The Studio Kiku Blog
Notes from the studio
Articles and field notes on laser tattoo removal, PMU correction, scalp pigmentation, and the science behind it all, written by Billy DeCola and the Studio Kiku team.
August 3, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Does laser tattoo removal hurt
The most common consultation question is how bad it hurts. Studio Kiku breaks down the sensation, the cooling, and what you can do to prepare.
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July 30, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Why SMP looks blotchy over time and what laser removal does about it
When SMP looks heavier and blotchier than it used to, pigment depth and saturation are usually the reason. Here's what changes and what laser does about it.
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July 30, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Not every pico laser is a good laser
You can buy a machine labelled pico on Amazon or Alibaba for a few hundred dollars. The word on the housing is not a quality standard.
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July 29, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
What Studio Kiku's laser tattoo removal certification covers
Studio Kiku's two-day laser tattoo removal certification trains professionals hands-on on the PicoWay, covering body tattoos, PMU removal, and SMP.
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July 27, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
How tattoo pigment breaks down during laser removal
Picosecond laser pulses create acoustic pressure waves that shatter tattoo pigment. Here's how the mechanism works and why clearance takes months.
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July 24, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Can laser correct a bad SMP hairline
When an SMP hairline doesn't look right, Studio Kiku can treat just the part that needs correcting, without removing the entire job.
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July 22, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Removing a blown-out tattoo: what to realistically expect
Blown-out tattoos have pigment that has spread beyond the original lines. Studio Kiku explains how laser handles blowout and what to realistically expect.
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July 20, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
What to expect when removing a complex, multi-colour tattoo
Multi-colour tattoos can take 10 or more sessions to fade. Here's what progress looks like, and why some pigment colours are harder to clear than others.
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July 15, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Why PMU brow removal can't be rushed
PMU brow removal takes 3 to 6 sessions for a reason. Here is why the single-pass protocol protects your skin and what real progress looks like along the way.
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July 13, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
How to speed up tattoo removal between sessions
The laser breaks down pigment in minutes. Your body takes weeks to clear it. Here is how to support that process between sessions.
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July 10, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Why some tattoos respond faster to laser removal
Not every tattoo takes 9 to 12 sessions. Pigment saturation and depth are the two biggest factors that decide how quickly your body can clear a tattoo.
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July 8, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Laser tattoo removal at the NIX Toronto Tattoo Convention
Studio Kiku gave away a Complete Removal Package at the NIX Toronto Tattoo Convention, and one client is now starting their removal journey.
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July 6, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Scalp micropigmentation for female hair thinning
SMP for density adds the visual appearance of fuller coverage to a thinning scalp. Here is how the approach works and who it suits.
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July 3, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
What one session of laser PMU brow removal actually does
One session of laser PMU brow removal lifts pigment right away, but that's only the start. Here's what actually changes and what to expect after.
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July 3, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
How to plan your laser tattoo removal schedule
Laser tattoo removal aftercare starts the moment you leave the studio. Book sessions at a time when you can actually follow the instructions.
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July 2, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
How much does laser tattoo removal cost in Canada?
Laser tattoo removal in Canada starts at $100 per session. Here is what shapes the final price, and how flat-rate packages remove the guesswork.
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July 1, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Now carrying AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40
AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40 is now available at Studio Kiku in tinted and untinted formulas, designed for skin in a laser treatment series.
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June 29, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
What to look for when choosing a laser tattoo removal studio
Not all laser tattoo removal studios are equal. Here is what separates the ones that produce results from the ones that don't.
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June 28, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Neck tattoo removal: what to expect
A name or script across the neck is one of the most visible tattoos to carry, and one of the most removable. Here's the real timeline.
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June 28, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Laser tattoo removal in summer: what you need to know
Sun exposure and laser tattoo removal don't mix poorly if you know the rules. Here's how to protect the treatment area and stay on track all summer.
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June 26, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Laser PMU brow removal on all skin tones
The PicoWay's picosecond technology makes laser PMU brow removal safer across a full range of skin tones. Here's how Studio Kiku approaches each case.
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June 24, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
How the PicoWay Resolve improves skin texture
Rough texture, acne scarring, and fine lines often need more than topical skincare. Rejuvenation at Studio Kiku works from below the surface.
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June 24, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Now carrying Mad Rabbit SPF 30 sunscreen and soothing gel
Studio Kiku now carries Mad Rabbit SPF 30 Sunscreen and Soothing Gel, two products made for tattooed and post-treatment skin.
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June 24, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Finger tattoo removal: what to expect and why it takes longer
Finger tattoos present unique challenges for laser removal. Studio Kiku explains what makes them different and what clients can realistically expect.
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June 23, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
PicoToning for uneven skin tone and sun spots
PicoToning uses picosecond laser energy to break down sun spots, acne discolouration, and uneven pigmentation with minimal downtime and no ablation.
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June 23, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
What to expect from laser SMP removal
A bad SMP result can leave you feeling worse than before you started. Studio Kiku explains how laser removal works, what drives session count, and what won't clear.
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June 22, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Lip blush removal: what to expect, and what to ask before you book
Lip blush removal is possible in most cases, but the oxidation risk is real. Here is what to expect and why a test spot is non-negotiable.
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June 20, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Why PMU brows change colour over time
If your microbladed brows have shifted to an unexpected red, orange, or warm tone, here is why it happens and what laser removal can do about it.
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June 19, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Picosecond vs nanosecond laser: what the difference actually means for tattoo removal
Not all lasers marketed as picosecond are equally fast. Here's what the difference means for your skin and your session count.
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June 17, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Laser fading for tattoo cover-ups
Fading a tattoo before a cover-up takes fewer sessions than full removal, but the number depends entirely on your new design.
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June 15, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
What to expect after your first laser tattoo removal session
Your first session raises a lot of questions. Here's what actually happens in the first 24 hours, and what to expect in the weeks that follow.
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June 13, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
How many sessions does laser tattoo removal take?
Most dark tattoos take 9 to 12 sessions to fully clear. Several factors shape that number, and rushing the process nearly always works against you.
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May 19, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Saline removal for PMU brows
When laser can't break down stubborn PMU pigments - especially yellow undertones - Studio Kiku moves to saline removal. Here's how it works and what to expect.
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May 17, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Who's the best SMP artist in Vancouver and Langley
If you're looking for scalp micropigmentation in the Lower Mainland, chances are the artist you're considering trained with Billy DeCola. Here's why that matters.
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May 16, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Studio Kiku franchise now open in Vaughan, ON
Studio Kiku's newest location in Vaughan brings the same PicoWay laser technology and proven treatment protocols to the Greater Toronto Area. Free consultations, same results.
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May 16, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Scalp micropigmentation in Vancouver and Langley
Billy DeCola is now taking SMP bookings at the Vancouver and Langley studios. Limited spots available - book your free consultation today.
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May 16, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Laser tattoo removal franchise opportunity in Canada with Studio Kiku
Studio Kiku is expanding across Canada with franchise territories now available in Langley, Calgary, Toronto, Mississauga, Halifax, and more. Join a brand built on clinical precision and advanced laser technology.
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May 16, 2026 · Studio Kiku Team
Complete tattoo removal package at Studio Kiku
Get a flat-rate quote for complete tattoo removal - no hidden costs, no price increases, just one upfront rate for the whole process.
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