16 Tattoo Before-And-After Pictures That Prove The Power Of Cover-Ups

    They're all seriously stunning.

    Jasmin Nahar
    by Jasmin Nahar

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to show us their tattoo cover-ups. Here are the amazing results!

    1. This wave that had a serious glow-up.

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    – abbeyc4349493e7

    2. This Russian nesting doll you'd want to show off.

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    – jennacided

    3. This wonderful rework of a floral tattoo.

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    "The original looked like I had a child design it, but it was actually just a garbage depiction of a painting I had done." – oliviap4c4fc2637

    4. This Harry Potter ink that is utterly magical.

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    "I went from having to explain my tattoo, to it being self-explanatory. It’s the best thing I’ve ever had done tattoo-wise, and I’ve got plans to add to it."

    – d43b162e36

    5. This ship that was given the kind of detail it deserved.

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    "Memorial piece for my dad, who passed away. Got it right after he died, from an artist I didn't research very well. After a short consultation for help on it, Ashley Reynolds turned it into a beautiful memorial." – camerond4306e5374

    6. This stunning rose that incorporates the old design perfectly.

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    "I got this bird of paradise flower years ago as a spur-of-the-moment weak point. I never liked the placement or design of the tattoo, so I always tried to cover it with clothing or my hair. I just recently got it covered with this beautiful traditional rose tattoo by Danny Reed at Hot Stuff Tattoo in Asheville, NC. I’m so happy with the results and can’t wait to show it off!" – lauram44c9851d3

    7. This flower that proves great tattoos needn't be colourful.

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    "Little owl before, pretty flower after." – l498345cac

    8. This tattoo that got some much-needed TLC.

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    "I got my tattoo at 17 and did not take care of it. I had it redone a couple years ago and it’s so much better. The whole quote is 'a flower does not think to complete with the flower next to it, it simply blooms' and there are butterflies and stars. I really love it now!" – jenniferk443fb148f

    9. This adorable sea turtle that replaces a series of stars.

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    "Before and after. Stupid 18-year-old decision versus my gorgeous and well thought-out sea turtle done by Matt Manning of From First To Last fame. Shoutout to Monument Tattoos in Tallahassee, Florida." – melindam3

    10. This simple yet completely striking hummingbird.

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    "Before: my Chinese sign (Tiger). After: amazing hummingbird."

    – susieb49d32a62c

    11. This surreal and enchanting forest scene.

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    – cherylg12

    12. These vibrant feathers that deserve to be seen.

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    "Before it said 'Daddy’s girl' in thick black script!"– emilyl45c727aba

    13. This row of roses that are picture-perfect.

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    "I love my tattoo on its own, but it’s even better that it’s a cover-up."

    – r47fb6647a

    14. This incredible lotus flower that's a work of art.

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    "Seriously couldn’t be happier with the end results if I tried." – abigailraeb

    15. This Dark Tower tattoo that eclipses the ink there before.

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    "From a racehorse I wasn’t ever really happy with to a Dark Tower piece I’m in love with. Cover-up courtesy of Joshua James at Left Realm Tattoo Company in Kokomo, Indiana." – faithsjock

    16. And these stunning shoulder pieces that mask a teenage tattoo.

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    "Why I wanted uneven nautical stars when I turned 18, I will never know."

    – brittanynicolem409648822

    Note: submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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