I’m a tattoo removal expert and these are the inkings that always stand the test of time 

A vertical seam of light slashes the gloom, the day claws in from behind the curtain. 

Visions of yourself in nothing but a tutu, an argument with a barman, the cobbled streets of a Polish city and your best man crashing into a table of tourists. And then… sitting in a tattoo parlour. 

While the 20 missed calls were all soon forgiven… the tattoo of your betrothed on your right buttock needed considerably more explanation, and wouldn’t be quite so easily forgotten.

According to a YouGov poll in August last year, more than a quarter of the British public have a tattoo. But as the market for permanently marking your skin grows, so too does the market for removing them.  

Whether a foolish whim, or a romance gone sour, experts at NAAMA remove all manner of tattoos from the super niche to the mainstream.

Rebecca Nowrie, one of the removal experts at the London-based firm, said: ‘We all know tattoo trends come and go, anyone remember the five hot minutes when everyone got little moustaches tattooed on their fingers? 

‘Clearly, some tattoos are not designed to last’.

But some tattoos really do stand the test of time, and in Ms Nowrie’s experience, these are the inkings that generate the least regret.

Here are the tattoo designs that are more likely to stand the test of time…

Tattoo removal expert Rebecca Nowrie (pictured) has revealed exactly which designs tend to live up to expectations – she urges people getting inked to ‘consider where on the body you get it’

1. Bespoke design by an artist you love 

Traditional tattoo designs such as roses, pin-ups, and anchors have been staples of tattoo studios for a long time now, and I don’t expect this to change. Tattoos are deeply personal and it makes a lot of sense to ensure that your vision for your tattoo is aligned with that of the artist working on your skin. 

Find an artist that you love, discuss your tattoo and get them to create a design for you. You’ll be less inclined to remove the tattoo if it’s done by a sought after artist and feels personalised.

2. Discreet fine line 

Fine line micro tattoos have risen in popularity for their delicate subtle appearance.

The single tattoo needle gives a super minimal design that can easily be missed at a casual glance. 

People are less likely to remove small fine line tattoos that attract less attention.

Fine line tattooing is characterized by straight or curved lines that are very thin and there's no use of gradations in shade or color

Fine line tattooing is characterized by straight or curved lines that are very thin and there’s no use of gradations in shade or color

3. Faith tattoos 

The most famous symbol is the cross as it is deeply associated with faith. But the expert says that artists always 'hesitate' doing them

The most famous symbol is the cross as it is deeply associated with faith. But the expert says that artists always ‘hesitate’ doing them

In the UK and US tribal tattoos were cool, then uncool, and then cool again after being repurposed by Gen Z with their love of all things 00’s. Of course the term “tribal tattoo” is itself a little contentious, and what we actually mean is art that originates from Polynesia. 

We hesitate to say that cultural tattoos are less likely to be removed because as you can see from the aforementioned, they can become quite faddy for a moment. But if the tattoo reflects something authentic, for instance your faith, then it is possible you’ll be less likely to remove it.

4. Children inspired 

Ms Nowrie says that 'nothing is rarer' at her tattoo removal studio, NAAMA, thank inkings that have been dedicated to their children

Ms Nowrie says that ‘nothing is rarer’ at her tattoo removal studio, NAAMA, thank inkings that have been dedicated to their children

Nothing is rarer in our removal studio than tattoos dedicated to children, whether it’s an original illustration by their child, their date of birth or even their portrait. For many it would feel like a cold act of betrayal to remove the name of one of their children. 

The same courtesy doesn’t extend to all of our relations: we see our fair share of exes’ names. That’s probably our number one tip. If you love someone, there are many ways to tell them that don’t involve tattoos. Perhaps a nice date night will do.

5. Sentimental script 

Sentimental script are hugely popular, but you need to consider the meaning of it before getting it permanently placed on your body

Sentimental script are hugely popular, but you need to consider the meaning of it before getting it permanently placed on your body

Choose your words wisely. Script tattoos are one of the most common removed tattoo styles at NAAMA from song lyrics to catchphrases. 

Rather than getting a tattoo of a popular motto, consider the sentiment of the tattoo. 

Naturally, we evolve as people, if the tattoo resonates with you at time, it may not reflect your values in the future. Having an original tattoo of a love one’s handwriting is deeply personal and more likely to stand the test of time. And with script tattoos it’s best to avoid fad fonts and stick to the classics.

6. Iconic celeb 

The expert says while your celeb tattoo will 'remain sacred for life,' you need to be wary that bodies naturally change over time and the skin can stretch or sag which can distort the design

The expert says while your celeb tattoo will ‘remain sacred for life,’ you need to be wary that bodies naturally change over time and the skin can stretch or sag which can distort the design

While it is possible that you might want to remove the image of a living celebrity who has fallen from grace – as many did with our Yeezy come, Yeezy go Kanye campaign – an homage to a dead celeb, whether it’s Bowie or Winehouse, is probably going to remain sacred for life. Of course, even the deceased fall from grace now and then, and if they do, you can come to NAAMA.

When considering a tattoo, it’s not just about the design, it’s important to consider where on the body you get it, as they say, location, location, location. A face tattoo is going to have more implications for a person in their everyday life than a low-key design in a more intimate area. 

Bodies naturally change over time, remember that skin can stretch or sag which can distort the design. 

How quickly a tattoo removes depends on the location too. Tattoos closer to your heart remove faster than those on your extremities.

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