Cosmetic Tattoo Removal Course — Non-Laser
Course Overview
The Cosmetic Tattoo Removal Course is a one-day hands-on workshop in non-laser removal and correction of cosmetic tattoos. You will learn how to use saline and AHA-based methods to lighten, correct, or fully remove unwanted permanent makeup (PMU) work — including faded brows, badly placed pigment, colour mismatches, and migrated or aged tattoos.
This is a non-laser training course. We cover how laser removal works as comparative theory so you understand the wider field and know when to refer a client, but laser, IPL, and Q-switched device operation are not taught and are not part of the practical day. The course is designed for cosmetic tattoo artists who want to add correction and removal services to their existing practice using safe, skin-friendly chemical methods.
Key Outcome
By the end of the course you will be able to assess a cosmetic tattoo, choose between colour correction and removal, select the right non-laser method for each case, perform saline and AHA removal procedures safely, conduct thorough patch testing and consultations, and identify when a client should be referred for laser treatment instead.
Course Facts at a Glance
- Course type: Non-accredited training course
- Duration: 1 day intensive, one-on-one
- Format: Hands-on practical workshop with a live model
- Location: Gold Coast (Worongary, QLD)
- Methods taught: Saline removal and AHA (acid-based) removal
- Prerequisites: HLTINF005 and existing cosmetic tattoo qualification or equivalent experience
- Fee: $1,000 (payment plans available)
Skills You’ll Learn
This cosmetic tattoo removal course gives you the skills to confidently offer non-laser removal and correction services to your existing or future PMU clients.
- Assessing a cosmetic tattoo: deciding whether colour correction or full removal is the right approach based on age, depth, colour, and skin type.
- Saline removal technique: the science behind saline removal, the role of pH and osmotic action, and how to perform the procedure safely.
- AHA removal technique: how acid-based solutions lift pigment, when AHA is the better option than saline, and how to control the depth and strength of the treatment.
- Needle configuration and machine setup: choosing the right configuration for each method and ensuring precision throughout the procedure.
- Patch testing and consultation: identifying contraindications, managing client expectations, and obtaining informed consent.
- Infection control and procedure protocols: safe workspace setup, equipment sterilisation, and aftercare for skin penetration work.
- Comparing non-laser and laser removal: when to treat in-house and when to refer a client to a licensed laser clinic.
For the full range of training options, explore all our Cosmetic Tattoo Courses, including beginner, advanced, and nationally recognised diploma pathways.
Curriculum
The course content is structured around eight modules that follow the student’s learning journey from initial client assessment through to the practical removal procedure. Each module combines theory delivered face-to-face with hands-on application during the practical day.
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Module 1: When to Colour Correct and When to Remove
- How to assess an existing cosmetic tattoo to decide between correction and removal
- The role of tattoo age, pigment depth, colour saturation, and client skin type in the decision
- Reviewing before/after case studies of correction work versus full removal
- When neither method is appropriate and the client should be referred
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Module 2: Understanding the Skin and Chemical Processes
- Skin anatomy and how the epidermis and dermis respond to chemical removal
- The role of pH and osmosis in saline removal
- How AHA-based solutions interact with pigment in the skin
- Minimising skin damage while maximising removal effectiveness
- Understanding healing, scabbing, and pigment release over multiple sessions
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Module 3: Saline and AHA Removal Techniques
- Step-by-step saline removal procedure, including solution preparation and application
- Step-by-step AHA (acid-based) removal procedure
- Choosing between saline and AHA for different cases
- Needle configuration and machine setup for each method
- Working depth, hand speed, and pressure for safe, controlled removal
- Reference to before/after examples of saline and AHA outcomes
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Module 4: Comparing Non-Laser and Laser Removal
- How laser tattoo removal works (theory only — laser is not taught in this course)
- Strengths and limitations of saline, AHA, and laser methods side-by-side
- When to treat in-house with non-laser methods and when to refer to a licensed laser clinic
- What you can and cannot legally offer as a non-laser practitioner in Queensland
- Setting honest client expectations about session numbers and final results
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Module 5: Patch Testing
- Why patch testing is essential for chemical removal work
- How to perform a patch test correctly
- Reading and interpreting patch test results
- Adjusting your treatment plan based on the client’s reaction
- Documenting patch test outcomes in client records
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Module 6: Procedure Protocols and Infection Control
- Preparing a clean and compliant workspace for skin penetration work
- Sterilisation of equipment and disposal of single-use items
- Personal protective equipment and standard precautions
- Step-by-step procedure protocols for saline and AHA sessions
- Aftercare instructions and what to provide to your client
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Module 7: Thorough Consultation Process
- What to cover in a removal or correction consultation
- Collecting relevant medical history and identifying contraindications
- Managing client expectations around session numbers, fading, and final outcomes
- Building trust and obtaining informed consent
- Documenting consultation outcomes and consent forms
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Module 8: Supplier Information and Setting Up Your Service
- Where to source quality saline and AHA removal solutions
- Evaluating supplier quality and safety standards
- Equipment and consumables you will need to offer removal services
- Pricing your removal services and structuring multi-session packages
- Positioning removal as part of your wider cosmetic tattoo practice
Practical Component
- One live model on the day. You will perform a supervised removal procedure on one live model, applying the techniques covered in the modules. Carlye Pymble provides direct, one-on-one feedback throughout, helping you refine your hand speed, working depth, and consultation approach so you leave confident to perform removal work in your own studio.
Delivery, Location, Inclusions & Certification
Course inclusions
- One-on-one face-to-face training day with Carlye Pymble
- Hands-on practical session with one supervised live model
- Comprehensive course manual covering saline and AHA removal protocols
- Patch test, consultation, and aftercare templates you can use in your own studio
- Supplier list for sourcing quality removal solutions and consumables
- Certificate of completion from Artisan Training Academy
Prerequisites
Cosmetic tattoo removal is skin penetration work, so this course has prerequisites. You must hold HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments before enrolling. You must also hold a recognised cosmetic tattoo qualification (such as the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing SHB50321) or be able to demonstrate equivalent practising experience as a cosmetic tattoo artist. This course is not suitable for students with no prior cosmetic tattoo training.
Certification
This is a non-accredited training course. On completion you receive a certificate of completion from Artisan Training Academy that recognises your skills in non-laser cosmetic tattoo removal. The course is not a nationally recognised qualification and does not issue a unit of competency. If you are looking for a nationally recognised pathway in cosmetic tattooing, the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing SHB50321 is the formal qualification offered by Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085).
Training location
Training is delivered in person at our Gold Coast training facility in Worongary, Queensland. The one-day workshop is run one-on-one, so you have Carlye’s full attention throughout the practical and theory components. If you are looking for related correction work, you may also be interested in the Scar Camouflage Course, which sits in the same correction skill family.
Course FAQs
Is the Cosmetic Tattoo Removal Course accredited?
No. This is a non-accredited training course. It does not lead to a nationally recognised qualification and does not issue a unit of competency. If you are looking for a nationally recognised cosmetic tattoo pathway, the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing SHB50321 is the formal qualification offered by Artisan Training Academy (RTO 46085). Many students complete the Diploma first and then add this non-laser removal course as a specialist skill.
What experience or prerequisites do I need?
You need to hold HLTINF005 Maintain Infection Prevention for Skin Penetration Treatments before enrolling, because removal work is skin penetration work and infection control compliance is non-negotiable.
You also need to hold a cosmetic tattoo qualification (such as the Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing) or be able to demonstrate equivalent practising experience as a cosmetic tattoo artist. This course is designed for working artists adding correction and removal services — it is not suitable as a first step into cosmetic tattooing.
How long is the course and what does delivery look like?
The course is a one-day intensive workshop delivered one-on-one at our Gold Coast training facility in Worongary. The day combines theory and practical: you work through the eight modules with Carlye, then perform a supervised removal procedure on one live model. Because it is one-on-one, the pace is tailored to you and you get direct feedback throughout. If you need flexibility on dates, contact us — we are able to accommodate alternative days where available.
What does the practical day look like?
The practical component is hands-on supervised work with one live model. You perform a real saline or AHA removal procedure under Carlye’s direct supervision, applying the consultation, patch testing, technique, and aftercare steps you have just covered in the theory modules. Carlye gives you continuous feedback on your hand speed, working depth, needle configuration, and consultation approach so you finish the day with practical confidence — not just theoretical knowledge.
Working with a real client also gives you experience managing the consultation, setting expectations about session numbers and fading, and documenting the procedure in the same way you will in your own studio.
What is included in the course fee?
The $1,000 fee includes the full one-day training, the supervised practical with one live model, your course manual covering saline and AHA protocols, patch test and consultation templates you can use in your own studio, and a supplier list for sourcing removal solutions. You also receive your Artisan Training Academy certificate of completion at the end of the day.
Where is the training delivered and what payment options are available?
Training is delivered in person at our Gold Coast training facility in Worongary, Queensland. We do not offer this course online — the practical component requires face-to-face supervision.
Full payment of $1,000 secures your enrolment and books your training date. We also offer flexible payment plans through TLC Finance — no deposit required, repayments up to 84 months, and no exit fees if you pay it off early. You can apply online with TLC Finance to spread the cost over time.
Fees, Payment Options & Enrolment
Course fee
The total cost of the Cosmetic Tattoo Removal Course is $1,000.
Fee schedule
Full payment is required to secure your enrolment and book your training date. You can use the Pay Now button at the top of this page to get started quickly. If you would prefer to pay in instalments, the balance can also be finalised one week prior to your start date once your deposit has been received.
Payment plans through TLC Finance
Many of our students choose to spread the cost using TLC Finance, which offers education-specific payment plans:
- Flexible repayments up to 84 months
- No deposit required
- Pay it off early with no exit fees
- Lowest rates for education
- Efficient application and approval process
You can apply online with TLC Finance — the process is straightforward and most students find it removes the stress of upfront payment, so they can focus on building the skills they need.
Enrolment process
To enrol, choose your preferred training date from the list below, then use the Pay Now or Enrol Now button at the top of the page. If you need a date outside the listed schedule, contact us — we are flexible and can usually accommodate alternative days.
Upcoming course dates
The Cosmetic Tattoo Removal (Non-Laser) workshop is run as a one-day one-on-one intensive. Some students choose to break the course up across two days to allow time to practise in between — let us know if you would prefer this option. If none of the dates below suit you, we are very flexible and can arrange alternative dates.
- Monday 31st August 2026
- Monday 14th September 2026
- Monday 28th September 2026
- Monday 12th October 2026
- Monday 26th October 2026
- Monday 9th November 2026
- Monday 23rd November 2026
- Monday 7th December 2026
For the full intake schedule across all our cosmetic tattoo and beauty courses, see the Academic Calendar.