RnB Star Kehlani Reveals Journey to Remove Signature Face Tattoos
"Feeling Softer": Kehlani Reveals Journey to Remove Signature Face Tattoos
By [Your Name], Senior Music & Lifestyle Correspondent January 19, 2026
One of R&B’s most distinct visual aesthetics is undergoing a major transformation. Kehlani, the Grammy-nominated singer known as much for her extensive ink as her soulful vocals, has officially confirmed she is in the process of removing all of her facial tattoos.
In a candid interview with Inked magazine released last week, the 30-year-old "Folded" singer revealed that the decision stems from a desire for a "fresh slate" as she enters a new chapter of adulthood.
The Evolution of a Look
Kehlani’s facial tattoos—which include a small paper airplane on her cheek, four dots near her eyes, and a script "Espíritu Libre" (Free Spirit) near her hairline—have served as a signature part of her brand for nearly a decade. However, the singer admits that her perspective on the ink has shifted significantly with age.
“I think as I’m getting older, I like the ability to feel really fresh and fresh-faced and also play with my look a lot,” Kehlani shared during the interview. “When you have tattoos on your face, you’re kind of stuck looking a certain way. They often introduce me before I have the chance to walk into a room.”
The artist quipped that while her tattoos sometimes project a "Grrr!" energy to strangers, her internal reality is much different. “As I’m getting older, I’m feeling softer,” she said. “Sometimes I just want to sit and talk to you at the park.”
"Almost Gone"
While laser tattoo removal is notoriously painful and time-consuming, Kehlani surprised fans by revealing that the process is already well underway.
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The Progress: The singer noted that the facial ink is "almost gone," estimating a "two-month" window before the remaining traces vanish completely.
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The "Tsunami Mob" Effect: Kehlani acknowledged that many of her dedicated fans—known as the Tsunami Mob—have gotten matching tattoos, particularly the paper airplane. To those fans, she offered a playful warning: “You guys are going to feel crazy because that is not even about to be here.”
A Trend Toward the "Clean Slate"
Kehlani joins a growing list of celebrities choosing to dial back their most visible ink. Comedian Pete Davidson and fellow artist Chrisean Rock have also shared their respective removal journeys over the past year, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward a more minimalist, "grounded" aesthetic in the mid-2020s.
However, fans of Kehlani’s larger pieces shouldn't worry—the singer clarified that she has no plans to remove her larger body tattoos, noting that the physical pain of lasering those areas is simply "too much."
As she gears up for potential new music in 2026, it seems Kehlani is ready to let her voice—and her bare face—do all the talking.
