destination.