I’m a tattoo removal expert and these are the inkings that always stand the test of time
A vertical beam of light cuts through the darkness, day claws in from behind the curtain.
Visions of yourself in nothing but a tutu, an argument with a bartender, the cobbled streets of a Polish town and your best man crashing into a table of tourists. And then… sitting in a tattoo parlor.
While the 20 missed calls were all quickly forgiven… your fiancé’s tattoo on your right buttock needed significantly more explanation, and wouldn’t be so easily forgotten.
According to a YouGov poll last August, more than a quarter of the British public has a tattoo. But as the market for permanently marking your skin grows, so does the market for removing it.
Whether it’s a silly whim, or a soured romance, experts in NAME remove all kinds of tattoos from the super niche to the mainstream.
Rebecca Nowrie, one of the moving experts at the London-based company, said: ‘We all know that tattoo trends come and go, does anyone remember the five hot minutes when everyone got little mustaches tattooed on their fingers?
“Obviously some tattoos aren’t designed to last.”
But some tattoos really stand the test of time, and in Ms. Nowrie’s experience, these are the inks that elicit the least regret.
Here are the tattoo designs that will stand the test of time better…
Tattoo removal expert Rebecca Nowrie (pictured) has revealed exactly which designs often fall short of expectations – she urges people who get ink to ‘consider where on the body you’re getting it’
1. Custom design from an artist you love
Traditional tattoo designs such as roses, pin-ups and anchors have long been staples in tattoo studios and I don’t expect this to change. Tattoos are very personal and it makes a lot of sense to make sure your vision for your tattoo matches that of the artist working on your skin.
Find an artist you love, discuss your tattoo and let them design it for you. You’ll be less likely to remove the tattoo if it’s done by a sought-after artist and feels personal.
2. Discreet fine line
Fine line micro tattoos have risen in popularity due to their delicate, subtle appearance.
The single tattoo needle gives a super minimal design that can be easily overlooked.
People are less likely to remove small fine line tattoos that attract less attention.
Fine line tattooing is characterized by straight or curved lines that are very thin and do not use gradations in shade or color
3. Faith Tattoos
The most famous symbol is the cross, as it is closely associated with faith. But the connoisseur says that artists always “hesitate” to do them
In the UK and US, tribal tattoos were cool, then not cool, then cool again after being repurposed by Gen Z with their love of all things 00’s. Of course, the term “tribal tattoo” itself is a bit controversial, and what we really mean is art that originated in Polynesia.
We hesitate to say that cultural tattoos are less likely to be removed because as you can see from the above, they can become quite fashionable for a moment. But if the tattoo reflects something authentic, such as your faith, you may be less likely to remove it.
4. Children inspired
Ms Nowrie says ‘nothing is rarer’ at her tattoo removal studio, NAAMA, thanks to inks dedicated to their children
Nothing is more rare in our moving studio than tattoos dedicated to children, whether it be an original illustration of their child, their date of birth or even their portrait. For many, it would feel like a cold act of betrayal to remove one of their children’s name.
The same courtesy doesn’t extend to all of our relationships: We see our fair share of exes’ names. That’s probably our number one tip. If you love someone, there are many ways to tell without tattoos. Maybe a nice date night will do.
5. Sentimental Script
Sentimental writing is extremely popular, but you should consider its meaning before getting it permanently on your body
Choose your words wisely. Script tattoos are one of the most common removed tattoo styles at NAAMA, from song lyrics to catchphrases.
Instead of getting a tattoo of a popular motto, consider the feel of the tattoo.
Of course we evolve as people, if the tattoo resonates with you at the time, it may not reflect your values in the future. Having an original tattoo of a loved one’s handwriting is highly personal and more likely to stand the test of time. And with script tattoos, it’s best to avoid fad fonts and stick to the classics.
6. Iconic celebrity
The expert says that while your celeb tattoo remains “sacred for life,” be wary that bodies naturally change over time and that the skin can stretch or sag, which can distort the design.
While it’s possible you’ll want to remove the image of a living celebrity who has fallen from grace – as many did with our Yeezy come, Yeezy go Kanye campaign – paying homage to a dead celebrity, be it Bowie or Winehouse , likely to remain sacred for life. Of course, even the departed fall from grace from time to time, and when they do, you can come to NAAMA.
When considering a tattoo it’s not just about the design, it’s important to consider where on the body you’re getting it, as they say, location, location, location. A face tattoo will have more implications for a person in their daily life than a low-key design in a more intimate area.
Bodies naturally change over time, remember that skin can stretch or sag which can distort the design.
How quickly a tattoo disappears also depends on its location. Tattoos closer to your heart remove faster than those on your limbs.