Tattoo removal services are becoming increasingly popular as more people get tattoos and need them removed. Around 36% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 in the United States have at least one tattoo. The growing demand for tattoo removal services may present an exciting new employment opportunity. We’ll look at how to become a tattoo removal technician and the abilities you’ll need to succeed in this article.
What is a tattoo removal technician?
A tattoo removal technician is a person who removes permanent ink tattoos from a client’s body using specific equipment and abilities. The position necessitates laser technology knowledge as well as a number of strategies for providing clients with safe and effective treatments. People seek tattoo removal for a variety of reasons, including remorse resulting from a change in attitude or lifestyle.
Other reasons why people seek tattoo removal include:
- Tattoos may make it difficult to join the military.
- A tattoo can be a symbol or a name that you don’t want to be associated with any longer.
- If one does not wish to display their tattoos, one’s clothing options may be limited.
- It’s possible that a tattoo has faded over time.
- Some patients are adamant about their children not seeing it.
- It’s possible that an artist’s work was subpar.
Lasers work by breaking the pigment hues in tattoos with a powerful laser pulse. Because black tattoos absorb all laser wavelengths, they are the easiest to treat. Other hues, depending on pigment color, may be treated with specific lasers.
You must first book an appointment with a trained technician who will examine your tattoo and provide you with advice on the treatment. The removal process is also influenced by the color of your skin and the depth to which the tattoo pigment has penetrated. Smaller tattoos may require fewer pulses, whilst larger tattoos may necessitate more. However, removing a tattoo completely may necessitate numerous sessions. Your tattoo should get lighter with each visit.
What is a tattoo removal technician’s job description?
Tattoo removal professionals provide tattooed people with a clean, convenient, and professional environment in which to fade or erase their undesired tattoos. In their work, they are committed to using the most advanced instruments and equipment. A tattoo removal technician’s tasks include the following:
- Manage new customer consultations and educate them on the tattoo removal process.
- Provide laser treatments that are thorough and safe.
- Communicate rational expectations for removal and treatment outcomes.
- In partnership with the contact center, manage bookings.
- Answering phones, greeting customers, processing customer payments, and replying to emails are all administrative activities.
- Ensure customer pleasure by providing exceptional customer service.
- Advisory selling can help you achieve better sales results.
- In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, manage client files, information, and photographs (HIPAA)
- Create long-term business, tattoo artist, and consumer referral partnerships.
What are the steps to becoming a tattoo removal technician?
Here are some basic steps to getting started as a tattoo removal technician.
1. Get formal tattoo removal training
Tattoo removal training can be an online or in-person curriculum that includes both theory and practical hands-on experience with Q-switched lasers and the latest laser technology breakthroughs. It also features the R20 ink removal method, which uses light-based equipment to remove unwanted ink for effective and safe treatments.
After completing the course, a scholar will be able to:
- Recognize how light interacts with competing chromospheres.
- Consult with your customers
- Determine the best treatment techniques and settings for removing undesirable ink.
- Pre- and post-treatment factors should be communicated.
- Respond to side effects of treatment.
- Respond to concerns about the practice environment.
2. Make an online portfolio
When you’re starting out as a tattoo removal technician, you’ll need to build a portfolio. It enables potential employers and mentors to evaluate your work and determine whether or not they are interested in your tattoo removal method.
3. Look for a mentor
Obtaining a mentor is one approach to gain practical experience using the principles you’ve learned in a professional setting. Choose a mentor who works for a reputable tattoo removal firm, has years of experience as a tattoo removal technician, and has a tattoo removal style that you appreciate. Bring your portfolio to a local tattoo removal clinic or a specific technician you’d like to work with to see if they’d be willing to mentor you.
4. Get a job as an apprentice
Apprenticeships are required for professional tattoo removal technicians. You can start your internship with any mentors you’ve worked with previously or at any clinic that offers apprenticeships. It’s critical to do your homework on the practice you intend to join as an apprentice. This entails looking at each technician’s portfolio as well as pertinent information about their clinic. Apprenticeships provide invaluable experience in tattoo removal, laser machine operation, sterilization of removal tools, and other hygienic procedures. They may also help you have a better knowledge of the business side of establishing and operating a tattoo removal business.
5. Obtain a license
Depending on where you live, you may need a different type of tattoo removal license. Your state may specify the number of apprenticeship hours you must complete as well as the certifications or health and safety courses you must complete before applying for licensing. Some states additionally require certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid. You must pass an exam and pay a fee to obtain licensure.
6. Gain experience in the workplace
After obtaining your educational qualification and state medical licensure, you can begin your career. You might be able to enhance your career as a tattoo removal technician as you gain experience.
7. Invest in tattoo removal tools
The capabilities and characteristics of tattoo removal equipment vary. Some machines are good for treating a wide range of tattoos, while others are better suited to specific tattoo inks.
8. Practice
Any tattoo removal procedure requires managing patient expectations and providing appropriate treatment. Tattoo removal technicians may provide patients with a complete grasp of the process, proper treatment, and a gratifying experience by adopting the best clinical practice standards.
While every practice session is beneficial to improving your skills, nothing beats tattoo removal on a human. It may be a fantastic approach to gain experience if you have family or friends who are willing to allow you to use them as a canvas. When tattoo removal professionals are first learning how to remove tattoos, they may provide free or cheap tattoo removal treatments.