Cover-up of an old tattoo in Oslo.
Do you have a tattoo you no longer feel is you? We build something new on top of the old. Camilla is the studio's specialist, with ten years of experience. If you have a scar, see scar camouflage.
What is a cover-up?
A cover-up is a new tattoo that covers an old one, or a scar. It is not about erasing the past, but about building something new on top of it.
Most of us have something on our skin we no longer recognise ourselves in: a name, an impulse buy from a holiday, a tattoo that has faded, or a scar that draws attention. How dark the old ink is, where the scar sits and how old it is decide what is possible. That is why every cover-up with us starts with a free assessment.
- The old ink: colour and saturation
- The scar: age and skin texture
- Placement and size
Cover-up examples
A selection of cover-ups Camilla has done in the studio. Two of them are over scars.
How we do it
- 1Consultation
A free skin assessment
We look at what is there today. How saturated is the old ink, and what is the skin like in and around the scar? For scars and sensitive areas we can bring in the skin clinic Ljomahud for a thorough skin assessment. You get an honest assessment, with no obligation.
- 2Design
A design that works with the old
Camilla draws so that dark areas in the new design sit over the darkest parts of the old, and so that lines follow the shape of a scar instead of fighting it. You see the sketch before any ink meets skin.
- 3Tattoo
Patient, in calm surroundings
Scar tissue and old ink take ink a little differently from fresh skin. We work patiently and would rather add an extra session than push the skin. You go home with clear aftercare advice, and we follow up with you.
Can you tattoo over a scar?
Yes, in most cases. The scar should be one to two years old before it is tattooed over. Fresh scar tissue is still changing, and ink placed too early can turn out uneven or migrate. Mature scar tissue holds ink best.
Camilla has helped many people turn surgical scars, self-harm scars and other scars into designs they are proud to show. If you are unsure whether your scar is ready, we do a free assessment, ideally together with Ljomahud.
Read more about scar camouflage, tattooing over scars.
When laser removal is needed first
Sometimes the old ink is too dark or too saturated for a cover-up to be done directly. A few rounds of laser can then lighten it enough to give the new design more freedom. Lightening is often enough, you rarely need to remove it all.
As a Reflection Ink client you get 15 % off laser removal at Ljomahud.
Worth thinking about
Darker covers better
Light, airy designs rarely manage to hide saturated old ink.
It gets bigger
A cover-up usually ends up one and a half to two times the size of the original.
Detail on clear skin
The areas doing the covering can take fewer fine details. We put the details where the skin is clear.
Realistic expectations
The goal is for the old to disappear into the new, not for it never to have existed.
Feel free to send a picture of the tattoo or scar before the consultation, so we can get started faster.
Meet Camilla
Owner · 10 yrsCamilla is the managing director, a tattoo artist and the studio's specialist in cover-ups. She started with a pencil and a dream, was discovered on Instagram and took the chance as an apprentice. Today she has ten years of experience and a deep understanding of what a tattoo can mean.
Cover-up questions and answers
Can every tattoo be covered with a cover-up?
Most things can be covered, but not with just anything. Dark, saturated ink needs a darker and often larger design. Sometimes the old tattoo has to be lightened with laser first. We give you an honest assessment for free.
How old does a scar need to be before it can be tattooed over?
The scar should be one to two years old. Fresh scar tissue is still changing, and the ink can turn out uneven if it is placed too early.
How much does a cover-up cost?
A cover-up is priced like any other tattoo, by size and level of detail, but usually ends up larger than the original. The assessment is free, and the minimum price is NOK 1,500.
Do I have to remove the old tattoo with laser first?
Not always. If the ink is very dark, a few rounds of laser can lighten it enough for a better cover-up. Our clients get 15 % off laser at the skin clinic Ljomahud.
Who does cover-ups at your studio?
Camilla, managing director and the studio's specialist in cover-ups, with ten years of experience.