Security force jobs drive demand for tattoo removal

One of Jamaica's leading tattoo removal companies has revealed that the desire of landing job in the country's security forces is a leading reason for persons opting to remove their tats.

Candice Davis, owner of NeedleZ Piercing and Tattoos, told THE STAR yesterday that her business receives a steady flow of persons seeking tattoo removal in order to enhance their chances of joining the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) or the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

"The highest demand for tattoo removal right now are from persons trying to get into the security forces -- so, persons who are applying for JDF or JCF or fire brigade -- because visible tattoos are a no-no," Davis said.

"Outside of that, we usually get persons looking to remove their partners' names or just poorly done tattoos," Davis added.

She also told THE STAR that there is a current trend of people tattooing their lover's images on their skin, but said it is too early to tell if it will lead to more business for the tattoo removal industry.

"Portrait tattoos they are now a trend; they're just now becoming extremely popular. Yes, it existed from long before, but persons were mostly getting their children, or as memorabilia for persons who have passed. But getting spouse's faces, that's now the trend," Davis said.

"But it's too soon now to say if they're regretting it and want to remove it, because it's just coming about ... .We have to wait until the relationships end. I know that sounds terrible, but we have to give it some time to see if the relationships will fizzle," Davis added.

Davis also said that these tattoo removals are costly, and it takes multiple sessions to remove even the smallest tattoo. She told THE STAR to remove a tattoo as small as a dot can cost $9,000 per session, and for that size tattoo it takes a minimum five sessions.

Larger tattoos, such a sleeve tattoo from shoulder to wrist, can cost up to $200,000 per session. Some of these procedures may require up to 30 sessions.