Tattoos Aren’t Fading But The Trends Followers Are Laser-ing Theirs Away

While the clean girl aesthetic keeps spreading like a pandemic, another victim is falling to its wrath: tattoos.

Just a few years ago, it felt like everyone was getting inked. Tattoos had evolved from an underground statement to a mainstream visual element, appearing on influencers, models, and even in corporate boardrooms. But as the cultural and political tides shift toward minimalism, conservatism, traditionalism and a more polished image, a good part of their newer, trend-chasing adopters are starting to backtrack, booking laser removal sessions in an effort to erase what no longer aligns with their changing aesthetic.

From Individual Expression to Viral Aesthetic

Tattoos have existed for thousand years, rooted in tradition, culture, and personal storytelling. But for much of modern Western history, they remained on the fringes : associated with sailors, outlaws, artists, alternative movements, subcultures.… They meant something personal, whether tied to a lifestyle, a belief system, or simply an unshakable passion for the art itself.

Then came the 2010s, and suddenly, tattoos weren’t just cool, they were everywhere. Most of the stigma faded as celebrities, influencers, and fashion trendsetters crowds embraced ink, often in the form of thin, minimalist line work or small, aesthetic placements. Pinterest was flooded with tattoo inspiration boards, from tiny hearts on forearms to micro-script lettering along the ribs. Tattoos became less about individuality and more about trendy aesthetics.

At their peak, tattoos were so common that being ink-free almost made you the exception. It felt like there were more inked people than non-inked ones. Whether it was a full sleeve or just a tiny, delicate wrist tattoo with an inspirational meaning in a foreign language.

When The Trend Becomes a Burden

But trends don’t last forever. And for some, tattoos were never about deep personal meaning or a love for the art / community itself, they were just another trendy aesthetic choice.

But as the fashion cycle pivots back toward minimalism and traditionalism, tattoos no longer fit the clean, polished image that dominates social media. Instead of ink-covered arms, the new aesthetic ideal is bare, neutral skin and sleek silhouettes. And just like that, some of the same people who eagerly booked tattoo appointments a few years ago are now looking into laser removal. What once felt like an effortless style choice now feels like a permanent reminder of an old aesthetic phase. On TikTok, videos of people erasing their tattoos are viewed thousands, sometimes millions times. The hashtag #Tattooremoval has gained hundreds of thousands of posts, filled with before-and-after shots, regretful confessions, and time-lapse clips of once-beloved ink fading session by session.

A common argument among those reconsidering their ink (particularly women) is that tattoos no longer feel feminine enough for their current style. The clean girl formula, with its emphasis on simplicity, soft elegance, and effortless beauty, has created a new standard that many feel tattoos don’t align with. TikTok user @amira.unique even calls her lack of large tattoos her "biggest flex" because it allows her to maintain the clean girl aesthetic. Others, like @caldo.de.les, express frustration at feeling unable to fully embrace their “girly era” because of their tattoos. @usernameforwhaa_ echoes this sentiment, saying, “I just want to look cutesy, and there are some outfits that don’t give that because of the tattoos.” Meanwhile, @hellbabylexi reflects on how her tattoos once felt like the perfect finishing touch to her outfits, but now she “can’t stand them.”

Yet, heavily tattooed women have been pushing back against this idea, arguing that femininity isn’t defined by a lack of ink. Many have taken to TikTok to debunk the notion that you can’t be feminine and classy while covered in tattoos, proving that polished style and body art are not mutually exclusive. Still, for those who tied their tattoos to a fleeting aesthetic rather than a deeper appreciation for the art, the contrast feels too stark, leading them straight to the laser clinic.

Laser clinics are indeed seeing an influx of clients who aren’t just removing impulsive vacation tattoos or ex-lovers' initials; they’re undoing entire collections of designs that no longer fit their self-image. Some describe their tattoos as looking “messy” or “random” now. Others say they simply want a fresh start. But the shift isn’t about rejecting tattoos entirely, it’s about rejecting tattoos that were chosen as part of a fleeting trend rather than a lasting personal choice. The motivation ? A desire for a cleaner look.

And celebrities aren’t immune to the shift. Actor and comedian Pete Davidson has been undergoing extensive laser removal in recent years, erasing nearly all of his ink. His transformation culminated in a recent Reformation campaign, where he posed shirtless, showing off his newly clear skin. A stark contrast to his previously ink-covered torso, arms and legs.

Pete Davidson for Reformation. Photo by Angelo PENNETTA

While tattoos will always be a form of self-expression, it’s clear that for some, they were more of an accessory than a commitment. As aesthetics evolve, so do beauty standards and right now, the trend is shifting toward simplicity. Whether this wave of tattoo removals is just another fad or a lasting change remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the minimalist era has made its mark, not just on beauty routines and wardrobes, but on skin itself.

So What’s The Future For Tattoos ?

While the rise of the clean girl aesthetic and the surge in tattoo removals may suggest a shift away from body art for some, it’s far from the end of tattoos. After all, tattooing has been part of human culture for thousands of years, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. For every person seeking to erase their ink, there are still very much alive and passionate communities of tattoo enthusiasts, artists and collectors keeping the art form alive.

Tattoo culture is far from fading, it's evolving. In fact, some of the most talented and influential tattoo artists today are pushing the boundaries of ink, creating complex designs that move beyond the trends of the moment. And styles that have stood the test of time (like American Traditional, realism, and traditional Japanese tattoos) are still going strong, remaining as relevant and admired as ever. Content creators like Treacle Tatts (Lauren Petrie) continue to share their love for tattoos, offering advice, showcasing stunning designs, and educating their audiences on the deeper meaning, craftsmanship, and technique behind tattoos. These creators play an important role in maintaining the true essence of tattoo culture while guiding others who are just beginning to appreciate the art form.

Whether it’s in tattoo shops, online forums, tattoo conventions or Instagram feeds, the tattoo world remains as vibrant as ever, committed to artistic expression and personal style. Even in the face of shifting trends, the dedication to tattoos as a meaningful and lasting form of self-expression is strong. So while some may be removing tattoos to align with the latest aesthetics, for many, tattoos will always be a timeless, meaningful part of their identity.