The trend for quote tattoos, song lyrics and Chinese inkings made famous by celebs like David Beckham and Angelina Jolie are in decline as quotes such as Carpe Diem (seize the day) and Only God Can Judge Me top a list of the top five most commonly removed in the last 12 months according to a tattoo removal studio NAAMA.
Having the names of loved ones and song lyrics are also commonplace. The most popular font styles removed were script, closely followed by typewriter. From fine line hand tattoos to finger dots and wedding ring symbols, last year saw a big increase in hand tattoo removals, a trend that is expected to continue well into 2023.
Tattoo artist Christine Taylor from Gold Venom Tattoo who often works closely with NAAMA said: “Tattoos that were popular when I was younger are completely different to the ones that are popular now. For example, mandalas have become a really big thing, whereas back in the day dream catchers were super popular 10 years ago.
“We’ve seen a lot of people getting their tattoo inspiration from TikTok. Some of the most common ones were people getting their family members to draw little hearts and flowers, butterfly designs (always popular) and angel numbers.”
Christine also explained where she sees tattoo trends headed into 2023: “I think spiritual tattoos and witchy vibes will be popular trends in 2023. Angel numbers will continue to be big as well”.
Briony Garbett, CEO of NAAMA said: “Tattoos are no longer for life, leading technology offers revolutionary, world-class new treatment that does not damage the skin as traditional tattoo removal does. Treatment is far less painful and our clients are able to have treatments every 2-3 weeks, meaning removal can take months and not years. So, clients can either have tattoo-free skin or prepare to cover their new clear space with something new.”
Famous figures, such as musician Machine Gun Kelly and Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, have recently been inked with fine-line red tattoos, making this statement style popular. While black ink tattoos top the removal chart, red ink removals made a surge in recent months.
One of the fastest-growing services NAAMA has seen a huge rise in is semi-permanent makeup removal. The number of clients looking to remove these tattoos has more than doubled over the last twelve months and shows no signs of slowing down.
Briony Gsaid “In most cases the semi-permanent beauty treatments we see have stood the test of time well in terms of retaining their integrity, especially those that were professionally done in the first place. The catalyst for removal tends to be far more centred on personal preference and evolving identity. Whilst eyebrow treatments remain the most popular, we are increasingly seeing clients seeking a more natural look for their lips and removing lip blush and lip liner. We also have a handful of clients who were quick to adopt the freckle tattooing trend several years ago and are now keen to revert to their freckle-free skin.
“Our advice for anyone getting a cosmetic tattoo, as with all beauty treatments with some degree of permanence, just make sure you do your research and go with an artist who has great references and reviews. Be really clear about what you’re trying to achieve and err on the side of caution; you can always get top ups”
Portia 20, who is having multiple tattoos removed, said: “I got a bit addicted to getting them. Some have meaning, some don’t. I got to the point that I don’t find them pretty anymore, I grew out of love with them. I think something that’s so permanent shouldn’t have to be permanent. If anyone has the chance to change something that makes them unhappy, they should take that chance”
Psychotherapist Laura Bradshaw is currently in the process of removing an Oscar Wilde quote from her forearm. She said: “The removal process for me is about getting confidence back. It’s a quote I got as an undergrad English student that I thought was very cool and then I felt very embarrassed by.
"It’s an Oscar Wilde quote and it’s a nice sentiment but to have it permanently tattooed wasn’t really something I thought through at the age of 18. It doesn’t feel like it means anything to me now.”
Laura added: “It’s surreal to think I’m going to be able to look at my arm and not read what it said, it’s exciting. It’s empowering to be able to reclaim that part, it has really impacted me, during the summer I wouldn’t want to wear short sleeves. When I met my partner, on our first date, I remember I wore a long sleeve top, I was like I’m not ready to talk about the tattoo, I’m just not ready to show him that. It’s nice to feel confident again. I wish I done it sooner, I started last spring, it’s so quick and pain-free, I feel so much happier now.”
The Most Commonly Removed Tattoo Designs over the past 12 months
1. Writing and quotes
2. Symbols
3. Flowers (rose being the most removed flower)
4. Tribal
5. Hearts
The Most Commonly Removed Tattoo placements over the past 12 months
1. Hands
2. Shoulders
3. Eyebrows
