Free or subsidized tattoo, scar and facial hair removal to approved applicants.

InkFreeBC Initiative Society is a non profit charity serving communities across British Columbia. Our mission is to provide free or subsidized laser tattoo removal, facial hair removal, and scar reduction services to individuals facing barriers to employment, social reintegration, and personal challenges due to stigmatizing tattoos or scars, as well as members of the LGBTQ2S+ community seeking gender-affirming services.

Our approach

Providing free or low cost tattoo removal services to individuals who are receiving income assistance, disability, individuals exiting the judicial system or for individuals facing barriers to employment, safety, and community reintegration. We partner with local, vetted laser clinics to provide these services safely and professionally, acting as a referral and support organization for individuals in each community.

Who we help

  1. At Risk Youth 2. People reintegrating from the justice system 3. Indigenous communities 4. Individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness 5. Individuals on income assistance or disability 6. Gang, racial, drug related tattoos

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Providing you with a safe space.

  • Free or subsidized tattoo, scar and hair removal sessions

  • Safe and confidential process with professional equipment

  • Partnerships with local laser clinics and community organizations

  • Training opportunities for applicants that want to join InkFree BC Initiative

Map of British Columbia, Canada divided into regions: Northeast in red, North Coast/Nelakho in green, Cariboo in orange, Vancouver Island Coast in gray, Thompson-Okanagan in blue, Kootenay in dark green, and Lower Mainland/Southwest in red.

Our Community Reach

How it works:

We partner with local, vetted laser clinics to provide these services safely and professionally, acting as a referral and support organization for individuals in each community.

  1. Submit your application below

  2. A referral from a partner organization or self-referral

  3. Intake, consultation, health assessment

  4. We will match you to a partnering laser tattoo removal clinic throughout British Columbia.

  5. Treatment sessions in a supportive, judgement-free environment

Our Reach

  1. Vancouver Island 2. Mission 3. Agassiz 4. Greater Victoria 5. Maple Ridge 6. Port Coquitlam 7. Abbotsford 8. Prince George 9. Surrey 10. Kamloops 11. Kelowna 12. Chilliwack 13. Fort Saint John 14. Williams Lake 15. Sunshine Coast

Our Services

  • Close-up of a woman with red hair, wearing a black leather jacket, with makeup and a nose ring, and a tattoo on her neck that reads 'ATTY-You'.

    Laser Tattoo Removal

    Free laser tattoo removal in Nanaimo to approved applicants.

  • Close-up of an elderly person's arm with visible veins and wrinkles, holding a small black luggage handle in a dimly lit setting.

    Scar Reduction Treatment

    Scar Reduction Treatments, Scar Camouflaging

  • A young soldier in camouflage uniform and helmet, wearing goggles, standing outdoors.

    Low Cost Tattoo Removal

    Low cost tattoo removal for Military and first responders.

  • A group of people attending an art gallery or exhibition, with abstract colorful paintings displayed on the walls in the background. A woman in the foreground appears to be speaking or explaining something to the group.

    Training Employment Opportunities

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Meet our team

Learn more

Join the team

A special thanks to all our members volunteers and community partnerships. When we influence as a collective we win.

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A smiling woman with glasses and layered necklaces.
A man with curly dark hair, glasses, and a beard, looking thoughtfully to the side, sitting indoors with a blurred background.
Join Us

Our blog

Man with tattoos getting a haircut in a barbershop, seated with a striped barber cape, eyes closed, man in the background holding a tool.

A Fresh Start: Free & Low-Cost Tattoo Removal in Nanaimo

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A young person with blond hair and glasses, wearing a brown leather jacket, sitting against a concrete wall in a parking garage. They are holding their head with one hand and have a cigarette in their mouth, with a pained or tired expression.

How Free Tattoo Removal Can Impact At-Risk Youth and Indigenous Communities 

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A young woman with dark hair, wearing a black and white striped jacket, looks directly at the camera through metal bars, with her right arm resting on her forehead.

Reintegration After Incarceration: Why Support Matters for Individuals Leaving the Judicial System

Read more

Close-up of a person's face with makeup, tattoos, and hand gesture, against a pink background.

Local Resources in Nanaimo & Vancouver Island: Building Pathways for Employment, Poverty Reduction, and Reintegration

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Get started with InkFree BC Initiative, today.

Book a consultation

Contact us.

GET INVOLVED!

  • Organizations: Refer clients or partner with us.

  • Clinics: Donate or discount services (tax receipts available)

  • Community: Volunteer, sponsor, or support our program by spreading the word.

inkfreebcinitiative@gmail.com

250-619-6206

Head Office:

152 Cliff Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5E7

Make an impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation.

3% Cover the Fee