Tattoo Regret Drives Growing Demand for Laser Removal

Younger generations seek to cover up impulsive body art as tattoos become more mainstream

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A growing number of people, especially those in their teens and 20s, are experiencing tattoo regret and seeking costly laser removal procedures to cover up body art they now view as impulsive or unprofessional. Factors like ink color, tattoo age, and skin type can impact the difficulty and success of removal, which can take multiple painful treatments over several weeks to see optimal results.

Why it matters

As tattoos have become more mainstream, especially among younger generations, the desire to remove or cover up certain tattoos has also increased. This trend reflects evolving attitudes around body art and its impact on professional opportunities, as well as the personal meaning and significance tattoos hold for individuals over time.

The details

Laser tattoo removal involves using a laser to shatter ink molecules in the skin. The process is often challenging, requiring 2-15 treatments with weeks of healing time between sessions. Certain ink colors, especially blues and teals, are the most difficult to remove. Tattoos that were not professionally applied can sometimes be removed in as little as 2 treatments. The procedure can be painful, but clinics offer pain management options like topical lidocaine and cryotherapy.

  • According to a 2026 Pew Research Center survey, one-third of Americans said they have a tattoo and 22% said they have more than one.

The players

Abbie Woodard

Owner of Louisiana Laserderm, a tattoo removal clinic.

Dylan Sherman

A 5-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department who is working to cover up and remove his tattoos to appear more professional.

Tony Parisi

A veteran tattoo artist of nearly 30 years who acknowledges that body art is no longer a 'dealbreaker' in the work world, but warns about placement on the hands.

Steve Frechou

A person who gets tattoos to commemorate significant life events and milestones.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're seeing a much younger crowd trying to get tattoo removal than we ever had before.”

— Abbie Woodard, Owner, Louisiana Laserderm

“When I eventually get into a more professional position, I think to myself, how do I want to present myself to the guys around me and to the public? I'm not one to say I really care what other people think, but when I look in the mirror and I see what I look like, I want to be as professional as possible.”

— Dylan Sherman

“Eventually everything's going to be sleeved up. I've always loved the body work and the aesthetic of them.”

— Dylan Sherman

“Most people's tattoos that we remove are from the ages of 16 to 22 and then I feel like something switches in your brain.”

— Abbie Woodard, Owner, Louisiana Laserderm

“If they're trying to get something on their hands, we call that in the industry, that's the job killer.”

— Tony Parisi, Veteran Tattoo Artist

What’s next

Many states are considering legislation to raise the minimum age for tattoos to 18 without parental consent, which could impact the growing demand for tattoo removal services among younger generations.

The takeaway

As tattoos become more mainstream, the desire to remove or cover up certain body art has increased, especially among younger people seeking a more professional appearance. This trend reflects the evolving personal and professional significance of tattoos, and the challenges of permanent body modifications that may not align with one's values or goals over time.