How does laser ink fading work?
Laser fading uses controlled pulses of light to target and break apart tattoo pigment beneath the skin. Once the pigment is shattered into smaller particles, your body gradually clears it through the natural immune process. With each session, the ink softens and lightens, creating a cleaner canvas for either full removal or a fresh, modern cover-up.
The number of sessions depends on factors like ink color, saturation, placement, and the age of the tattoo. Black and red pigments respond especially well, and this approach works beautifully for both traditional body tattoos and old microblading or cosmetic tattoos.
Properly performed laser fading does not damage the skin. When handled by a trained specialist using the right settings and technique, the process is controlled, safe, and focused solely on the pigment — not the surrounding tissue.
Tattoing techniques and pigments have evolved massively since I first picked up my machine eight years ago. Back then, cosmetic tattooing was just starting to take off — the education wasn’t there yet, the pigments weren’t what they are today, and everyone was still figuring it out.
Now? We know better. We do better. We have smarter techniques, safer formulas, and results that age beautifully instead of unpredictably.
If you’ve been thinking about starting fresh, laser fading is absolutely the way to go. I’ve been offering trauma-free fading for over two years now, and the results speak for themselves.
And if you’re an old client of mine… please know this:
I will never be offended if you want to reset and rebuild with the newer methods. In fact, I prefer it. You deserve my best work, with today’s knowledge and today’s tools.
If you’ve been with me for 4+ years, I’ll even deduct the cost of one laser session from your refresh to make the transition easier. I stand behind everything I create — and I want you to feel confident every single day.
If you’re ready to begin again, just reach out. I’ve got you.
And it’s not just brows — if you have a small body art tattoo you’ve been hating, regretting, or just wishing you could fade for a better cover-up, I can help with that too. Black and red ink fade beautifully, and you’d be surprised how much confidence comes back once something you disliked is finally softened or gone.
Laser Fading for Brows
Swipe through to see some of my client's Ink Reset + Renew journies — from fading out old pigment to creating fresh, refined brows that actually complement your face today.
This is what happens when everything is done under one roof, with one artist, with intention.
In my studio, you get a warm, comfortable, luxury environment designed for women who want to upgrade, refresh, or completely reinvent their brows without the stress of bouncing between multiple places.
There are so many reasons to reset old work:
• outdated shapes
• overly dark or uneven pigment
• botched work from years ago
• or simply wanting a cleaner, more modern style
Whatever your reason, I make the entire transition seamless — gentle laser fading, honest guidance, and custom brows built for your features and your lifestyle.
Your journey to better brows starts here.
And I’m with you for every step of it.
Typical Session Range
Most brows I fade take 2–3 sessions, though certain saturated or carbon-heavy brows can take up to 8. Many clients reach a “light enough” point for new brows long before full removal is complete. We must wait 6-8 weeks between sessions and then 8 weeks from last session to retattoo again.
When your brows have faded to the level needed for a clean redesign, you and I will decide together when it is appropriate to move forward with new work.
During Your Appointment
• 15 min appointment
We begin with a consultation to outline realistic expectations
• Each brow-size area takes roughly 20 seconds of sharp, quick discomfort
• My goal is always to protect the skin and avoid unnecessary trauma
• Normal immediate reactions: swelling, redness, warmth, slight chance of bruising
• You’ll stay in studio for 10 minutes of cooling, then continue cooling at home throughout the day
Microblading
Both pinkish and grey microblading respond well to laser. This method is ideal for lifting out old strokes that have aged poorly or shifted in tone.
Possibility of Temporary Hair Lightening
In some cases, very dark natural brow hairs may temporarily lighten or appear frosted after treatment. This resolves on its own as the hairs grow.
If you wish to avoid this altogether, tinting the brows a few days before your session can prevent it.
Laser fading does not affect hair growth. In many cases, clients even notice improved growth after sessions.
Ink Color Shifts
Some pigments may darken before they lighten. This is a normal response depending on the ink’s chemistry. Further sessions will lift the pigment, and I will guide you through every stage as we go.
Laser Limitations
Some colors do not respond well to the wavelengths used for cosmetic tattoo fading.
Hard-to-lift pigments include: white, yellow, flesh tones, orange, blue, green & containing white.
If these shades remain after the fading process, I will walk you through alternative options.
Laser Fading for Small Body Art
If you’ve got a little tattoo you’ve been regretting — that old symbol, quote, or tiny piece of body art that no longer feels like you — laser fading can give you a clean slate again.
I specialize in fading small black and red tattoos, and I offer the most affordable laser sessions in town to make the process accessible for anyone who’s ready to finally let that ink go.
Here’s what to know:
• Black + red inks fade best, but the more saturated they are, the longer the journey.
• If your tattoo is already a bit faded or lightly saturated, you’ll see faster progress.
• Every tattoo is unique — placement, age, ink depth, and skin all play a role.
My goal is simple: gentle, effective fading that helps you feel confident in your skin again, whether you want it gone or just light enough for a better cover-up.
If you’re ready to start fresh, I’d love to help. Just reach out — we’ll figure out the best plan for your situation.
Typical Session Range
Small body art tattoos vary widely:
• Deep, dark, freshly saturated tattoos may take 10+ sessions
• Older or naturally faded tattoos often respond much faster
Black and red pigments fade best with the wavelengths used at Smoke N Black.
What to Expect
• Each appointment includes a consultation to review progress
• Immediate reactions mirror brow fading: swelling, warmth, redness, mild discomfort
• Sessions are spaced 6–8+ weeks apart for proper clearing
• Total removal cannot be guaranteed, but significant lightening is common
Why Clients Choose Fading
• regret
• outdated symbols or fine-line designs
• preparing the skin for a cleaner cover-up
• wanting something gone without scarring or skin trauma
