Hello!

I often see PMU artists arguing about what is better for removing or correcting old and low-quality PMU: laser or chemical removers.

I see two opposing camps.

Some are vehemently against laser removal because they think it's too expensive and time-consuming and opts for the more affordable chemical removers.

Others, on the contrary, criticize the chemical remover for its traumatic nature and favor laser removal.

Let's solve the dispute!

First, I'll tell you about lasers and chemical removers separately. You might think that's unnecessary, but I'm sure it's a necessary theoretical part. I will briefly tell you how PMU removal works so that you understand the DEEP meaning of it

And then together we will conclude which instrument is better. I'm a professional! Relax and trust me!

Laser removal is the destruction of stable pigment particles in the dermis with ultra-short nanosecond flashes of the Nd:Yag Q-switch laser. In this case, ideally, we do not get damage to the skin and don’t traumatize it with the laser beam!

Advantages of PMU removal with laser:

  • no skin damage;
  • as a consequence of the previous point, reducing the risk of possible complications (only with adequate and professional fulfillment of the procedure!).

Minuses of PMU removal with laser:

  • neodymium Q-switch laser has limitations in terms of working with colors, it’s not able to remove all colors of PMU and tattoos;
  • laser for removing tattoos and PMU is expensive;
  • It requires many sessions and a long period of removal, although with removers the situation is the same.

In what situations is it better to work with a laser?

If a black or red tattoo needs to be removed
When the area of removal is large (for example, tattoos on the body)
To get rid of brown, gray, or black permanent makeup

Remember this information! We'll take a brief look at chemical removers and conclude!

Remover is a chemical method of removing artificial pigment from the skin. A chemical compound (acidic/saline/alkaline) is applied using the same machines and needles used for tattooing, and PMU (or using manual techniques), a chemical compound (acidic / saline / alkaline) is applied.


In essence, this procedure is very similar to PMU or tattooing, except that a special substance is used instead of pigment

Advantages of PMU removal with chemical removers:

  • unlike laser removal, you can remove pigments of any shades with the remover because it is not specific to color;
  • lower cost than laser.

Minuses of PMU removal with chemical removers:

  • There is a very high risk of complications because the procedure of removing pigment with a chemical remover is direct damage to the skin with a needle and chemical aggression;
  • the healing process can be very difficult because of skin trauma and crusts.

In what situations is it better to work with a chemical removers?



When a small area of the PMU or tattoo elements needs to be cleared of pigment
When working with the skin of the face, because it is easier and faster to heal than on the body
When there are colors that are not affected by the laser, such as green, blue, white; or on colors that have formed after laser removal. For example, titanium dioxide (white, flesh-colored) turns gray-green or green when exposed to the laser. In this case, if there is no possibility of working with nanosecond or picosecond alexandrite devices with a wavelength of 755 nm, which perfectly copes with blue and green colors, I recommend using a chemical remover
Laser and chemical remover are tools to achieve the desired result. They shouldn’t compete with each other as they are not interchangeable!

There are situations in which only a chemical remover can be used. For example, to remove white or beige correctors in permanent makeup or green color in a tattoo, which is almost impossible to remove by laser, and you don’t have the opportunity to use a 755 nm wavelength.

There are also situations where only lasers can be used for removal. For example, when we are talking about black tattoos with a large area. It’s not a good idea to remove them with a remover, but a laser is a perfect way to do it!

Both methods have the right to their existence, but only in the hands of a qualified specialist!

The technique of removing a tattoo or PMU with a chemical remover should be gentler and more careful with respect to the skin because it is a more dangerous and aggressive procedure than applying permanent makeup and tattoos. It has an additional irritating effect.

Laser removal procedures must be done without complications in the form of burns, wounds, and scars. The specialist must approach this work with care and a full understanding of the procedure because PMU and tattoo removal lasers are Hazard Class 4

Keep reading! 

Read the FREE article next for FINAL recommendations on choosing and working with lasers and chemical removers !