The different types of lasers used for tattoo removal has come a long way in recent years, thanks to advancements in laser technology. Not all lasers are created equal—and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your results. Not all tattoos are removed the same way—and not all lasers are created equal. Understanding the different types of lasers used for tattoo removal can help you make a more informed decision about your skin, your ink, and your outcome.
At Black Sage Laser, we believe in transparency and education. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of lasers used for tattoo removal and how they work.
Understanding the Different Types of Lasers Used for Tattoo Removal
Q-Switched Lasers: The Industry Standard
Q-switched lasers are the most widely used class of tattoo removal lasers. They deliver ultra-short pulses of energy in nanoseconds, breaking ink particles into tiny fragments your body can remove naturally.
Common Q-switched types:
- Q-switched Nd:YAG (1064 nm) – Ideal for darker inks like black and blue. Safe for a wide range of skin tones.
- Q-switched Nd:YAG (532 nm) – Targets brighter pigments like red and orange.
- Q-switched Ruby (694 nm) – Effective on green and blue inks, but best for lighter skin tones due to melanin absorption.
- Q-switched Alexandrite (755 nm) – Also used for green and blue pigments. Slightly newer than Ruby with a broader use case.
What About Picosecond Lasers?
You may have heard of Picosecond lasers (often marketed as “Pico” lasers). These devices use even faster pulses than traditional Q-switched lasers, and while they can offer advantages in certain situations—especially with multicolored tattoos—their results are not guaranteed to be dramatically better for every client.
While some clinics use picosecond lasers, their results aren’t guaranteed to be dramatically better for every tattoo. According to the FDA, laser effectiveness depends on many factors, including skin type, ink color, and the technician’s experience.
At Black Sage Laser, we use Q-switched technology, which has a long track record of safe, consistent results across a wide range of tattoos and skin tones. In many cases, it performs just as effectively as higher-priced alternatives when used properly—and with fewer risks of over-treatment or scarring.
⚠️ A fancy machine doesn’t guarantee better results—skilled hands and smart treatment planning do.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s right for your skin or tattoo, we’re happy to walk you through the science behind our approach during a free consultation.
Do Certain Lasers Work Better on Certain Inks?
Yes—different laser wavelengths target different pigment colors based on their absorption characteristics.
| Ink Color | Best Laser Type |
|---|---|
| Black, Blue | Nd:YAG (1064 nm) |
| Red, Orange | Nd:YAG (532 nm) |
| Green, Teal | Ruby (694 nm) or Alexandrite (755 nm) |
| Multicolored | Picosecond Lasers |
That’s why a multi-wavelength laser setup is often necessary for full or complex removals.
Is One Type of Laser “Best”?
There’s no universal “best” laser—only the best laser for your skin type, tattoo color, and removal goal. That’s why a skilled, honest provider will assess your tattoo and customize the approach rather than sell you on a one-size-fits-all solution.
⚠️ Watch out for clinics that only use one laser type and claim it works for everything.
Why Laser Choice—and Experience—Matters
The laser a provider uses can significantly impact your results, but it’s only part of the equation. The real differencecomes from how that laser is used. At Black Sage Laser, we take a customized, strategic approach to every treatment, adjusting the settings and wavelengths based on your tattoo’s age, depth, color, and your skin type.
Here’s why that matters:
- The right wavelength targets your specific ink colors without damaging surrounding tissue
- Adjusting energy settings prevents side effects like blistering, burns, or pigment changes
- Matching the treatment plan to your skin tone and sensitivity ensures safer healing
And perhaps most importantly: we won’t rush your removal just to meet a deadline or number. Some studios advertise “fastest removal” or “painless lasers” as a gimmick—but in reality, safe and complete tattoo removal takes time, healing, and honest guidance.
At Black Sage Laser, we use trusted Q-switched laser technology with multiple wavelengths to remove a wide variety of tattoos effectively—and we do it with care, consistency, and real-world experience.
✨ The best laser in the world is only as good as the person using it. That’s where we stand out.
Ready to Find Out What Laser Will Work for You?
Looking for full removal or fading for a cover-up? Explore our tattoo removal services to see what’s right for you.
Every tattoo is unique—so is every treatment plan.
👉 Book your free consultation and let us walk you through the safest, smartest removal process available.