New Technology Allows Ethnic Minority Groups To Safely Remove Tattoos In Global First

A tattoo removal studio has revealed a new service that is not only 'world's most pain-free ink removal' but the only one to be inclusive of all skin tones.

Tattoos mean completely different things to each individual. They can have a deeper meaning, simply look pretty, match with a friend or a dreaded ex. They can be a happy, long-lasting memory, or something you'd really rather forget.

The new type of treatment is said to be the only tattoo removal service that safely removes dark ink on darker skin tones.

Now, NAAMA studios is offering a solution for those of you who got a bit carried away on that holiday in Magaluf and would rather your parents didn't see the results of a night where you went a bit too hard.

'68% of Brits say they regret their tattoo, with a further 29% of ethnic minorities reluctant to remove them due to limitations with melanin-rich skin tones,' NAAMA says. There has also reportedly been a '90% increase in the demand for tattoo removal within the beauty industry'.

The Fitzpatrick scale, a numerical classification test for human skin colour developed in 1975, helps measure the amount of melanin present in a person's skin. However, when some people who have darker skin have been tested against the scale, it has been discovered that they could face a series of risks if they were to get some types of laser tattoo removal.

From an increased risk of clients developing hyperpigmentation, where patches of skin become darker in colour, to hypo-pigmentation, where patches of skin can grow lighter, those with darker skin also reportedly run the risk of of developing keloid scarring.

'We can treat black ink on all skin tones but we only treat coloured inks on Fitzpatrick 1-3 skin types. Coloured ink cannot be safely treated on darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick 5-6) as the frequency of the lasers damage the melanocytes, causing hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin,' NAAMA says.

The technology – a laser that reportedly operates 100 times faster than most of those already in the industry – was developed at Princeton University and has since been launched exclusively at NAAMA studios' Great Portland St Studio in London.

'The LightSense laser system pulses up to 100 times faster than Pico and Q-switch lasers, and uses much lower energy. That means it doesn't damage melanocytes in the skin and there is significantly less risk of pigmentation changes,' the company says.

The new system is said to leave no scarring and cause no pain, which offers a potential easier solution to those who have tattoos on more sensitive areas of their body, such as those who may regret permanent makeup tattoos on their face.

Briony Garbett, CEO of NAAMA reflected on what a 'huge part of modern-day culture' tattoos have become, which is something that NAAMA hopes to 'really embrace'.

'Our mission is to empower people through the removal and evolution of their body art. After all, body art is the most personal form of self-expression – it represents our journey through life – we want people to see tattoo removal as a normal and healthy change. As humans, we constantly evolve, and that should be celebrated. From the moment you step into the NAAMA studio, you can leave all shame and regret behind, we exist to give you confidence in your skin and with your story,' she said.

Garbett hopes that with 'brand-new, proprietary laser technology' alongside 'world-class tattoo removal experts', the new service can 'empower people with body art that no longer serves them, to make a change'.

'We champion inclusivity and proudly bring to market the most skin-safe technology, now accessible for all skin tones. It's been unbelievably rewarding to be a part of so many intensely personal removal journeys, guiding clients through what can often be an emotional and cathartic process; the positive response we've received has been overwhelming,' she added.

So whether you make up the 33% of Brits who feel like their tattoo doesn't accurately reflect their journey in life, part of the 21% who think it no longer represents who they are now, or the 24% who want their tattoo replaced, then whatever skin tone you have, there is finally a solution.

Otis Taitt, a case study who has already tried the new treatment, reflected on the process: 'It’s awesome, it’s almost gone – I can’t describe the difference or the feeling of being so self-conscious about something and being able to embark on a process and just have it eradicated.'

Single sessions at NAAMA Studios start from £179 for the removal of micro tattoos, packages of five sessions start at £709. 

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