So you’re here wondering “Can I get a cover-up tattoo instead of removal?” Well, you’re in the right place. I’m Olha Po from Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati, a tattoo artist with years of experience in the tattoo industry. I’ve worked on everything from minimal tattoos to full sleeve portrait tattoos, floral patterns, stained-glass window designs and even cosmic design pieces. Whether it’s a faded old tattoo, a regrettable body art choice or a cosmetic tattoo gone wrong, the decision often comes down to tattoo removal in Melbourne or a tattoo cover-up.
The short answer: yes, you can get a new tattoo over an old tattoo, but should you depends on the tattoo colour, pigment concentration, your skin health, the tattoo design you want next and your willingness to consider laser tattoo removal or other fading options first.
Contents
When a Cover-Up Works Best
A skilled tattoo artist can sometimes turn an unwanted piece into a bigger tattoo, a floral pattern or even a cosmic design without needing laser tattoo removal. This works best when:
- The old tattoo is already fading
- The original artist used lighter tattoo ink
- You’re open to a new colour scheme or style
- Your new tattoo can be darker and larger with a design that hides the old one completely
Cover-ups can incorporate colour ink, black and grey tattoos and even white highlights to create texture and depth. For example, I once covered a script tattoo with a stained-glass window pattern, blending colour pigment and black ink to completely disguise the old lines.
When Laser Removal or Fading Sessions Help First
Sometimes the best path is custom fading sessions at a laser clinic before your cover-up tattoo sessions. Using laser energy pulses to break up old tattoo pigment gives you more freedom with colour tattoos, minimal tattoos or delicate designs.
You might choose to fade a tattoo before a cover-up if:
- The old tattoo has heavy black ink saturation
- You want a minimal tattoo or fine-line work
- There’s scar tissue from the original artist’s work
- The design has sharp, bold outlines that would show through
In some cases, we recommend saline eyebrow tattoo removal or cosmetic removal tattoo techniques for facial work. For larger or more complex body art, we partner with clinics offering the best laser tattoo removal in Melbourne to prepare the canvas for a new design.
Cover-Up vs Removal: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Tattoo Cover Up | Tattoo Removal/Fading |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually, fewer than multiple laser sessions | Can be higher over time, especially for full removal |
| Time | 1–2 tattoo sessions | Several fading sessions over months |
| Design Freedom | Limited by an old tattoo | Complete freedom for new tattoo design |
| Healing Time | Standard tattoo aftercare | Healing time between fading sessions |
| Skin Impact | Less trauma than laser | Potential pigmentation changes if not done by pros |
Skin Care & Aftercare in Melbourne
Melbourne’s dry winters and intense summer sun can affect the healing process and aftercare:
- Avoid direct sun exposure, especially post-treatment
- Apply SPF once healed
- Follow all aftercare instructions — no makeup on healing skin
- Moisturise regularly to keep skin healthy
Real Studio Stories
One client came to Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati with a 15-year-old black and grey tattoo. We designed a bigger tattoo — a floral pattern with white highlights — that covered it beautifully in 2 sessions.
Another had a dense black ink brow tattoo. We did saline eyebrow tattoo removal for initial lightening, then worked with a laser clinic for additional fading sessions. This allowed us to rework it into a soft colour pigment powder brow, proving that sometimes partial removal gives the best cover-up results.
Things to Discuss with Your Artist
- Experience level of your tattoo artist
- Scar tissue on your skin
- Colour scheme (black ink vs colour ink)
- Style — portrait tattoos, script tattoos, minimalist tattoos
- Willingness to do touch-ups
- Will custom fading give better results
Aftercare for Both Options
Cover-Up:
- Keep the area clean and dry for the first few days
- No picking or scratching
- Use recommended ointment or balm
- No swimming or soaking until fully healed
Tattoo Removal/Fading:
- Keep the area dry and clean initially
- No sun exposure for at least 4-6 weeks
- Follow wound care instructions to minimise scarring
- Use skin care products approved by your laser clinic or health centre
Conclusion
Choosing between a tattoo cover-up and tattoo removal in Melbourne is an informed decision based on your goals, skin health and desired tattoo design. At Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Melbourne Face Figurati, we do direct cover-up work and work with clinics that specialise in cosmetic removal tattoo procedures to ensure your final body art looks intentional, polished and long-lasting.
FAQ
Can I get a cover-up right after laser tattoo removal?
No, you need to wait a few weeks to months.
Will black ink always show through?
Yes if the pigment is high unless you lighten with laser removal or fading.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
Yes it’s often more painful than tattooing but numbing cream can help.
Do colour tattoos cover better than black and grey tattoos?
It depends on the old tattoo’s pigment saturation and the new colour.
Can a tattoo shop do both fading and cover-ups?
Some can, but many will refer you to a specialist laser clinic or health centre before starting the new design.
