Most of us can probably agree that going to get a tattoo is a magical moment. Maybe it's something we've planned for months or years, or maybe it's a spontaneous moment that'll hopefully turn into a lifelong memory. Either way, at that moment, we're expecting to cherish the new ink that's about to grace our skin. Unfortunately, that doesn't always end up the case. Sometimes things change and over time, we wind up looking at our tattoo in a different light — and it's not always a positive one. Thank goodness for coverup tattoos.
Maybe it was a nasty breakup, an inevitable fight or perhaps we finally realized that we actually don't care for that design as much as we thought. Whatever it was, sometimes we no longer agree with having something forever — and we're not alone in feeling that way if we do. In fact, it turns out that 5 percent of people have a tattoo covered up, according to Inked Magazine. Hey, things change.
Don't get us wrong, having a tattoo coverup isn't a totally negative thing. As we go through life growing more into our own skin, a tattoo coverup becomes a chance to start anew and to refresh and revamp our ink into something exciting to look at. It's the time to open a new chapter! Giving a piece of ink a new, beautiful life is actually a pretty powerful moment.
For those looking for some inspiration on freshening up a current piece of ink, click ahead to see 40 gorgeous tattoo coverups.
Black Rose Coverup Tattoo
This behind-the-ear tattoo got a bold update with a striking black rose that travels down the owner's neck.
Red Rose Coverup Tattoo
This small back tattoo gained both size and vivid color with its elegant coverup tattoo transformation.
Owl Coverup Tattoo
From a howling wolf to a wise-looking owl, we are in love with this animal-inspired coverup.
Traditional Rose Coverup Tattoo
This dotted red and black mandala got a style change with this traditional rose coverup tattoo. We're big fans of the stylish banner below the rose.
Ballerina Coverup Tattoo
Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" would be proud of this coverup. The black silhouette tattoo was given a color update with this watercolor ballerina coverup tattoo.
Blue Flower Coverup Tattoos
This blue floral coverup tattoo is similar to the previous version, but much more detailed. We're obsessed with the shades of purple and blue.
Sunflower Coverup Tattoo
This simple tattoo of flying birds was totally redone in a gorgeous sunflower coverup tattoo. Quite a change, but we're digging it!
Mandala Coverup Tattoo
This mandala tattoo was refreshed and given a lot more soul with this striking tattoo coverup.
Feather Coverup Tattoo
This black anchor tattoo has become totally eye-catching with this bright teal feather tattoo coverup. It also includes a sweet "gratitude" script text.
Pink Roses Coverup Tattoo
This red dress tattoo was beautiful but it was given an extra punch of color and femininity with this bundle of red and pink roses.
Red Heart Coverup Tattoo
This cute script tattoo was revamped with a deep red and pink hearts and flowers coverup tattoo. It's hard to look away from this baby.
Jazz Coverup Tattoo
This jazz-lover gave this tattoo new life with some music notes, instruments, and a microphone. The artist kept the heart of the old tattoo with the word "Jazz."
Blue Rose Coverup Tattoo
This black flower really blossomed into something beautiful — a stunning blue rose that catches the light in all the right places.
Lioness Coverup Tattoo
This simple horse outline tattoo was given a totally fierce transformation with this lioness head coverup. We're in love with the red and blue details.
Hand Flowers Coverup Tattoo
Poor Simon. He's now covered up with these pretty pink flowers and colorful dots.
Gray Florals Coverup Tattoo
We bet the owner of this tattoo will be even happier with this elegant grayscale bundle of flowers.
Butterfly Coverup Tattoo
This butterfly tattoo coverup tattoo looks so much more alive on the owner's back! We adore the burst of vivid purple.
Vine Coverup Tattoo
These black stars came back down to earth to be transformed in a vine coverup tattoo.
Colorful Lotus Coverup Tattoo
Look closely to see the old script tattoo! This colorful lotus will make anyone ever forget about the script.
Swan Coverup Tattoo
We have to admit, the original tattoo was elegant. But the graceful swan and the stunning pink lotuses? That's next level.
Dog Portrait Coverup Tattoo
This simple spiderweb tattoo was revamped into a friendly looking dog portrait coverup tattoo! What better way to tribute (wo)man's best friend?
Cosmic Cat Coverup Tattoo
This cosmic cat is colorful, fierce and hypnotizing to look at! We hope the owner is happy with this fun tattoo coverup.
Delicate Floral Coverup Tattoo
This faded tattoo earned a new life with this delicate and well-shaded floral tattoo. We love how the petals use the faded tattoo's silhouette and still look natural.
Galaxy Drink Coverup Tattoo
We can tell that the owner of this galaxy drink coverup tattoo has a thing for color! This coverup tattoo manages to capture color and be distinctive at the same time.
Camera Coverup Tattoo
This camera is ideal for photography fans, and also perfectly covered up the script tattoo! Great choice.
Geometric Rose Coverup Tattoo
It seems the owner of this geometric tattoo felt like it needed an upgrade. We're totally supportive of their choice the rose's abstract detail is brilliant.
Floral Realism Coverup Tattoo
This small back tattoo really got an upgrade with this realism tattoo featuring all sorts of flowers, including poppies.
Pine Tree Coverup Tattoo
This script tattoo got a nature-approved makeover with this elegant pine tree. We can't even tell the letters used to be there!
Ornate Butterfly Coverup Tattoo
This butterfly really came out of its cocoon with this coverup tattoo. From the ornate jewels to the orange glow, we are completely transfixed by this colorful coverup tattoo.
Dumbo Coverup Tattoo
This cute little Dumbo tattooed was refreshed to look even more adorable! The tattoo artist did some real magic, working with the old design so seamlessly.
Watercolor Coverup Tattoo
This red and black watercolor coverup tattoo is much more striking than the original tattoo, that's for sure. We're obsessed with the gestural marks of the cross.
Turtle Coverup Tattoo
This cute turtle was restyled with much more detail and flair, making it a stunning piece of ink. It looks so real!
Mandala Rose Coverup Tattoo
This old anchor was turned into a rose and mandala! If we look closely, we can see how the shape of the anchor was incorporated into the mandala shape.
Wonder Woman Coverup Tattoo
We give a million yeses to this empowering Wonder Woman tattoo! What a way to coverup a tattoo possibly dedicated to an ex.
Rose Sleeve Coverup Tattoo
This coverup tattoo proves that the old design doesn't have to be completely covered over! In fact, it can be built upon for a new gorgeous piece of ink.
Floral Finger Coverup Tattoo
How elegant is this finger tattoo? We love how the name was transformed into this gorgeous coverup tattoo.
Traditional Flower Coverup Tattoo
Sometimes strong black backgrounds and rich coloring will do the coverup trick. We're fans of the pearled detailing on the border of the heart.
Galaxy Bird Coverup Tattoo
This name tattoo was turned seamlessly into a galaxy bird. It's much more fun to look at!
Skull Coverup Tattoo
These faded orchids were covered up into a spooky but gorgeous skull and some bright blue and purple flowers. Quite a transformation.
Pawprint Coverup Tattoo
This paw tattoo wasn't totally forgotten, it was just upgraded into something much more brilliant and elegant!
