Saline tattoo removal
Gentle, non-laser removal for permanent makeup you're unhappy with and body tattoos you've outgrown, by Alex Greasby. Ideal for fresh work, pale or warm pigments and anyone who would rather avoid laser.
What it's used for
Saline removal lifts pigment from the skin rather than breaking it up, which makes it the better choice for some permanent makeup and body tattoos that laser can't treat as well.
Book a consultation
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Fresh pigment lifts most easily in the first few days If you've just had permanent makeup done elsewhere and it isn't right, saline removal can often start within the first few days, before the pigment has fully settled. The sooner it starts, the more it can lift.
Good for Brows or lips done recently that aren't what you asked for.
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Faded old brow pigment Faded, patchy or misplaced brows from previous permanent makeup, lightened gradually so they can be left to rest or reworked. Saline works around your natural brow hairs without affecting them.
Good for Brow tattoos you'd like lightened or faded.
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Warm, patchy old pigment above, new brows below Flesh-toned, white and some warm or orange pigments can darken under laser. Saline lifts them out instead, which makes it the safer route for many older permanent makeup colours.
Good for Old pigments that have turned orange, pink or pale.
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The same tattoos seven weeks later Saline isn't only for permanent makeup. Body tattoos can be faded with it too, including colourful ones, working over a course of sessions. Alex will tell you at your consultation whether saline, laser or a mix of both will suit your tattoo best.
Good for Body tattoos you'd like faded, especially colours that laser finds stubborn.
Results
No laser and no acids: a simple salt solution draws unwanted pigment back out of the skin, gradually, over a few sessions. These are one client's thigh tattoos across two sessions, seven weeks apart. Select any photo to see it full size.
How it works
From your first consultation to a fresh start, here's what to expect.
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Before booking
Consultation
Alex looks at the pigment, how old it is and where it sits, and tells you honestly whether saline, laser or a combination will get you the best result.
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On the day
Your session
Numbing cream is applied, then the saline solution is worked into the area. Most sessions take around an hour, depending on the size of the area.
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First two weeks
Aftercare
Keep the area clean and dry and let the light scab form and fall away on its own, as that's how the pigment leaves. Don't pick it. Full aftercare.
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6 to 8 weeks on
Next session
Once your skin has fully recovered, the next session lifts more pigment. Most people need a few sessions, depending on the colour and depth.
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Once lightened
A fresh start
When the old pigment is light enough, Alex can create new brows or lips over the top, or you can simply leave the skin to rest.
Kind words
Clients, in their own words on Google.
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I found Alex online frantically searching for someone to do an emergency saline removal on my lips... Alex is professional, kind and informative. She was also very honest about managing my expectation and i really appreciated the honesty.
Laura R. Emergency saline removal
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She also provided me with tons and tons of free advice when I had a treatment done elsewhere that I wasn't happy with. Could easily have advised me to have something done with her but was so honest and advised best thing is to wait it out - can't really ask for more integrity than that!!
Anna G. Google review
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Having had my eyebrows micro-bladed elsewhere previously, I came to Alex to do correction work, as my brows were faded and not in my ideal shape. Alex is incredibly thorough and passionate at what she does.
Katie R. Brow correction
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Alex is fabulous, very professional, super knowledgeable and shares all the info she can to make you aware of the treatment you are receiving in a friendly way.
Saoirse P. Google review
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I am very familiar with having beauty/cosmetic treatments done, however since having them done by Alex, I am amazed at the results each time. Her care, precision and attention are second to none.
Lauren B. Google review
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Alex takes pride in doing an excellent job. She never takes short cuts yet is super efficient. Alex's fine art background is a real strength. She brings a great combination of skill, creativity, imagination and pragmatism to her work.
Megan T. Google review
Good to know
The saline removal questions Alex is asked most. If yours isn't here, just ask.
Ask a questionSaline or laser: which is better?
It depends on the pigment. Saline is often better for fresh permanent makeup, and for pale, flesh-toned or warm pigments that laser can darken. Laser is usually quicker for darker, healed pigment and body tattoos. Alex will recommend the right one at your consultation, and sometimes a combination works best. Old eyeliner tattoos are treated with laser, with specialist internal ocular shields protecting the eyes.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need a few sessions, spaced at least six to eight weeks apart. How many depends on the colour, how deep the pigment sits and how long it has been there. Alex will give you an honest estimate once she has seen it.
Can it lift permanent makeup I've only just had done?
Often, yes. Emergency removal can usually start within the first few days, while the pigment is still settling, and early treatment tends to lift more. Get in touch as soon as you can with a photo, and Alex will advise.
Does saline removal hurt?
It feels much like having permanent makeup done. A numbing cream is applied first, and Alex checks in with you throughout.
Will it leave a mark?
The area forms a light scab as the pigment lifts, and it's important to let that fall away naturally. Following the aftercare carefully, and not picking, is the best way to protect your skin. The skin may look a little pink for a few weeks afterwards as it settles.
Is there anyone who can't have it?
It isn't suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, over broken or irritated skin, or if you tend to form raised or keloid scars. Some medications affect healing, so you'll complete a health form before your first session.
UKPMU Hairstroke Artist of the Year 2026
Ready to start again?
Book a consultation to have your permanent makeup assessed, or send Alex a photo first if it's recent work that needs attention quickly.
4.9 from 71 Google reviews. Spread the cost with Klarna.