No longer just the markings of navy men and outlaws, tattoos have become so popular with men and women from all walks of life that “tattoo culture” is now a whole world in itself. Tattoo parlors have popped up everywhere as hip neighborhood hangouts and there is a whole new breed of “professional tattoo artists” making their mark in this burgeoning, lucrative career field. But while laser technology has advanced tattoos to more intricate, beautiful works of art and the beautifying benefits of tattooed lip stain and perfectly arched eyebrows, a couple of things remain the same. Ink is still ink and people still make mistakes.

Fortunately, laser technology has also advanced in the other direction as well and trained laser removals professionals are now able to achieve what was once considered impossible: erasing permanent tattoo ink from skin in a safe and painless manner. Five years ago, a single mother saw into the future and recognized the demand for tattoo removal would become even more significant than the tattoo craze itself. She established the company, Tataway, and since then it has expanded to four locations and has become today’s industry leader pioneering the most advanced laser tattoo removal technology currently on the market. JustLuxe got an inside look at the business of tattoo removal and the latest in Tataway’s laser technology.

How many people are estimated to have tattoos?

 It is estimated the total population of the U.S. that has a tattoo is around 45-50mil. 11-20% of that population has at least one tattoo they would rather not have. 

Is there a breakdown between men and women?

Actually it’s become pretty even, 50% of the people who have tattoos now are women and 50% men. At Tataway, women make-up about 60% of our market and it’s most likely because men are more inclined to live with a tattoo they don’t love, while women will take the time and spend the money to get rid of what they no longer want.

How would you define tattoo regret?

This varies hugely but the common overriding theme is change. The three biggest changing factors with people who seek tattoo removal is:

1)    Beliefs change, which generally boils down to the fact that the tattoo no longer displays on the outside what’s on the inside. The cover and the title of the book no longer represent the story within the pages of the book. Obviously, this would cover those with a name that’s no longer an important name, a belief that’s no longer pertinent like “life sucks” or “everyone dies” etc.

2)    People’s environment changes, which would be those who have tattoos in visible areas but the career choice or simply social perception doesn’t match this type of expression. Obviously, a CEO of a conservative corporate company doesn’t do very well with a neck, face or hand tattoo. A parent often can’t imagine their perfect wonderful child with a tattoo so they become self-conscious about the tattoo that they have. Military, police and firefighters are often banned from having tattoos so people reluctantly rid themselves of what stands in the way of a career advancement. Former gang members and prisoners often find it easier to discontinue a cycle if the outside markings of a former life can be erased to match their growth and change.

3)    Art changes. With the advancement of tattooing techniques, the artistry that can be achieved on the skin has drastically changed and advanced. And as the tattoo world progresses so do expectations. If you’re wearing what used to be great 20 years ago but you want something great now, the easiest way to get what you want is to erase what you had and start with a clean canvas. This is where we come in.

Who are your primary clients?

Our primary client is anyone who has been adventurous enough to get a tattoo and then has been adventurous enough to grow or change.  An estimated 45 million Americans have tattoos with just under 25% experiencing tattoo regret. Basically, tattoo removal is timely and relevant to the two key demos in the country right now, the baby boomers and generation y/millennials.

Some people want their tattoo completely removed while others just want the tattoo covered up to get new art. But there is no one type of person or motivation that really stands out as an all-encompassing client.

What makes your approach different from others in the industry?

Tataway laser tattoo removal specializes in premium tattoo removal and nothing else. Investing in the best technology, Tataway has four state of the art locations. Technology plays a big part in tattoo removal and we use multiple types of lasers that will remove the widest range of colors from every skin type, in the shortest amount of time.  We’re proud to have become a recognized leader in this industry and having served over 10,000 clients with the latest advanced technology, PicoSure laser, we have more experience than any other tattoo removal company in the world. 

Can all tattoos be removed?

We can remove tattoos on all skin types but even with the technology today, dark skin types with tattoos that have green, blue and red pigments cannot be completely removed without the risk of pigmentation problems. On lighter skin types, yellow still remains difficult as well. However with the new Picosecond 532, which was introduced last month, this may no longer be an issue.

Can you share a particularly striking tattoo removal-striking story?

We treat everyone from Victoria's Secret models to convicted felons and everyone in between.  The most heart wrenching of the stories are those people who have not chosen a tattoo as a form of self expression but rather have been forcibly tattooed as a sort of branding or as an act of violence.  Women who come to us with tattoos as a result of being victims of sex trafficking are especially gratifying to help erase that past. 

One of my favorite removal stories and that which prompted the inception of our outreach program is about a young man named Sean. Last year he reached out to us to remove a tattoo on his face. Down and out, Sean was living on the streets of Boston when he was tattooed right on his face while he was passed out.  He contacted Tataway through his social worker to remove the tattoos in order to find housing and a job. After only a few treatments you could barely read what once said “DAD” in child like font.  Very soon after, he was out off the streets and out of the shelters. Although he is still living in a half way house, he is well on his way and even making plans to see his mom who he hadn’t been able to face in 10 years.

Do you work in conjunction with tattoo artists?

Tataway works with a network of over 200 artists in Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Bethlehem. The artists and shops that we collaborate with are premier tattoo artists who will not have their art compromised by an existing tattoo.  Although a cover up tattoo can always be done and it even looks okay in the first few months, a cover up is generally not exactly what the artist or the client wants. For instance, it always has to be bigger and darker than the existing tattoo and very often the existing tattoo eventually becomes visible through the new art. It’s much more prudent for a client to prepare the canvas for the new tattoo and it’s more reputation reserving for the artist who is doing the cover up. 

 Tell us a bit about Tataway’s INK?

Tataway’s INK (I Now Know) program is a community outreach program designed to provide at risk young people who have the courage and the will to change a tool to make that change visible. We provide free tattoo removal on the hands neck and face of those who were formerly incarcerated, former gang members or survivors of human trafficking. These at risk young people often bear the old markings on their outer selves while the inner self is actively changing and making steps towards a new life.   The change is usually not easy and it can be a struggle for the individual, their friends and their families.  By removing the tattoos we help our clients fade the memories by taking away the daily reminders of darker past days, leaving room for the better version of themselves both outside and inside. The goal of this program is to empower those who have had the courage to change.

Employment is a huge part of making steps towards a better life.  The truth of the matter is that a client who obtains employment is about 80% less likely to re-offend and return to crime or prison or need social and public services. Tataway does the easy part …we just run the laser, the clients in our program do the real work. 

To find out more about Tataway and their laser tattoo removal services go directly to their website: http://tataway.com