Faded

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 results that often require laser to correct. The conversation focuses on accountability in the industry, the emotional impact on clients who feel misled, and the importance of giving people clear, honest information before they make permanent decisions about their faces.

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 wavelengths)How black and gray tattoos are createdWash technique: Black ink diluted with water (easy to remove)Opaque gray: Black mixed with white pigment (extremely difficult/impossible to remove)The oxidation problem when lasering white-containing pigmentsWhy saline removal isn't an effective solutionProfessional advice: Avoid lasering tattoos with opaque gray or white pigment0:00 - Introduction: The gray tattoo removal problem0:25 - Why black is easiest to remove1:47 - How tattoo artists create gray (wash technique)3:00 - Opaque gray vs wash4:49 - The white pigment problem6:30 - Saline removal limitations7:42 - When to avoid laser removal8:44 - Recap and final advice9:37 - Call to actionLINKS:Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/Studio Kiku Instagram:   / studio.kiku  Studio Kiku Facebook:   / studio.kiku  Billy DeCola Instagram:   / billydecola  Billy DeCola Facebook:   / billydecola  

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 video if it helped.Subscribe if you want real education on tattoo removal.Share it with someone who’s thinking about starting the process.CHAPTER MARKERS0:00 Introduction0:29 Scar Tissue from Tattoo Application1:25 Assessing Your Skin1:53 Laser Treatment Approach2:49 Managing Expectations3:41 Final ThoughtsLINKS:Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/Studio Kiku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.kikuStudio Kiku Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio.kiku/Billy DeCola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billydecolaBilly DeCola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billydecola/

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 sun exposure✓ Don't expect instant results - it's a marathon, not a sprint✓ Average removal takes 9-12 sessions for dark tattoos✓ Space sessions 6-8 weeks apart initially, then longer✓ Boost your immune system for better results⚠️ IMPORTANT REMINDERS:• No sun exposure on treated area for 2+ weeks• Blistering or open skin is NOT normal—see your doctor• Results appear gradually over 3-4+ sessions• Stay hydrated, eat healthy, and get rest between sessionsGot questions about laser tattoo removal? Drop them in the comments below!👍 Like this video if you found it helpful🔔 Subscribe for more tattoo removal tips📤 Share with anyone considering tattoo removalLINKS:Studio Kiku Website: https://studiokiku.com/Studio Kiku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.kikuStudio Kiku Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio.kiku/Billy DeCola Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billydecolaBilly DeCola Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billydecola/

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 work, and continuous learning in the SMP field.

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 removal techniques. The discussion highlights the need for transparency and responsibility in the industry, especially regarding the use of pigments and the implications of tattoo removal.Chapters:00:00 The Evolution of the Industry03:06 Gatekeeping and Knowledge Sharing06:00 The Shift in Business Mindset08:57 Challenges in Tattoo Removal12:00 The Importance of Education14:57 The Podcast Journey17:59 Navigating Client Interactions20:58 The Art of Conversation23:57 The Future of Tattoo Removal27:01 The Role of Color in Tattooing29:56 Final Thoughts and Future PlansThis episode is brought to you by:LearnSMP.com

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 explains why it happens more with certain tattoos, why sensitivity varies from person to person, and how Studio Kiku prepares clients so there are no surprises during treatment.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@billydecola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 the simple steps that make the process safer and more effective.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@billydecola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 your aftercare routine, this episode shares practical insights directly from the professionals. Tune in to learn how to care for your skin and get the most out of your laser treatments.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@billydecola⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest: Sara - Irish Wolf Artistry@IrishWolf_Artistry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠@billydecola⁠⁠⁠⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠⁠⁠⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠⁠⁠⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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 will see parts of the actual treatment and hear her perspective on what it feels like, how she prepared, and what she hopes for as she moves forward.If you are thinking about removing a tattoo or you are just interested in honest stories about personal growth, this episode is worth watching. Feel free to leave questions in the comments and check out the full Faded podcast lineup for more real conversations about tattoo removal.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠⁠⁠@billydecola⁠⁠⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠⁠⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠⁠⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠⁠⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠⁠⁠.

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 realistic expectations for your results. Whether you’re planning to start removal or just want to understand the process, this video gives you clear, no-nonsense answers.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠⁠@billydecola⁠⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠⁠.

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 unexpected allergic reactions, this episode gives you the facts before you book your next session. Tune in for expert advice, real stories, and tips to keep your skin safe.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku⁠@billydecola⁠Presented by Studio Kiku:⁠studiokiku.com⁠⁠@studio.kiku⁠Studio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the ⁠Faded Podcast on YouTube⁠.

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 truly semi-permanent, laser-friendly techniques for safer, more predictable outcomes. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone dealing with PMU complications or considering removal.Host: Billy Decola - Owner & Founder of Studio Kiku@billydecolaGuest: Yani Sordo - Luxe Lips By Yani@luxelipsbyyaniPresented by Studio Kiku:studiokiku.com@studio.kikuStudio Kiku is one of the world's most trusted and well-known laser tattoo removal studios. With a commitment to innovation and the highest standards in laser tattoo removal and skin care services, Studio Kiku delivers cutting-edge treatments that restore confidence.Watch all episodes of the Faded Podcast on YouTube.

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 to when laser removal is no longer effective.Links:Studio KikuOur YouTube ChannelInstagram - Studio KikuInstagram - Billy DeCola

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 appears. In this episode, I break down what is actually happening when frosting occurs.Links:Studio KikuOur YouTube ChannelInstagram - Studio KikuInstagram - Billy DeCola

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 happens and what you need to know.If you're prepared for the possibility of seeing some interesting colors during the process, and you understand that complete removal isn't guaranteed, then you can make an informed decision.Just don't expect it to be simple, quick, or predictable. Your eyebrows have been keeping secrets, and laser removal is about to reveal them all.Links:Studio KikuOur YouTube ChannelInstagram - Studio KikuInstagram - Billy DeCola

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 lives back on track.In this episode, I take you through what you really need to know if you’re thinking about getting scalp micro-pigmentation or the associated laser removal of a botched SMP. Links:Learn SMPStudio KikuOur YouTube ChannelInstagram - Studio KikuInstagram - Billy DeCola

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 bookDon't just accept "we use a pico laser" as an answer. Ask specific questions:What's the exact pulse duration of your laser?Is it safe for my skin tone?How many sessions do you typically see for tattoos like mine?If they can't answer the first question with a specific number, that's a red flag.Why this matters for your resultsFaster lasers don't just sound cooler, they deliver better results. You'll likely need fewer sessions, experience less downtime, and have a lower risk of complications.The difference between a 750 picosecond laser and a 300 picosecond laser might not sound like much, but in practice, it can mean the difference between 8 sessions and 12 sessions for the same tattoo.Links:Studio KikuOur YouTube ChannelInstagram - Studio KikuInstagram - Billy DeCola