Faded

In this episode, I sit down with Arezoo Ateffi from The Sculpt Room to talk about lymphatic drainage massage and how it directly impacts your tattoo removal results. We break down: How lymphatic massage differs from regular massage Why your lymph nodes are the body's cleanup crew (hint: 30% are in your face) What happens to the pigment particles your laser breaks down Post-treatment care that...

Most people think tattoo removal is all about the laser sessions — but the biggest and most costly mistakes happen before you even start. In this episode of The Faded Podcast, we break down the 5 mistakes that cost people more time, more money, and worse results. Whether you're just thinking about removal or already in the process, this is a must-watch.

In this episode of the Faded podcast, Billy breaks down the so called “semi permanent makeup” myth and questions why so many clients are still being told their facial tattoos will fade in a few years when real world results show the opposite. Drawing on years of tattooing and laser removal experience, he explains how pigment depth, technique, and misinformation all play a role in long lasting resu...

Billy explains why some black and gray tattoos are easy to remove while others are nearly impossible. He breaks down the tattooing process, the difference between wash (black + water) and opaque gray (black + white), and why opaque grays containing white pigment cannot be effectively removed with laser treatment. Key Topics CoveredWhy black is the easiest tattoo color to remove (absorbs all laser...

Everyone wants to know if they can completely remove their tattoo without a trace. In this episode of the Faded podcast, I break down laser tattoo removal, scar tissue, and what realistic expectations look like. If you are thinking about removing a tattoo, understand what you’re working with first. That alone changes expectations. If you have questions, put them in the comments. Please like the vi...

Thinking about getting laser tattoo removal? In this video, I break down exactly what happens after your very first session—from immediate aftercare to long-term results. No more anxiety about pain, blistering, or scarring! 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✓ Ice the area on day 1-2, but don't overdo it✓ Keep the area clean and dry - no ointments for the first couple days✓ Avoid extreme workouts, saunas, and s...

Tattoo removal not working? In this episode of the FADED Podcast, Billy DeCola breaks down five common reasons laser tattoo removal can stall or deliver slow results, and explains what actually helps improve laser tattoo removal outcomes.

In this episode of the Faded Podcast, SMP artist Alex Corona shares his journey from being a botched SMP client to becoming a professional in the industry. He discusses the challenges he faced, including poor initial treatments, scalp micropigmentation laser removal, inadequate training, and how these experiences shaped his approach to SMP. Alex emphasizes the importance of transparency, quality w...

In this episode of FADED, Billy DeCola and David Santiago discuss the evolution of the tattoo and scalp micropigmentation industry over the past eight years, focusing on the shift in knowledge sharing, the challenges of tattoo removal, and the importance of educating clients. They also delve into their personal journeys in podcasting, the dynamics of client interactions, and the future of tattoo r...

Some people experience a metallic taste during laser tattoo removal and assume it’s ink or metal traveling through the body. That isn’t what’s happening. In Episode 17 of the Faded Podcast, Billy breaks down the real reason behind this sensation, how the nervous system reacts to laser stimulation, and why the taste is only a perception, not something physically entering your mouth. He also explain...

Billy DeCola, Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku, breaks down everything you need to know before your first laser tattoo removal session. From avoiding sun exposure and active skincare ingredients to choosing the right clothing and understanding aftercare, this guide helps you prepare properly and get the best results possible. Learn what to expect during the session, how to support healing, and t...

Billy DeCola, Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku, is joined by Sara of IrishWolf Artistry for an in-depth conversation on laser treatment aftercare. In Faded Episode 15, they break down how to evaluate your skin after a laser session, how to approach touch-ups, and what you can do to achieve the best possible results. Whether you’re preparing for your first laser appointment or looking to improve...

Billy breaks down how permanent eyebrow makeup removal should be done. From choosing the right equipment to using proper technique and avoiding hair damage, he shares what really matters in a safe and effective PMU removal process. If you’re looking to remove old or unwanted PMU, this episode gives you a clear, honest overview of what to expect and what to look for in a studio. Host: Billy Decola...

In this episode of the Faded podcast, we sit down with a guest who made a major change in her life and decided it was time for her tattoos to go. She opens up about why she chose to remove the tattoos on her face and neck, what inspired her lifestyle shift, and what the process has been like so far. We talk through the emotions, the stigma, the healing, and the reality of laser tattoo removal. You...

Curious about how laser tattoo removal actually works? This episode covers the step-by-step process, from the first session to the last, and explains why each stage matters for your skin’s recovery. Find out how factors like tattoo saturation, body location, and your own health can affect the timeline. Studio Kiku founder Billy DeCola breaks down common mistakes, what to avoid, and how to set real...

Thinking about laser tattoo removal? Not so fast. In this episode of The Faded Podcast, Studio Kiku founder Billy DeCola breaks down the types of tattoos you should think twice about lasering - especially those with white, red, or hybrid pigments. Billy also explains the real risks involved for darker skin tones and what actually happens during the removal process. From pigment science to unexpect...

In this episode of the Faded Podcast, we welcome Yani Sordo, a Langley, BC–based permanent makeup and tattoo artist, to share both personal and professional experience with PMU and its removal. She walks through a botched lip-blush that left dark, patchy pigment and breaks down the realities, risks, and results of laser and saline removal. We dig into test spots, oxidation, and why she now favors...

Some tattoos just won't budge. You've had multiple laser sessions, spent hundreds of dollars, and that stubborn pigment is still sitting there, mocking you. After 15 years in tattoo removal at Studio Kiku, I've seen plenty of cases where laser technology reaches its limit. That's when we need to talk about the last resort alternatives. Today I’m talking about saline removal, the technique we turn...

If you've ever watched a laser tattoo removal video online, you've probably seen it - the moment the laser hits the tattoo, a white, cloudy layer appears on the skin. It looks dramatic, almost like snow settling on the tattoo. This is called "frosting," and it freaks people out the first time they see it. After many years of zapping tattoos, I've seen plenty of confused faces when that white layer...

You're scrolling through before-and-after photos of permanent makeup removal, and suddenly you see it - someone's eyebrows that have turned bright red or yellow mid-removal. Now you're wondering: is that going to happen to me? At Studio Kiku, this is hands down our most asked question. People email, call, and slide into our DMs asking the same thing. In this episode, I’m going through why this hap...

Hair loss is tough enough without having to deal with a botched scalp micropigmentation job on top of it. SMP is supposed to give you back your confidence. When done well, it helps to create the illusion of a hairline or stubble, and it can be life-changing. When it's done poorly? It can be devastating. I've seen what bad SMP can do to people. I've also seen how proper laser removal can get their...

Walk into any tattoo removal clinic these days and they'll tell you they use a "pico laser." Sounds impressive, right? The problem is, not all pico lasers are created equal and some aren't even truly pico at all.  In this episode, I take a look at what you actually need to know about pico technology and why the speed makes such a difference. What to ask before you book Don't just accept "we u...

People walk into Studio Kiku with the same questions every day. After 15 years of zapping tattoos, I've heard them all. When you're considering tattoo laser removal, you want to know what you're signing up for, and I totally get that. In this episode, I’m going to give you answers to the five most frequently asked questions that we get here at Studio Kiku. If you're considering removal, find someo...

Permanent makeup seemed like such a good idea at the time.  Wake up with perfect brows, skip the daily routine, never worry about smudging again. But now? Maybe your brows look outdated, or the shape isn't working for you anymore, or perhaps they've faded to an unflattering color. The good news is that permanent makeup can be removed. The reality is that it's often more complicated than remov...

Your skin has just been hit with intense laser energy. It's going to look angry, feel tender, and probably have you questioning whether this was a good idea. This is completely normal. The next few hours and days are crucial for how well your skin heals and how effective your treatment will be. Get the aftercare wrong, and you could end up with complications, slower healing, or less effective resu...