The Science of Color in tattoo removal: Why Green and Yellow Ink Are Harder to Remove

Not All Tattoo Ink Is Created Equal

When people think of tattoo removal, they often assume all colors fade at the same rate. But here’s the truth: not all inks are equally easy to erase. While black and dark blue inks often vanish quickly under a laser, colors like green, yellow, and light blue are notoriously stubborn.

So, what makes these shades so resistant? Let’s dig into the science.

How Laser Tattoo Removal Works

Modern laser tattoo removal—especially with advanced picosecond lasers—targets ink with concentrated bursts of light energy.

Here’s the basic process:

1. The laser emits specific wavelengths of light.

2. Ink particles absorb the light, breaking into smaller fragments.

3. Your immune system naturally flushes these fragments away over time.

The trick? Different ink colors absorb different wavelengths of light. This is where things get complicated.

Why Black Ink Is the Easiest to Remove

Black ink absorbs the entire spectrum of laser light, which makes it highly responsive. Almost any laser wavelength can target it effectively. That’s why black tattoos often fade the fastest and require fewer sessions.

Why Green and Yellow Are More Stubborn

1. Wavelength Matching Issues

• Green ink reflects green light, which means it doesn’t absorb it. To break it down, you need a laser that emits the right complementary wavelength (usually around 755 nm Alexandrite or 694 nm Ruby lasers). Not every clinic has these.

• Yellow ink is even trickier. It reflects much of the visible spectrum and absorbs very little, making it one of the hardest pigments for lasers to shatter.

2. Larger Pigment Particles

Green and yellow inks often contain heavier, denser particles than black ink. That means more laser energy and more sessions are required to break them down.

3. Skin Tone Interference

Certain wavelengths that target lighter inks (like 532 nm for reds/yellows) can also interact with melanin in the skin, increasing the risk of temporary pigment changes. This requires careful calibration and expertise.

Why Technology Matters

Not all lasers are created equal. Older nanosecond lasers often struggle with stubborn colors, requiring 15–20 sessions with inconsistent results.

At Reth-Ink, we use picosecond laser technology, which delivers shorter, more powerful bursts of energy. This allows us to:

• Target resistant pigments more effectively.

• Reduce the number of sessions needed.

• Minimize heat damage to surrounding skin.

What to Expect If You Have Green or Yellow Ink

• More Sessions: Expect closer to 6–10 treatments for significant fading.

• Combination Treatments: Sometimes multiple wavelengths are used across different sessions.

• Fading vs. Full Removal: In some cases, fading the tattoo enough for a cover-up may be the most practical option.

The Bottom Line

Tattoo removal isn’t just about erasing ink—it’s about understanding how color, skin tone, and technology all work together. Black ink may be the easiest, but even stubborn greens and yellows can be lightened or removed with the right laser and the right plan.