Clik here to view.
If you have ink on your wrist that serves as nothing more than the memory of a boozy night, an S.O. or BFF tattoo dedicated to someone you no longer speak with, or lyrics from a song you only loved on your 18th birthday running down your side, you might be familiar with tattoo regret.
The good news is, you're far from alone. In fact, one could argue that impulsive tattoos are more common than ever — leading to a massive uptick in the desire to have them removed. And thanks to advances in skin-treating lasers, permanent no longer means forever — if you're willing to undergo multiple treatments and cough up the dough to go back in time, so to speak. But there's another option for a tat you truly can't stand.
Enter: tattoo makeovers. Don't be mistaken — this is far from simply covering a tattoo with another. Today, artists can strategically enhance, change, add to, and, yes, cover, tattoos in pretty remarkable ways. But first, a word to the wise: There are far more bad tattoo cover-ups online than good ones, so always — always — do your research before picking an artist for the job.
Click through our slideshow for before-and-afters that prove the second time is the charm.
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Technique: Building Upon
Adding layers to an old tattoo can make it feel fresh and new — without sacrificing the original feeling. Here, a simple, organic line becomes scenery with the addition of a mountain range and stars.
Photo: @josh_pohligClik here to view.
Can tattoos be meta? Yes, friends, yes they can.
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We love this technicolour update.
Photo: @nemphoneClik here to view.
Things are better with friends...
Photo: @dream_house_inkClik here to view.
When your flair for the '90s meets your love of origami.
Photo: @roy_lodelaClik here to view.
Netting drawn under this rose expands the reach while maintaining the original concept.
Photo: @natalietattooClik here to view.
Technique: Enhancing
Enhancing a tattoo is a great way to refresh old ink using newer techniques and colours. L.A. tattoo artist East Iz used a single-needle technique to make this line drawing incredibly realistic and detailed.
Photo: @east_sscClik here to view.
A simple outline and colour touch-up gave this faded flower a soft, surreal finish.
Photo: @sctattooerClik here to view.
A stick-and-poke tattoo can be refined and smoothed in one session.
Photo: @fancy.handsClik here to view.
Think contour is just for your face? Think again: This portrait got a sculpted makeover.
Photo: @blamezueyClik here to view.
Shadowing gave this sweet tat new life.
Photo:Clik here to view.
Adding lifelike definition can be the difference between hating and loving your ink.
Photo: @indigo_inkkClik here to view.
Ink on the feet tends to fade faster than on other places — thanks to daily rubbing on your shoes — so it often needs a refresh.
Photo: @fancy.handsClik here to view.
A smooth outline and dose of deep-red colour updated this heart.
Photo: @_gina_madiam_Clik here to view.
Darkening and shading this feather translated to a more modern finish.
Photo: @martincomoglioClik here to view.
Colour made this birdie soar even higher.
Photo: @domcalitattooClik here to view.
Proof that techniques have changed drastically through the years — this tree frog came to life with vibrant, contoured colour.
Photo: @gugmartClik here to view.
When cute gets even cuter...
Photo: @tatbratClik here to view.
Technique: Covering
Straightforward cover jobs can be the best way to remove unwanted ink, especially when you already have your sights set on something bigger and more vibrant.
Photo: @biancaseagraveClik here to view.
Sorry, Clifford...
Photo: @scrawnyyanniClik here to view.
Another from East Iz: A single-needle tattoo is a great way to cover a phrase or name.
Photo: @east_sscClik here to view.
Same insect, whole new life.
Photo: @brunobgfxClik here to view.
This older, faded tat completely disappears behind new art.
Photo: @scrawnyyanniClik here to view.
When the regret is not going big and bold enough...
Photo: @tattoocoverupClik here to view.
See ya, mystery R.
Photo: @triadetattooClik here to view.
Covering a symbol is child's play for tattoo artists.
Photo: @scrawnyyanniLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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