‘Reclaiming My Skin’: Why People Are Removing Their Tattoos

Tattoos, often permanent markers of personal expression, are becoming an increasingly common reason for regret. While getting a tattoo is a significant decision, some people are now choosing to undo their ink for a variety of reasons—from personal growth and changing values to societal expectations.

Zach Gilyard, an art director in Brooklyn, got his first tattoo in high school without telling his parents. He had grown up around family members who were heavily tattooed, but he never thought he would join the club. In 2006, on a whim, he got a winged foot tattoo on his ankle to represent his passion for running. He kept it hidden, thinking it wasn’t really “him” but enjoying the thrill of making a permanent decision.

Years later, Gilyard had several more tattoos, including a large panther head on his left arm. But after just a few weeks, the once-exciting ink left him feeling unsettled. “I had a bit of buyer’s remorse every time I got a tattoo,” Gilyard admitted. “But this time, the feeling didn’t go away. I freaked out and decided I wanted to get rid of it.”

Today, after more than five years and thousands of dollars, the panther head has almost disappeared, leaving only a faint outline behind. Gilyard is just one of many people opting to remove their tattoos, a decision made easier now that tattoo removal technology has improved significantly.

According to a 2023 Pew Research study, about 25% of people regret at least one of their tattoos. However, it wasn’t until recently that tattoo removal became more accessible and reliable. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox have drawn attention for removing tattoos of ex-partners’ names or portraits, while Pete Davidson is reportedly working on removing many of his tattoos altogether. For everyday people like Gilyard, the process may take years, but the option is there.

Laser technician Tim Goergen, who has treated Gilyard’s tattoos, explains that tattoo ink sits in the dermis layer of the skin, where it’s difficult for the body to break it down. Laser removal works by breaking down the ink into smaller particles that are then processed by the body’s immune system. Removal is usually more successful with tattoos that are older, made of black ink, and located on areas with good blood circulation.

Sasha Goldbas-Nazarian, a Los Angeles resident, began removing her tattoos after meeting her now-husband. Coming from a more conservative Iranian family, he struggled with the cultural significance of her tattoos. In Judaism, tattoos have long been considered forbidden, though attitudes have evolved over time.

Goldbas-Nazarian’s tattoos were a series of impulsive decisions made in her youth, including a star on her ankle and the initials “UWS” on her wrist. When her husband offered to pay for the removal, she accepted, not only because the tattoos had faded but because they often invited questions at formal events. However, the process turned out to be more painful than she anticipated. Despite the discomfort, Goldbas-Nazarian is determined to finish the job, though she’s been putting it off due to the pain and interruptions caused by pregnancy and motherhood.

For some, the desire to remove tattoos stems from dissatisfaction with cosmetic tattoos. Z, a woman from the UK, turned to cosmetic freckle tattoos to replace the ones she lost due to a rare illness. While she thought it would help her regain a sense of familiarity, the results weren’t as natural as she expected. The tattoos were visibly drawn on, and over time, the ink faded into unnatural colors like pink and orange.

When Z decided to have them removed, she faced challenges unique to darker skin tones, which are more prone to hypopigmentation during the removal process. Tattoo removal, while possible for almost every skin type, is more complicated for those with darker complexions. Thankfully, advances in laser technology and careful testing have improved results, making removal safer and more effective.

Jayne Foo, a financial consultant from Singapore, is documenting her tattoo removal journey on social media, sharing the highs and lows with her 14,600 followers. Foo has started the process of removing around 70% of her tattoos, including large pieces like full sleeves and a stomach tattoo. For Foo, the motivation for removing her tattoos is about reclaiming her skin and getting a “fresh start.”

Despite the painful, often intense healing process, Foo continues to share her experience, showing the swelling, blistering, and scabbing that follows each session. While some influencers have partnered with clinics to promote tattoo removal, Foo’s unfiltered videos offer a raw and honest look at the reality of the process. “It’s important to be real about it,” she says, adding that she’s prepared for a long journey ahead.

For those who regret their tattoos or simply want to start fresh, tattoo removal offers a path to change. Whether driven by personal growth, cultural values, or dissatisfaction with earlier decisions, the reasons for seeking removal are as varied as the tattoos themselves.