Tattoo Removal Business: A Booming Industry

The laser tattoo removal business is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the cosmetic laser industry. Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression but an overwhelming majority of people who get tattoos want to get them removed later in life. 

The reasons many want to remove a tattoo include lifestyle changes, workplace expectations, poor artwork or simply your own personal evolution. This demand creates a growing need for trained professionals, and has created a path to a new career that shows no signs of slowing down.

Growth And Statistics For The Tattoo Removal Business Industry

Tattoo Removal Industry Growth

Globally, the tattoo removal industry was valued at nearly 1.3 billion in 2025 according to Fortune Business Insights and it is anticipated to grow from nearly 1.5 billion dollars in 2026 to almost 4.9 billion dollars by 2034, along with a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 15.98% during the forecast period. 

In the U.S. alone, the tattoo removal business market is expected to grow significantly, reaching a little over 1 billion by 2032, which is a strong indicator that the industry is not slowing down for laser-based and non-invasive tattoo removal treatments.

Tattoo Removal Industry Statistics

Fortune Business Insights also states that it has become one of the most popular medical aesthetic treatments in recent years. Tattoos are still popular, along with a growing interest in either updating existing ones or removal due to regret, so the demand for tattoo removal service is there.

According to a 2023 study by Advanced Dermatology, a North Shore, Australia-based dermatological clinic (shared by Fortune Business Insights):

• One in four Americans regrets having at least one tattoo
• 19% regret for the tattoos of letters/scripts
• 16% regret for the tattoos of symbols
• 12% regret for the tattoos of names
• 10% regret for the tattoos of animal-related art
• 9% regret for the tattoos showcasing tribal aspects

These tattoo industry statistics are another indicator the tattoo removal business continues to need trained professionals who can provide services for those who are looking to remove or update their unwanted tattoos.     

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

The laser breaks ink into tiny fragments, which the body’s white blood cells carry away through the lymphatic system. Treatments generally take 5 to 12+ treatments for clear results, usually spaced between 4 to 5 weeks apart.

Older lasers broke the skin’s top layer, causing slow healing, scarring and wounds, while National Laser Institute’s system targets the ink directly for less pain and downtime. 

While the older systems treated fewer ink colors, our system uses multiple wavelengths and clients need no aftercare products or bandaging. 

Why Consider A Tattoo Removal Career?

Working in the tattoo removal business can have its advantages and benefits:

• High earning potential
• A cash business with no insurance involved
• New technologies
• A fit for people who enjoy helping others, working with laser equipment and building client relationships

Training is aimed at cosmetologists, aestheticians, makeup artists, skin care specialists, nurses, doctors and those seeking a career change. 

In most states, laser and IPL training may not require a medical background, prerequisites or work experience. However, requirements can vary by state, so it is always a good idea to do your research to see what your state regulations are before enrolling in a laser tattoo removal program. 

Tattoo Removal Training At National Laser Institute

National Laser Institute offers several laser courses and combination packages. 

• You can complete most laser tattoo removal courses in less than a week
• National Laser Institute’s tattoo removal course takes as little as 3 days. It includes one day of web-based or classroom instruction and two days in an on-site spa, observing and performing procedures on real clients.
• Students can complete training in about two weeks
• The comprehensive laser course adds hair removal, wrinkle reduction and intense pulse light (IPL photofacial) training.

See the laser tattoo removal training page, or visit our laser school page for more information. 

Hands-On Experience

CEO and Co-Founder Louis Silberman stated that National Laser Institute treats clients in its spa and trains doctors, nurses, estheticians, those just starting their career and career changers alike – and all will get hands-on experience with clients. 

Louis also stated that countless people come to the spa for tattoo removal and calls the arrangement “a win-win for everyone.” His argument is simple: if the industry is growing, why not capitalize on training?