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Tattoo Removal (Laser)

Tattoo removal most commonly uses a laser to fade or clear an unwanted tattoo. Short, high-energy pulses of light are absorbed by the ink and shatter it into tiny particles, which your body's immune system then gradually clears away over the following weeks. Because of how this works, removal is a course of treatment rather than a single visit: most tattoos need several sessions, typically spaced six to twelve weeks apart to let the skin recover and the ink disperse. Modern clinics use Q-switched or picosecond (Pico) lasers, and the type of device, the ink colours, the age and depth of the tattoo, its position on the body and your skin tone all affect how quickly it responds. Some colours and some skin tones are more challenging, and complete clearance cannot always be guaranteed. This is an energy-based treatment that carries real risks of burns, blistering and pigment change if performed incorrectly, so it should be carried out by a properly trained, insured practitioner after a face-to-face consultation. If in any doubt, speak to your GP or a dermatologist first.

Book a face-to-face consultation before your first session so the practitioner can assess your tattoo, your skin tone and your medical history, and set honest expectations about how many sessions you may need. Tell them about any medications, skin conditions or a history of keloid scarring or cold sores. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for around four weeks beforehand, as tanned or sunburnt skin raises the risk of burns and pigment change. Keep the area well moisturised and unbroken in the run-up, and shave the site if asked rather than waxing. Certain medicines, including Roaccutane and some antibiotics, increase light sensitivity, so a clearance period is usually needed. Arrive with clean skin, free of make-up, lotions or sunscreen over the tattoo, and wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area.

You will usually be given protective eyewear, and the practitioner may cool the skin before starting. A test area or patch test is often done first to check how your skin reacts before treating the whole tattoo. The handpiece delivers rapid pulses of light over the tattoo, and you may notice a faint snapping sound and a whitening (frosting) of the skin as the ink absorbs the energy. Sessions are generally short, from a few minutes for a small tattoo to longer for larger designs, and settings are tailored to your ink colours, skin tone and how the tattoo has responded so far. The practitioner works methodically across the area and will check in with you throughout. Immediately afterwards the skin is typically red, slightly swollen and warm, and a cooling spray, gel or compress is usually applied before dressing.

Keep the treated area clean, dry and covered as advised, and apply any soothing product such as aloe vera or the ointment your clinic recommends. Blisters, scabs and mild crusting are common in the days after treatment; do not pick, scratch or burst them, as this is where scarring and infection are most likely to start. Wash gently with cool or warm (not hot) water, pat dry, and avoid swimming pools, saunas, hot baths, heavy exercise and tight clothing over the area until it has healed. Protect the site from the sun completely and use a high-factor SPF (30 or above) once healed, keeping it covered where possible, as sun exposure between sessions raises the risk of pigment change. Follow the interval your practitioner sets before the next session. Contact your clinic or GP if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain or yellow, honey-coloured discharge that persists.

Laser tattoo removal is an energy-based treatment, so the biggest safety factors are the practitioner's training and the correct laser settings. The right wavelength, energy and pulse for your ink colours and skin tone reduce the risk of burns, blistering, scarring and lasting pigment change, so competence matters more than price. Choose a practitioner with recognised laser training (Level 4 or above is commonly expected, with Core of Knowledge safety training), appropriate insurance, and well-maintained, correctly registered equipment. In parts of the country, notably many London boroughs, premises using lasers or IPL need a local authority special treatment licence, so ask whether one is held. Everyone in the room should use protective eyewear. Darker skin tones and certain colours carry a higher risk of pigment change or incomplete clearance, which a good practitioner will discuss honestly. If you have any concerns, ask your GP or a dermatologist before starting.

Share your full medical history at consultation, as several conditions make laser tattoo removal unsuitable or require caution. A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, active eczema, psoriasis or infection over the tattoo, vitiligo, and autoimmune conditions such as lupus are commonly treated as contraindications. Bleeding disorders and blood-thinning medication may rule treatment out or need medical advice first. Photosensitising medicines, including Roaccutane (isotretinoin) and some antibiotics, usually require a clearance period before treatment. Treatment is generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution, since the effects of clearing fragmented ink are not well studied. If you are prone to cold sores and the tattoo is near the mouth, antiviral cover may be advised. This is a medical-adjacent procedure, not a beauty quick-fix, so where there is any doubt about your suitability, a good practitioner will ask you to check with your GP or a dermatologist before going ahead.

A patch or test-area on the tattoo is standard practice and is usually done at the first appointment, before the full tattoo is treated. Rather than checking for allergy, it lets the practitioner see how your skin and ink respond to a specific laser setting, so they can choose safe energy levels and reduce the risk of burns, blistering or pigment change. It also gives an early sense of how well the tattoo may clear. Alongside this, a thorough consultation and medical history are essential to screen for contraindications such as keloid scarring, photosensitising medication, pregnancy or skin conditions over the area. Skipping these checks is a genuine warning sign: proper records and testing protect you and are also central to a practitioner's insurance and UK liability if anything goes wrong.

Be cautious if a practitioner cannot show relevant laser training, insurance or, where required locally, a special treatment licence, or if the equipment looks poorly maintained or unbranded. No consultation, no medical history questions and no patch or test area before treating the whole tattoo are all warning signs. Promises of guaranteed complete removal, a fixed low number of sessions regardless of your tattoo, or pressure to pay upfront for a big course should make you pause. Protective eyewear not being offered, no aftercare guidance, and a practitioner who dismisses your questions about risks to darker skin tones or scarring are further red flags. If something feels rushed or unsafe, do not proceed.

Good signs include a proper face-to-face consultation, clear questions about your health and medication, and a patch or test area before your full tattoo is treated. A trustworthy practitioner has recognised laser training and Core of Knowledge safety training, carries appropriate insurance, and holds a local special treatment licence where the council requires one. They use well-maintained, correctly registered lasers, provide eye protection, and explain realistic expectations, including that several sessions are needed and that some colours and skin tones respond less predictably. They give written aftercare, set sensible intervals between sessions, keep records, and are happy for you to check with your GP if you have any medical concerns.

What laser training, qualifications and insurance do you hold, and do you have a special treatment licence if my local council requires one?
Will you carry out a patch or test area first, and how will you choose the settings for my ink colours and skin tone?
Realistically, how many sessions might my tattoo need, and can you be honest about whether full clearance is likely?
What are the risks of scarring, blistering or pigment change for my skin tone, and how do you reduce them?
Are there any reasons, based on my medical history or medication, that I should not have this treatment?
What aftercare will you give me, and who do I contact if I have a problem between sessions?

Most people describe the sensation as a sharp, hot, snapping feeling, often compared to an elastic band flicked repeatedly against the skin or a spray of tiny hot pinpricks. It can feel more intense over bony areas and on larger or darker tattoos that need more energy. Sessions are usually short, so the discomfort is brief, and many clinics cool the skin before and afterwards to make it more comfortable. Straight after, the area typically feels warm, tender and a little swollen, similar to sunburn, and may sting for a few hours. If the treatment ever feels unbearable, tell your practitioner, who can adjust cooling or pacing.

Most people carry on with everyday life straight away, though the area is usually red, tender and swollen for a few days and may blister or scab. Surface healing typically takes one to two weeks, while the deeper fading of ink continues for several weeks as your body clears the particles. This is why sessions are spaced six to twelve weeks apart. Recovery varies with the size and site of the tattoo and your own healing; areas further from the heart, such as ankles and feet, often take longer to settle and fade.

Laser tattoo removal works gradually over a course of sessions, with the tattoo fading in stages between appointments as your body clears the shattered ink. Many tattoos fade significantly or clear over roughly six to ten or more sessions, but this varies widely: older, faded, professional versus amateur, and single-colour black tattoos often respond best, while bright colours such as green, blue and yellow, dense ink, and certain skin tones can be more stubborn. Complete removal cannot always be guaranteed, and some faint shadowing or slight lightening of the skin may remain. Once a tattoo is cleared there is nothing to maintain, though protecting the healed skin from the sun helps it settle evenly. If you are considering a cover-up rather than full removal, fewer sessions to lighten the tattoo may be enough, which your practitioner can plan with you.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair, heating the follicle to reduce future growth. It is one of the most popular longer-term hair-reduction methods in the UK and is typically used on the legs, underarms, bikini area, face, back and chest. Because the light targets pigment, results and safety depend heavily on the match between your hair colour, skin tone and the type of laser used, which is why a proper consultation matters. It works best on dark hair and is less effective on very fair, grey, red or white hair, which hold little pigment. Modern devices such as Nd:YAG lasers have made treatment safer for darker skin tones, but settings must be chosen carefully to avoid burns or pigment changes. Laser hair removal reduces hair rather than removing it permanently in every case, so most people need a course of sessions followed by occasional maintenance. When carried out by a trained, competent practitioner using well-maintained equipment and correct settings for your skin, it is a well-established treatment with a good track record. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect and how to choose a provider safely.

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Laser hair removal

Good preparation protects your skin and improves results. Shave the treatment area a day or two beforehand so the hair root remains in the follicle but the surface hair does not scorch; do not wax, pluck, thread or use epilators for around four to six weeks before, as these remove the root the laser needs to target. Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan for at least two to four weeks before your appointment, because tanned or recently sun-exposed skin raises the risk of burns and pigment changes. Come to the treatment with clean skin, free of make-up, deodorant, creams or oils on the area. Tell your practitioner about any medicines you take, particularly anything that increases light sensitivity, and about recent or planned holidays in strong sun. If you have taken isotretinoin (Roaccutane), most UK clinics ask you to wait around six months after finishing. Discuss any skin conditions, cold-sore history or tattoos near the area so treatment can be planned safely.

At your first visit the practitioner should take a full history, assess your skin tone and hair, discuss expectations and carry out a patch test before any full treatment. During a session you and the practitioner wear protective goggles, as the light can damage eyes. A cool gel or a device with an integrated cooling system is often used to protect the skin surface and ease discomfort. The handpiece is placed against the skin and pulses of light are delivered across the area, section by section. Most people describe the sensation as a warm pinging or an elastic band snapping against the skin. Treatment time depends on the size of the area, ranging from a few minutes for the upper lip to around an hour for larger areas such as legs or back. A competent practitioner adjusts the settings to your skin type and hair, watches your skin's response closely and checks in with you throughout. Afterwards the area may look slightly pink with mild bumps around the follicles, which usually settles within hours.

Gentle aftercare helps your skin recover and lowers the risk of pigment changes. Some redness and mild swelling around the follicles is normal for a few hours and occasionally up to a day or two. Keep the area cool and avoid heat for around 24 to 48 hours, so no hot baths or showers, saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga or vigorous exercise that makes you sweat heavily. Avoid swimming pools and anything that might irritate the skin. Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate the area while it is sensitive, and skip perfumed products, deodorant on treated underarms and harsh actives such as retinoids or acids for a couple of days. Sun protection is essential: keep the area covered and apply a high-factor broad-spectrum SPF daily, avoiding direct sun and sunbeds throughout your course and for several weeks afterwards. You may notice hairs appearing to grow in the following one to three weeks; this is often the treated hairs shedding, so let them fall out naturally rather than plucking. Follow the specific advice your clinic gives you.

Laser hair removal is an energy-based treatment, so practitioner competence and correct settings are the heart of safe care. The light generates real heat, and settings that are too high, the wrong device for your skin tone, or poor technique can cause burns, blistering and long-lasting pigment changes, particularly on darker or tanned skin. Choose a practitioner who is properly trained in laser and IPL, understands different skin types and lasers, uses well-maintained, serviced equipment and always provides eye protection. In England, clinics providing laser hair removal for cosmetic purposes are generally expected to consider Care Quality Commission requirements where the treatment is medical in nature, and standards vary across the UK, so it is reasonable to ask how a provider is regulated and insured. A thorough consultation, an accurate assessment of your skin tone and a patch test before full treatment are non-negotiable safety steps. Never accept treatment on sunburnt, broken or actively tanned skin, and be wary of anyone who skips the patch test or cannot explain how they set the machine for you.

Some medical circumstances make laser hair removal unsuitable or mean it should be delayed, so an honest medical history matters. Treatment is usually avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, and while there is no evidence of harm, most clinics prefer to wait. Certain medicines increase light sensitivity, including some antibiotics, St John's Wort and other photosensitising drugs, and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) usually requires a wait of around six months after your last dose because the skin is more fragile. Conditions such as active eczema or psoriasis in the area, vitiligo, a tendency to keloid scarring, light-sensitive epilepsy, bleeding disorders or a history of cold sores near the treatment site all need discussion first. Hormone-related hair growth, for example with polycystic ovary syndrome, can affect results and may need more sessions. If you are unsure whether a health condition or medication affects your suitability, speak to your GP or a suitably qualified practitioner before booking. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic treatment and is not a diagnosis or cure for any underlying condition.

A patch test is standard and important for laser hair removal, and a responsible clinic will not skip it. A small area is treated at the proposed settings, then reviewed after around 24 to 48 hours to check how your skin reacts before committing to a full session or a course. This helps the practitioner confirm the right device and settings for your skin tone and hair, and reduces the risk of burns or pigment changes, which is especially valuable for darker, sensitive or recently sun-exposed skin. Alongside the patch test, a thorough consultation and medical history screen for contraindications such as photosensitising medicines, recent isotretinoin, tanning or skin conditions. From a UK liability standpoint, these checks protect you and evidence that the practitioner assessed your suitability, so a provider who offers to proceed with no patch test or consultation is a genuine warning sign.

Be cautious if a provider skips the consultation, patch test or medical history, or is happy to treat sunburnt, broken or freshly tanned skin. It is a warning sign if they cannot tell you which laser they use, why it suits your skin tone, or how they choose the settings for you. Other red flags include no eye protection offered, equipment that looks poorly maintained or is not regularly serviced, no proof of relevant laser training, no insurance, and pressure to buy large packages upfront before you have had a patch test. Promises of guaranteed permanent removal in a fixed number of sessions, dismissing your questions, or reluctance to explain how they are regulated should all make you pause and look elsewhere.

Good practice starts with a proper consultation that assesses your skin tone and hair, reviews your medical history and medicines, and sets realistic expectations. Look for a practitioner with recognised laser and IPL training who can clearly explain which device they use and why it suits you, and who always carries out a patch test 24 to 48 hours before your first full session. Well-maintained, serviced equipment, correct eye protection for you and the practitioner, and clear written before-and-after advice are all reassuring signs. A trustworthy provider is transparent about their qualifications, insurance and how they are regulated, tailors the settings and number of sessions to you, and is happy to answer questions without pressure or hard selling.

What training and qualifications do you hold in laser or IPL hair removal, and are you insured?
Which type of laser do you use, and why is it suitable for my skin tone and hair colour?
Will I have a patch test before my first full session, and how long before?
How are you regulated, and how is your equipment maintained and serviced?
How many sessions am I likely to need, and what results are realistic for me?
What are the possible side effects, and what should I do if I have a reaction such as blistering?

Most people find laser hair removal very tolerable rather than painful. The usual description is a warm, quick pinging or a light elastic band snapping against the skin as each pulse is delivered, followed by brief heat. Many modern devices have built-in cooling that makes this more comfortable, and a cool gel may also be used. Sensitive or bony areas such as the upper lip, bikini line and underarms tend to feel a little sharper, while larger areas like the legs are usually milder. Afterwards the skin often feels warm, like mild sunburn, with some tingling. The intensity can be tailored to your comfort and skin, so tell your practitioner if anything feels too hot or too strong.

Laser hair removal generally involves little to no downtime, and most people return to their normal day straight away. It is common to have some redness and small raised bumps around the hair follicles, similar to a mild heat rash, which typically fades within a few hours and sometimes over a day or two. Sensitivity to heat, exercise and sun is highest in the first 24 to 48 hours. More noticeable reactions such as blistering, crusting or lasting colour change are uncommon when settings are correct, but they are more likely with sun-exposed or tanned skin. If you notice blistering, significant pain or signs of a burn, contact your clinic promptly for advice.

Laser hair removal reduces hair gradually rather than removing every hair in one go, because it works best on follicles in their active growth phase and only a proportion are active at any time. Most people need a course of around six to eight sessions spaced several weeks apart, with the exact number depending on the area, your hair and skin, and hormonal factors. Over the course you should see hair becoming sparser, finer and slower to return. Results can be long-lasting, but they are best described as long-term hair reduction rather than guaranteed permanent removal, and many people benefit from occasional top-up or maintenance sessions once or twice a year. Hormonal changes, such as those linked to polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy or menopause, can trigger new growth over time. To protect your results and skin, keep using sun protection, avoid plucking or waxing between sessions and shave instead, and attend your maintenance appointments as advised. Your practitioner can tailor the plan to your goals and skin.

Eyeliner Tattoo

An eyeliner tattoo, also called permanent or semi-permanent eyeliner, is a form of cosmetic tattooing where pigment is deposited into the skin along the lash line to create the look of definition or a soft liner that does not wash off. It is popular with people who want to save time on their morning routine, who struggle to apply liner because of shaky hands or poor eyesight, or who have sparse lashes and want a fuller lash line. Results range from a subtle 'lash enhancement' that simply darkens the roots of the lashes to a bolder, more defined line, so the look can be tailored closely to what you want. Because the eye area is delicate and the work sits close to the eye, this is a treatment to approach carefully and with a skilled, properly registered artist. In England and Wales, anyone offering tattooing or semi-permanent skin colouring must be registered with their local council, and in most of Greater London a special treatments licence is needed instead. The colour is not truly permanent: it typically softens and fades over one to three years and usually needs a top-up to stay looking fresh.

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Eyeliner Tattoo

Book a consultation before your appointment so the artist can review your medical history, discuss the shape and depth of colour you would like, and check that the treatment is suitable for you. Avoid blood-thinning products in the days beforehand where it is safe to do so, including alcohol, and only stop prescribed medication such as anticoagulants on the advice of your GP. Steer clear of caffeine on the day, as it can make the eyes water. If you wear eyelash extensions, have them removed first, and stop using lash-growth serums a few weeks ahead, as these can affect healing and colour. Do not have your lashes tinted or lifted immediately before. Come with clean skin and no eye make-up, and bring your glasses, as you will not be able to wear contact lenses for a while. If you are prone to cold sores or have any eye condition, mention it in advance so it can be managed or the appointment rescheduled.

Your artist will start by cleaning the area and, with you, drawing on the proposed shape so you can approve it before any pigment goes in. A topical numbing gel is usually applied to reduce discomfort, and you will be asked to keep your eyes closed and relaxed throughout. Using a sterile, single-use needle or cartridge, the artist deposits pigment in fine passes along the lash line, gradually building the colour and definition. The appointment commonly takes one to two hours depending on the style, from a subtle lash-line enhancement to a fuller defined liner. It is normal for the eyes to water and for the area to look darker and slightly swollen straight after. Because the freshly applied colour oxidises and softens as it heals, the artist deliberately aims for a result that will settle lighter than it first appears. A follow-up or 'perfecting' session is usually planned for around four to eight weeks later to refine the shape and even out the colour.

Keep the area clean and dry and follow the specific aftercare your artist gives you, as advice varies between studios. Do not rub, pick or scratch the eyelids, even when they flake, as pulling off scabs can lift the pigment and cause patchy healing. Gently blot away any weeping with a clean tissue and apply only the ointment your artist recommends, using a clean cotton bud. Avoid eye make-up, especially mascara, for around ten days, and keep away from swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and heavy sweating while the skin heals. Do not wear contact lenses until the area has settled, and wear sunglasses outdoors, as UV light fades the pigment. Sleep on your back if you can, on a fresh pillowcase, and avoid facials, chemical peels and other eye-area treatments during healing. If you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, heat or pus, contact your artist and seek medical advice promptly.

Because this is a tattoo placed very close to the eye, hygiene and skill matter enormously. Choose an artist who is registered with their local council for tattooing and semi-permanent make-up (or licensed by the council in most of London), works in clean, dedicated premises, and can show proof of training and insurance. Needles and cartridges must be sterile and single-use, opened in front of you, and pigments should be within their use-by date. A thorough consultation and medical history should happen before any pigment is applied, and you should be asked to give informed consent. The eye area carries particular risks, including infection, allergic reaction to pigment, and, rarely, injury to the eye itself, so competence is not optional. If anything about the cleanliness, the equipment or the artist's willingness to answer questions feels off, do not go ahead. When in doubt about your suitability, check with your GP first.

Several conditions and medications can make an eyeliner tattoo unsuitable or mean it should be delayed. Blood thinners and anticoagulants increase bleeding and bruising, and you should only ever stop prescribed medication on your GP's advice. Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune conditions such as lupus, and skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis around the eyes can affect healing. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are generally reasons to wait. If you are having chemotherapy or are otherwise immunosuppressed, this should wait until your health is stable and your medical team is happy. Eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, styes, glaucoma, dry eye or recent eye surgery, and a tendency to cold sores, all need to be discussed first. Recent laser eye surgery, peels or laser treatments near the eye also need time to settle. A reputable artist will take a full medical history and, where appropriate, ask you to check with your GP or ophthalmologist before going ahead. This treatment is a cosmetic procedure, not medical care.

A patch test is a sensible precaution for an eyeliner tattoo, as it checks for a reaction to the pigment and to any topical numbing product before they are used so close to your eye. It is worth remembering that a patch test is not fully conclusive, as sensitivities can develop over time, but skipping it makes a reaction harder to defend if a claim arises, and in the UK an insured artist can be found at fault for not offering one. Just as important is a proper consultation with a full medical history and a review of contraindications, plus agreeing and drawing the shape before any pigment goes in. Raise any allergies, past reactions to cosmetics or metals, and any eye conditions at this stage so the artist can decide whether to proceed, adapt or refer you on.

Be wary of anyone who cannot show they are registered with the local council for tattooing or semi-permanent make-up, or who works from unhygienic or makeshift premises. Reusing needles, not opening sterile equipment in front of you, or skipping gloves and clean surfaces are serious warning signs. So is refusing or dismissing a consultation, medical history, patch test or informed consent form, or pressuring you to go ahead quickly. Prices that seem far too good to be true, no aftercare guidance, no insurance, and unwillingness to answer questions about training or hygiene should all give you pause. During healing, spreading redness, worsening pain, heat, pus, or any change in your vision are reasons to seek medical help without delay rather than waiting.

A good artist is registered with their local council (or licensed in London), openly displays their certificate, and carries professional insurance. They offer a proper consultation, take a full medical history, discuss contraindications, and offer a patch test. Their studio is clean and well organised, needles and cartridges are sterile and single-use and opened in front of you, and they wear gloves and follow clear hygiene routines. They show you a portfolio of healed results, explain realistic outcomes rather than overpromising, and design the shape with you before starting. Clear written aftercare, a planned top-up appointment, and a willingness to answer every question calmly are all signs you are in careful, professional hands. Feeling unhurried and fully informed is exactly what you should expect.

Are you registered with the local council for tattooing and semi-permanent make-up, or licensed if you work in London, and can I see your certificate?
What training and qualifications do you have, and do you hold professional insurance for cosmetic tattooing around the eyes?
Do you use sterile, single-use needles and cartridges, and will you open them in front of me?
Will you carry out a consultation, take my medical history and offer a patch test for the pigment and numbing product?
Can I see photographs of healed eyeliner results you have done, not just fresh ones?
What does the aftercare involve, is a top-up appointment included, and what should I do if something goes wrong?

With numbing gel applied, most people find an eyeliner tattoo more comfortable than they expect, often describing a light scratching, tingling or vibrating feeling along the lash line rather than sharp pain. The eyes commonly water throughout, which is completely normal, and the lids may feel a little tender, tight or swollen afterwards. Some areas, particularly the inner and outer corners, can feel more sensitive than others. As the numbing wears off you might notice a mild soreness, similar to tired or slightly irritated eyes, which usually eases within a day or so. Everyone's tolerance is different, so tell your artist if you need a pause.

Most people carry on with everyday life straight away, though the eyelids often look darker, tight and a little swollen for the first day or two, and some puffiness on waking is normal. Light scabbing and flaking usually appear around days three to five and should be left to shed on their own. The colour often looks strong at first, then fades and can seem patchy as it heals, before evening out. The surface typically heals within about a week to ten days, with the colour fully settling by around six weeks, which is why a top-up is planned after that point.

An eyeliner tattoo is best thought of as long-lasting rather than truly permanent. The colour typically stays looking its best for around one to three years before it softens and fades, though this varies with your skin, the depth of the pigment, sun exposure and your skincare routine. Oilier skin and regular use of exfoliating or anti-ageing products tend to fade pigment faster. A perfecting session about four to eight weeks after the first appointment helps even out the colour and refine the shape, and most people then choose a colour boost every year or two to keep it fresh. Protecting the area from the sun with sunglasses and, once healed, sunscreen nearby helps the colour last. Over time the shade can shift slightly, so an experienced artist will advise on when a top-up is due and how the look can be adjusted, whether you want to keep it subtle or build a little more definition.