What Tattoo Ink Colors Are Easiest to Remove?

Lasers and other light therapy devices, such as the Infrared Coagulater (IRC), are the treatments of choice today. Lasers work by emitting short, intense pulses of light that pass through the skin and target the ink. The energy from the laser light fragments the large particles of tattoo pigment enabling the body’s natural immune system to more easily scavenge the pigment and carry it away. This process usually takes several weeks, and multiple treatment sessions are often necessary to achieve maximal clearing.

Since black pigment absorbs all wavelengths of light, it is ironically the easiest pigment to remove. Colors, such as green, do not absorb as well, necessitating treatment with a variety of lasers, with varying wavelengths, to effectively treat a multicolored tattoo.

Potential complications include permanent scarring, temporary or permanent loss of pigment or excessive pigmentation. Fees for laser treatments may range from $1000-$3000 or more, depending upon the number of treatment sessions required, and the size, shape, colors, and location of the particular tattoo.

IRC uses non-laser infrared light to heat the area containing the pigment. It is quick and easy to perform, and generally requires fewer treatments than lasers. Most small tattoos can be treated successfully in one to three sessions. In contrast to lasers, the IRC’s efficacy does not depend upon the particular color of the pigments involved. For these reasons, it is my favorite method for dealing with small tattoos.


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I am assuming you are asking about the best tattoo removal procedure in existence currently, which is the use of Q switched lasers. With that in mind, The darker the colors, the easier it is to remove. Black and blue are the easiest. Red, yellow, orange, and green are the hardest. Green lasers respond best to the Alexandrite 755nm wavelength laser spectrum. Colored inks are sometimes not possible to be fully removed even with multiple sessions.