30 Gorgeous Cover-Up Tattoos Even Better Than the Original
As unfortunate as it is, tattoo regrets happens for so many different reasons, whether it happens to be a long time after getting it done or immediately afterward. Maybe the design choice we made years ago doesn't suit who we happen to be today, maybe the symbolism has become something that's more haunting than anything else, or maybe the elements and the years just haven't been kind to the ink. Fortunately, that's where a skilled tattoo artist can help with an incredible cover-up to transform the tattoo we no longer like into something we love, with no sign of the original tattoo remaining anywhere on our bodies. It's like magic!
While it's definitely an option to go the laser route and have the tattoo removed permanently, it's also possible to find the right artist who will be willing to work with anyone experiencing tattoo regret to make the previous tattoo a new work of art. It's incredible to see these transformations with nary a trace of the old work. Prepare to be blown away.
We've rounded up 30 tattoo cover-ups that are so much better than the original art. There are so many reasons to get a cover-up, and it's good to know that the end result can look as amazing as the tattoos in these photos do.
Of course, it's still important to carefully consider any new tattoo before making it a permanent addition to the body, but for when those moments of regret strike, there's always a way to turn it into something even more beautiful.
Powerful Statement
Though these symbols probably meant something to this person at the time of the original tattoo, it looks like the new version is even more meaningful. We love the symbols being reimagined as a silhouette of a woman rising out of a lotus flower. Very zen.
Growing Heart
A tiny simple black line heart tattoo blends beautifully into this new heart with flowers, and the new tattoo has ended up looking so much more vibrant and cohesive. There's definitely a right place and time for a black and white tattoo, but we love the colors used here.
An Elaborate Rose
The original tattoo featured a whale jumping out of the ocean, and the end result of this cover-up ended up being something entirely different. We'd never know that the beach scene existed under this rose design, thanks to the gorgeous shading. All that's left is the little bit of yellow from the sun, but it blends in perfectly.
A Music Note Gone Wrong
We'll admit that the original tattoo looked pretty rough -- in fact, we'd be surprised if it had actually been done by a professional, so it's no wonder that this person wanted to get something new on top of it. In the end, the person got a rose and some leaf detailing, creating a beautiful piece of art.
In Full Bloom
As much as we love a super simple tattoo, we have to admit that the cover-up art wins here. Roses definitely seem to be a popular choice, but here, it looks unique as the rose is part of an umbrella design with many vibrant colors.
On the Wing
Given that the original tattoo was so big, the artist was definitely presented with quite a challenge here ... and passed with flying colors! The wing that replaced the words "David Dei" had to be pretty big (and involved a lot of shading) but in the end, there was no sign of the original at all.
A Big Improvement
This tattoo didn't entirely cover up the original, but it seems like it was actually meant to improve it, not hide it -- and it definitely achieved that goal. It's common to want a tattoo that marks a significant date, and the new version was more elaborate, including some pretty white ink.
A Rose Instead of an Angel
When this person was done having the word "angel" on their body, they swapped it out for a gorgeous, super vibrant rose instead that managed to make it look like the original tattoo was never there in the first place. So pretty!
Covering Up a Heartbeat
No word on whether this person wanted this "best friend" tattoo covered up because it was the end of a friendship or they were tired of having this tattoo, but either way, mission accomplished! We'd never guess that heartbeat existed underneath this elaborate floral design.
No More Name
Getting a name in a heart can sometimes end up being something that we regret, even if we were totally into it at the time. Fortunately, that's where cover up tattoos come in, like this one. This ornate flower made the original tattoo totally disappear, giving it a bold new look.
Old Hearts
Speaking of names and words in hearts ... here's another example of how beautifully they can be replaced! Where the faded, black and white ink used to be, there's now a heart-shaped locket, rose, and key -- all perfectly shaded in the brightest colors that have undoubtedly made this tattoo a conversation piece.
Finger Tattoo
Fortunately, this artist had a pretty good canvas to work with. Fingers are tiny, but so was this faded, simplistic tattoo. In the end, the person got a long, detailed rose on the finger, and it ended up hiding the original heart and cross design.