cover-up vs laser removal… So, you’ve got a tattoo you hate. Maybe it was a drunken decision in Magaluf. Perhaps it’s your ex’s name surrounded by roses. Maybe it’s just really, really bad. Whatever the reason, you’ve reached that magical point where you can’t look at it anymore. Welcome to your redemption arc.
At Inception Ink, we see two kinds of people. The “I want it gone forever” crowd, and the “Let’s make it beautiful” gang. The good news is, we offer both options: expert laser tattoo removal and quality cover-up tattoos. The better news? You don’t have to cry in the mirror anymore. Let’s break down your options with zero sugar-coating and a lot of honesty. Because that’s what you came here for, right?
The Great Tattoo Regret
We all make bad choices. Some of us just have them etched into our skin forever. The matching infinity symbols with your ex? The stick-and-poke from that one festival you swore was meaningful? It doesn’t matter, if you don’t like it you don’t like it.
It’s not just you. Tattoo regret is common, and completely fixable. Whether your ink has aged badly, was done badly, or just no longer feels like you, there’s no shame in fixing it. We don’t judge. We’ve seen worse. Trust us.
Cover-Up Tattoos: Art Over Error
Let’s start with the option that feels a bit like emotional recycling.
A cover-up tattoo takes your existing tattoo and transforms it into something new. Done well, it hides the old design completely and gives you a tattoo you actually want to show people without needing a backstory that ends in “…but it meant something at the time.”
- You walk out with a brand-new tattoo, not just less of the old one
- Usually quicker and cheaper than laser
- You get to upgrade your ink, not just erase it
What’s the catch?
- You can’t always have any design you want
- The new tattoo will need to be bigger and bolder than the original
- Not all tattoos can be fully covered without a little laser help first
Not every artist can do cover-ups well. It’s not just whacking a new image over the top and hoping for the best. There’s strategy, layering, colour theory, and a touch of tattoo wizardry involved. Lucky for you, our artists at Inception Ink know exactly what they’re doing. This isn’t their first bad decision rodeo.
We’ve turned barbed wire into roses. Turned initials into butterflies. And once, we turned a very badly drawn… let’s just call it a “phallic sword”… into a koi carp. You’re in safe hands.
Laser Tattoo Removal: The Full Delete Button
If you’re looking at your tattoo and thinking, “No. I don’t want to see even one pixel of this ever again,” then laser might be your better option.
Laser tattoo removal uses pulses of light to break down the pigment in your skin. Your body then does the rest, flushing out the fragments naturally over time. It’s a process, but it works.
Why laser removal is great:
- You don’t have to cover anything if you don’t want to
- Gives you a blank slate for new ink later
- Ideal for faded, old, or very dark tattoos that can’t be easily covered
And the downside?
- Multiple sessions are usually needed
- It can sting a bit
- It costs more over time than a single cover-up
Laser isn’t just for people who want their tattoos gone forever. Sometimes, we use it to fade a tattoo down enough to make a future cover-up look cleaner and sharper. Think of it as preparing the canvas before repainting it. You wouldn’t redecorate your living room without pulling the wallpaper off first. Same principle.
How to Decide: Cover-Up vs Laser Removal Essex
Alright. Let’s get serious for a second. If you’re torn between the two, here’s how to decide.
1. Ask yourself if you still want a tattoo in that spot.
If the answer is yes, a cover-up might work. If it’s a hard no, then laser’s your friend.
2. How bad is the current tattoo?
Be honest. Is it faint and faded, or a bold black tribal mess the size of a dinner plate? The bigger and darker it is, the harder it’ll be to cover. You will need a few laser sessions first.
3. What kind of design do you want next?
If you’re dreaming of soft watercolour or fine line detail, laser fading can give you more flexibility. But if you’re open to bolder styles, our cover-up artists can work magic.
4. What’s your pain tolerance like?
Laser feels like a snapping elastic band that hates you. Tattoos feel like a scratchy cat that loves you. Pick your fighter.
At Inception Ink, You Don’t Have to Choose Alone
When you come to us, you don’t get a one-size-fits-nobody solution. We’ll talk to you about your existing tattoo, what you want going forward, and what’ll get you the best results.
We’re not going to upsell you on laser if you don’t need it. We’re also not going to let you get a dodgy cover-up if it’s going to look like a hot mess. We tell the truth, even when it’s awkward. Especially when it’s awkward.
Sometimes, we’ll recommend a bit of fading with the laser, followed by a cover-up. Sometimes, we’ll tell you you’re good to go straight into a new piece. And sometimes, we’ll gently suggest that the idea you have should be taken out back and never spoken of again.
What Does It Cost?
We won’t give you the classic “how long is a piece of string” answer. But here’s a rough guide.
Laser Removal
- Starts from £50 per session
- Most tattoos need 5 to 10 sessions, depending on size and pigment
Cover-Up Tattoos
- Priced like any custom tattoo
- Starts around £100, going up depending on time and detail
- Some cover-ups require more than one session to complete
We’ll always give you a full quote before anything starts, and we’ll be honest about what you can expect for your budget.
What People Say After
People come in hating their tattoos and walk out buzzing. Cover-ups are transformative, like a tattoo makeover show without the dramatic music. Laser? A slow burn, but one that brings major satisfaction when you start to see it fade away like a bad memory.
Our favourite quote?
“I honestly can’t believe I used to cry over this.”
We live for that energy.
So, Cover-Up or Laser? Yes.
The truth is, there’s no one right answer. It all depends on your tattoo, your goals, and your patience levels. That’s why we offer both, and why we’ll always give you the real advice, not just the easiest route.
If you’re looking for cover-up vs laser removal in Essex, and you want straight answers, a bit of a laugh, and results that make you proud to get your arm out at a BBQ again, then book a consult at Inception Ink.
We’ll help you fix your past. And we won’t even judge the dolphin with the cowboy hat.
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