Can all colours be removed with a laser?

No, not all colours can be treated with a laser,

Based on the theory of photothermolysis, successful removal of a tattoo depends on the absorption of light by the particles of tattoo pigment in the skin.

Laser tattoo removal works best on tattoos of black ink that was sparsely applied to fair skin. As the laser is attracted to the darker areas, fair coloured skin gives a greater contrast allowing the laser to work more effectively. Black ink is also able to absorb the full spectrum of light. Most colours can be treated with the Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser, but some can be difficult. Some pastel colours are difficult to remove, certain green pigments do not respond well to treatment, yellow can also be difficult to remove as there is not an ideal wavelength that either of these colours absorb.

A wide range of other colours can usually be removed successfully or lightened to a large degree:

  • Brown
  • Red* (IMPORTANT! Some people can have an allergic reaction to red ink particles absorbed into to body)
  • Orange 
  • Darker Green 
  • Blue 
  • Purple

The most difficult colours to remove are pastel colours such as:

  • Light Green
  • Pale Blue
  • Teal 
  • Turquoise
  • Pink

These colours may be lightened, but it is difficult to remove them completely.
If you are looking to cover-up your tattoo with a new design these pastel colours are usually easy to cover.

Usually untreatable Colours:

  • White
  • Yellow
  • Light green
  • Fluorescent or Ultra-Violet

White and yellow ink does fade over time and become less noticeable, be cautious of anyone who guarantees to remove all traces of green ink.

Paradoxical Darkening

Some reports have detailed the paradoxical darkening of red tattoo pigment as well as other skin-toned, yellow, and pink tattoos.

Although these complications are rare, it is one of the reasons why a patch test is necessary for each colour in the tattoo, so that potentially rare complications can be predicted before undergoing laser treatment.