Overview

Take It Off Tattoo Removal & Alt Spa is an alternative medical spa located in Portland, Oregon’s Northeast district, specializing in laser tattoo removal, advanced esthetic treatments, and skincare services. Founded in 2020 by tattoo artist Ben Wilde and certified advanced esthetician Sarah Inloes, the practice operates within Pink Panther Tattoo and offers a unique, judgment-free approach to tattoo removal and aesthetic services with transparent pricing and an alternative, welcoming atmosphere.

About the Clinic

Take It Off was established in 2020 as the brainchild of tattoo artist Ben Wilde and his wife Sarah Inloes, a Certified Advanced Esthetician who was voted Best Esthetician by Willamette Week readers in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Ben recognized the need for tattoo lightening services to enable better cover-up options for his tattoo clients, while Sarah brought her passion for aesthetics and tattoo removal expertise. Located within Pink Panther Tattoo (which Ben and Sarah also own), Take It Off works closely with tattooers to ensure removal for cover-ups is cost-effective for clients. Services include laser tattoo removal (complete removal or fading for cover-ups), emergency brow removal, saline tattoo removal, RF microneedling, Exceed microneedling, Clear Lift no-downtime laser facials, laser hair removal, fibroblast treatments, facials, chemical peels, skin tag removal, teeth whitening, and acoustic wave cellulite reduction. The practice defines itself as an “Alt” spa—an alternative to traditional medical or day spas where staff don’t wear scrubs, the music isn’t Enya, and pricing is transparent online without requiring in-person consultations. The practice emphasizes “No Judgement. No Pretense. No Malarkey” and addresses clients’ social anxiety by making information easily accessible. Take It Off offers 50% off tattoo removal for Portland tattoo artists, supporting the local tattoo community. The practice uses Zimmer Cryo cooling technology delivering cold air as low as -30°C to minimize pain and thermal injury during laser treatments.

What Clients Are Saying

Clients consistently praise Take It Off for the lovely, kind staff and comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that makes tattoo removal appointments enjoyable experiences. Reviewers highlight Sarah’s expertise and friendly demeanor, noting that she makes clients feel at ease throughout treatments and is recognized as an award-winning esthetician. Customers appreciate the practice’s transparent approach to pricing, noting they provide clear cost information online without forcing clients to make phone calls or visit in person—addressing common anxieties about aesthetic services. The comfortable environment and professional service receive frequent commendation, with clients describing feeling safe and enjoying conversations during their removal sessions. Many reviewers mention receiving recommendations from friends, confirming the practice’s strong word-of-mouth reputation. The integration with Pink Panther Tattoo creates unique convenience for clients seeking both tattoo services and removal/lightening options under one roof.

Laser Type Used

Advanced Laser Technology
The specific laser technology model used for tattoo removal was not detailed on the clinic’s public materials at the time of research. Take It Off utilizes professional-grade laser systems designed to break down tattoo pigment into smaller particles that the body’s immune system can flush away. The practice employs Zimmer Cryo cooling technology that delivers cold air as low as -30°C to minimize pain and provide temporary topical anesthetic relief during treatments, demonstrating commitment to client comfort. Prospective clients should inquire during free consultations about the specific laser model, wavelengths available for different ink colors, and the technicians’ experience with treating various tattoo types and skin tones.

Business Hours

Monday: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Unique Features

Take It Off distinguishes itself as Portland’s first “Alt” spa, rejecting traditional medical spa sterility in favor of an alternative, judgment-free atmosphere where staff bring authentic personalities and diverse music selections to create comfortable experiences. Sarah Inloes’ recognition as Willamette Week’s Best Esthetician for three consecutive years (2023-2025) establishes the practice’s credibility and excellence in Portland’s competitive aesthetic services market. The unique integration within Pink Panther Tattoo creates seamless collaboration between tattoo artists and removal specialists, enabling clients to receive both lightening treatments and cover-up tattoos without coordinating between separate businesses. Take It Off’s 50% discount for Portland tattoo artists demonstrates commitment to supporting the local tattoo community and recognizing that artists themselves often need removal or lightening services. The practice’s radical transparency—publishing prices online and explicitly addressing social anxiety about having to call or visit for information—removes barriers that prevent people from seeking services. Extended weekend hours until 10:00 PM accommodate clients with busy weekday schedules, while the Zimmer Cryo cooling system ensures treatments remain as comfortable as possible without compromising effectiveness.