Woman Who Spent Over N300m on Tattoos Wants Them Removed

Amber Luke, the Australian woman famously known as “the most tattooed woman in Australia,” is set to remove the tattoos that have covered nearly her entire body for over a decade. The 30-year-old from Brisbane, who has spent about £193,500 (N377 million) on her ink since she started tattooing at 16, plans to remove 36 tattoos from her face by 2027.

Amber says the decision comes from self-acceptance rather than regret. “I was 20 when I wanted to hide my face,” she said. “I truly didn’t see my natural beauty. I was a broken, lost soul.” She explained that her years of tattooing her face have coincided with personal growth, and now she is ready to “reunite” with her natural appearance. Despite her plans for removal, she insists she has no regrets about her tattoos.

The facial tattoo removal is being sponsored by Xanadu Laser Therapies in Springwood, Brisbane, where Amber serves as an ambassador. She described the process as intense, revealing that she does not use numbing cream. “The laser zap on the thin skin of the face burns and it also stings mercilessly. Your face is distorted and swollen for up to four days after,” she said.

Amber’s eight facial piercings have added complications. They will need to be surgically removed before some of the tattoos can be lasered, as the metal can burn the skin and interfere with the process.

She also addressed public judgment, noting that scrutiny over women with facial tattoos can be harsh. “Honestly, people judge what they don’t understand,” Amber said. “When you walk down the street, the stares are ridiculous. But removing these tattoos isn’t because of scrutiny—I’ve simply outgrown them.”

Even as she removes her facial tattoos, Amber continues to embrace body art elsewhere. She is currently healing new tattoos on her left hand and shows no intention of stopping her tattoo journey entirely. “As I’ve got older, I’ve become more resilient and I feel like I can see my beauty finally,” she said. “I’m finally learning to love who I am.”