Tattoos may no longer be forever, but removing them is no picnic
Limitations in wavelengths also mean that not all tattoos – particularly those with thicker lines – can be entirely eliminated.
Other factors, including a tattoo's age and colours used, affect how long it takes to remove ink, but it can take anywhere from three to 20 sessions, and several years, for one tattoo to fade completely.
'Not just the ex's name'
Kelly Swift, owner of Swift Tattoo Removal in Melbourne, has been working in the industry for more than a decade. During this time, she's witnessed the increasing popularity of tattoo removal, which she says has risen in lockstep with the growing ubiquity of tattoos.
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In 2023, 30 per cent of Australians had tattoos, compared with 20 per cent in 2018, while about one in four people expressed regret over a tattoo, with almost half of that cohort going on to have one removed or camouflaged.
Swift says clients' motivations for tattoo removal vary, but more people are opting for removal when they find a tattoo no longer aligns with their aesthetic, rather than removing a tattoo that may prohibit employment opportunities or that are tied to a bad memory.
'It's not so much the ex's name any more. People just want a new style,' she says.
Jess Buxton, owner of Buxton Tattoo Removal in Sydney's inner west, says evolving trends are key drivers of business.
'In the '90s, heavy tribal tattoos were on trend. A lot of people are removing those now. A lot of cultural appropriation stuff as well, like Polynesian sleeves, with people not realising that they mean things.'
Her clinic, which is housed inside a tattoo studio like Swift's, also helps clients fade tattoos to then be covered over.
'In the '90s, heavy tribal tattoos were on trend. A lot of people are removing those now.'
Jess Buxton, owner of Buxton Tattoo Removal in Sydney
Swift thinks the practice's increased accessibility may also have made people more lax about getting a tattoo in the first place.
'I get messages from people the day after they get their tattoo, and they're like, 'I made a mistake',' she says.
Swift highlights the tattoo removal process can be time-intensive and expensive.
Jason Erwin, Australian director of operations for global tattoo removal chain Removery, sees the procedure's rising popularity as part of the rise in cosmetic treatments.
'It's normalising it as part of any beauty treatment,' he says. 'Laser hair removal has been on the market for a good 20 years, and tattoo removal has only been on the market for around nine years.
'We've really seen an exponential increase in treatments, over the past three years in particular.'
He agrees that laser tattoo removal can be a long process. Many prospective clients – particularly those hoping to erase an ex's name or remove a tattoo before a wedding – expect fast results.
'It's not a quick, easy fix,' he says.
Life changing
But while more people are opting to erase ink that simply doesn't suit them any more, for some, removing a tattoo can be genuinely life changing.
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In 2019, Amanda McKinnon founded Fresh Start, a program that offers free tattoo removal to those who aren't able to access or pay for it. Eligibility criteria include survivors of domestic violence or immigration detention who may have been forcibly tattooed, those recently released from incarceration looking for a fresh start, ex-gang or bikie members and those with offensive or hyper-visible tattoos.
'I had a number of clients who disclosed fairly traumatic circumstances around why they got the tattoo, but it was just unachievable for them to access tattoo removal because of the pricing,' says McKinnon, who has been working in the industry for more than a decade through her practice LaserTat in Adelaide.
One of the first of its kind in Australia, McKinnon's studio last year partnered with tattoo removal studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to deliver the program nationwide.
An unregulated industry
There is no national regulatory framework to oversee tattoo removal operators in Australia, with regulations varying state by state. Tattoo removal operators in Queensland, for example, require a licence to practice, whereas those in NSW and Victoria do not.
'Anyone can buy a machine online and start messing people up,' says Swift, who advises people to choose a clinic using medical grade machines, with good 'before and after' photos, and to avoid those who promise results in a short period of time.
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The Advertiser
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- The Advertiser
INXS win Hottest Aussie 100 with Never Tear Us Apart
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Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. More than 2.65 million votes were tallied for the countdown, the station's fourth-largest poll, according to the broadcaster. Eight tracks in the countdown were separated by fewer than 10 votes and only 30 votes separated songs 100 and 101. The countdown kicked off at 10am AEST on Saturday and wrapped at 8pm. * HOTTEST 100 TOP TEN SONGS 1. INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1987) 2. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods (2003) 3. The Veronicas - Untouched (2007) 4. Missy Higgins - Scar (2004) 5. Crowded House - Don't Dream It's Over (1986) 6. Powderfinger - My Happiness (2000) 7. Cold Chisel - Flame Trees (1984) 8. Cold Chisel - Khe Sanh (1978) 9. Paul Kelly - How to Make Gravy (1996) 10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) - Somebody That I Used to Know (2011) Aussie power ballad Never Tear Us Apart by 1980s rock royalty INXS has taken out the title of number one song on Triple J's special edition Hottest 100 countdown dedicated to Australian artists. Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. 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Audiences have been voting for months to reveal Australia's favourite song in the annual countdown that showcases some of the nation's best homegrown music talent. Celebrating on behalf of the band, founding member and drummer Jon Farriss joined the radio station on Saturday night to reflect on the win. "We feel so blessed and we're very grateful," Farriss said. Australian hip hop royalty The Hilltop Hoods came in at number two with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Queensland pop duo The Veronicas and their 2007 hit Untouched, Missy Higgins' breakout 2004 single Scar and Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House rounded out the top five. Reflecting on their number three spot, Jess and Lisa Origliasso said for "just two girls from Brisbane", the countdown had brought them to tears. "We're on top of the world right now ... this is such a huge honour for us," Jess Origliasso said. Higgins also joined the radio station, telling presenters she couldn't believe Scar still resonated with Australian audiences more than 20 years since its debut. "I can't quite believe it - I feel like the luckiest person ever," she said moments after the song was played. The countdown is typically comprised of the best songs of the year from all over the world but the youth station hosted a special mid-year poll dedicated to Aussie artists and tracks to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Belgian-born Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gotye squeezed in to cinch the number 10 spot with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other notable mentions included Australian music great John Farnham, voted in at number 15 with his 1986 hit You're the Voice. Daryl Braithwaite's The Horses came in at number 30, with Natalie Imbruglia's Torn voted in at 32. 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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Culture takes centre stage in this 'incredible' musical
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"The fact that it's happened isn't a huge surprise." Knox is returning to the stage in August to play Agwe, the god of water in the award-winning musical Once on This Island. The contemporary re-imagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid and the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy follows the story of Ti Moune, who risks everything to save a boy from the other side of the island where she lives. Beginning on Australia's own shores, the show blends Caribbean origins with the rich cultural history found closer to home. Knox says it's a freeing experience to bring himself and his heritage to the stage. "That's who I am," he said. "Hamilton was a historical piece; all the characters are real people, they're played by Black people but they weren't Black people," he said. "To be able to play Black characters as a Black person is very freeing." The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture. "What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage." Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds. To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences. "It's going to be incredible," he said. "There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it." Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31. Gamilaraay performer Googoorewon Knox has music in his blood. His grandfather Roger Knox is a country music legend and on the other side of his family, his grandmother Auriel Andrew was also a respected performer. Knox made his debut in musical theatre as George Washington in the Australian return season of Hamilton in 2024. While on a slightly different path to the one set out in his family roots, it's not that much of a stretch for him. "It makes sense being a singer, being in a musical family and enjoying being an entertainer at the same time," he tells AAP. "The fact that it's happened isn't a huge surprise." Knox is returning to the stage in August to play Agwe, the god of water in the award-winning musical Once on This Island. The contemporary re-imagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid and the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy follows the story of Ti Moune, who risks everything to save a boy from the other side of the island where she lives. Beginning on Australia's own shores, the show blends Caribbean origins with the rich cultural history found closer to home. Knox says it's a freeing experience to bring himself and his heritage to the stage. "That's who I am," he said. "Hamilton was a historical piece; all the characters are real people, they're played by Black people but they weren't Black people," he said. "To be able to play Black characters as a Black person is very freeing." The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture. "What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage." Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds. To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences. "It's going to be incredible," he said. "There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it." Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31. Gamilaraay performer Googoorewon Knox has music in his blood. His grandfather Roger Knox is a country music legend and on the other side of his family, his grandmother Auriel Andrew was also a respected performer. Knox made his debut in musical theatre as George Washington in the Australian return season of Hamilton in 2024. While on a slightly different path to the one set out in his family roots, it's not that much of a stretch for him. "It makes sense being a singer, being in a musical family and enjoying being an entertainer at the same time," he tells AAP. "The fact that it's happened isn't a huge surprise." Knox is returning to the stage in August to play Agwe, the god of water in the award-winning musical Once on This Island. The contemporary re-imagining of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale The Little Mermaid and the book My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy follows the story of Ti Moune, who risks everything to save a boy from the other side of the island where she lives. Beginning on Australia's own shores, the show blends Caribbean origins with the rich cultural history found closer to home. Knox says it's a freeing experience to bring himself and his heritage to the stage. "That's who I am," he said. "Hamilton was a historical piece; all the characters are real people, they're played by Black people but they weren't Black people," he said. "To be able to play Black characters as a Black person is very freeing." The show is directed by Gumbaynggirr and Turkish writer Brittanie Shipway, who says it is a celebration of storytelling, music and the rich tapestry of culture. "What better way to honour the spirit of our island home than through the voices of 12 extraordinary performers, each bringing the depth and beauty of their own cultural heritage." Ti Moune is "a dreamer, a healer and a trailblazer on a journey of love, sacrifice and self-discovery", she adds. To Knox, the story is a "representation of us" filled with the music and dances of culture, which he's looking forward to sharing with audiences. "It's going to be incredible," he said. "There's a section in the middle that's going to be mind blowing. I don't care who you are, you're going to go crazy for it." Once on This Island plays at the Hayes Theatre in association with Curveball Creative, from August 2 to 31.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'Sabotage': Rebel Wilson sued by production company
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As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "Apparently I'm being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "Apparently I'm being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
