Tattoo Removal Training for Estheticians: Requirements, Certifications, and More

You probably know several people who sport tattoos. But how many of them are completely free of regrets? As tattoos have become more accepted, people are more readily willing to be stamped with a meaningful symbol, a beloved name, an admired image, or a memorable motto. 

Over time, this readiness may morph into regret, and the once-appealing tattoo becomes to its bearer an embarrassing blemish. You feel for them for sure, but tattoos are permanent, right? They might as well make the most of having an ex-boyfriend’s name on their wrist or a fading flower on their forearm.

Not so! Tattoos can be removed by competent, trained advanced estheticians that understand their work. And you could be such a person, who provides this much-needed service to people with unwanted tattoos.

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics understands the growing demand for tattoo removal and invites you to join the specialists who make it happen.

Table of Contents

• Why Does Tattoo Removal Require Specialized Training?
• FAQs About Laser Tattoo Removal Training
• Become a Tattoo Removal Technician With the Advanced Program at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics

An advanced esthetician must be familiar with the methods, equipment, and safety precautions associated with laser tattoo removal. Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics offers specialized training in all of these areas in its Advanced Aesthetics Program.

Tattoo Removal Requires Knowledge of Specific Laser Wavelengths 

Lasers used for tattoo removal are highly specialized. They are different from those used for hair removal.

Lasers fire in milliseconds, which is what removes hair in a follicle. The heat that the follicle absorbs dissipates into the skin and cools quickly enough that it doesn’t burn the surrounding skin.

This type of laser must not be used for tattoo removal because the metallics in ink would not allow the heat to dissipate, causing burns on the skin. 

Instead, tattoo removal technicians use lasers with a pulse delivery of a billionth or trillionth of a second. This fractures the ink particles in the tattoo. They dissipate into the lymphatic system and are excreted from the body.

There are four specific wavelengths of light used for removing the color in a tattoo. Not every laser is equipped to emit all four. Each wavelength of light is attracted to a particular color.

So you need the right delivery system, a laser equipped to remove the colors in a given client’s tattoo, and tattoo removal technician training to use it properly.

Tattoo Removal Requires Knowledge of the Difficulty of Removing Various Colors

Understanding which wavelengths of light to use for each color, as well as at what rate each color can be removed, is critical to removing a tattoo. Several sessions will likely be required, depending on how much and which color(s) the tattoo has, with certain colors taking longer to break down with the laser.

In terms of the difficulty of removal, these colors are listed from easiest to most challenging:

1. Black
2. Red
3. Blue and green
4. Yellow and orange

Tattoo Removal Technicians Are Trained To Use the Kirby-Desai Scale

The Kirby-Desai scale helps rank a tattoo based on several factors:

• The color and density of ink
• The size of the tattoo
• Its location on the body
• Whether it was done by a professional or an amateur
• At what skin depth the tattoo is located

This ranking gives clients and technicians an idea of how many treatments it will take to remove the tattoo. 

A tattoo is not removed in one session but over the course of a series of treatments spaced at least 6-8 weeks apart. Waiting longer between treatments is better because your body is continually working to pick up the fractured ink particles and excrete them from the body.

Tattoo Removal Technicians Are Trained in Techniques That Make Laser Tattoo Removal More Effective

To be competent in tattoo removal, you must understand more than just how to operate a laser. In our Advanced Aesthetics Program, you’ll learn other techniques that make laser removal procedures more effective.

For instance, the use of a PFD patch helps pull the ink to the surface of the skin so laser treatment is achieved more easily. This silicone patch containing perfluorodecalin is placed over the tattoo prior to treatment. People who want to be rid of their tattoos consider the patch well worth its $90 cost.

The PFD patch also minimizes the scattering of laser light rays so that they can be more intensely focused on the ink to be removed. Thus more ink can be removed per session, and there is less discomfort in the surrounding skin.

What Is the Demand for Tattoo Removal?

Since 1 in 4 Americans regret getting tattoos, it is reasonable to expect that more people will be looking to safely remove them. In fact, 59% of tattooed Americans plan to get at least one tattoo removed.

Demand for tattoo removal is expected to grow in the next decade because laser removal procedures are safe and non-invasive. 

Do Tattoo Removers Make Good Money?

Tattoo removal technicians can easily earn a three-figure salary, though geographic location is the determining factor. Advanced estheticians who perform tattoo removal in Oregon make $105,354 per year. The national average is slightly higher at $106,858. 

Given the growing demand for tattoo removal and the attractive salary of tattoo removal technicians, laser tattoo removal training is a promising investment. Contact Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics today to learn how to register for our training program.

What Does Tattoo Removal Training Cost?

As you investigate tattoo removal training costs, you will encounter program prices ranging anywhere from $16,000 to 25,000. The exact figures will differ based on your current level of experience as well as the quality and reliability of the program offering training.

If you want to invest in professional training that will prepare you to competently remove tattoos and begin a profitable career, get in touch with Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics for exact program prices. There are options for financial aid for eligible individuals.

Where Can Estheticians With Tattoo Removal Training Work?

An esthetician with laser tattoo removal training can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Tattoo parlors: Can easily add tattoo removal to their list of services and market it in a way that doesn’t compromise their tattooing service, often partially removing a tattoo to have the licensed tattoo artist replace it with another one.
• Medical spas: Focus on nonsurgical aesthetic treatments but may operate under the flexible supervision of a medical professional
• Dermatology clinics: Prioritize the health of your skin and have the benefit of extensive medical training
• Doctor’s offices

Whether you prefer a laid-back, cosmetic-focused, or clinical atmosphere, there is a place for you to gain experience and hone your skills as a tattoo removal technician.

Laser tattoo removal training is just one of the many competencies covered by our Advanced Aesthetics Program. By completing the program, you gain the knowledge and skills you need to start your own spa, including but not limited to:

• Skin rejuvenation
• Body contouring
• Cellulite reduction
• Microneedling
• Tattoo removal

Our courses are taught by certified experts in each field. You will receive sufficient hands-on experience to receive certification and to have confidence in your new skillset. 

Although our students are not guaranteed a job placement, we have several contacts that can serve as your starting point for finding your first setting as a practicing tattoo removal technician. 

Speak with an admissions advocate at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics to receive specific logistical information about our programs so you can start planning the beginning of your new career.

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