Free tattoo cover-ups for scar sufferers are being offered by a Mansfield parlour, writes Lucy Willingham.

Claudiu Podet and Diana Alina Bajko (above), owners of Rastattoo studio, began the scheme to help improve people’s self-confidence and enable them to move on from difficult times.

The idea for the project came while they were still working in their tattoo shop in Romania, after a client asked for a tattoo cover-up for a burn scar on his back.

Diana said: “He told me he had never had a girlfriend. He was 37 and he never wanted to go out in the sun even though he lived in Cyprus, where it is really hot. 

“After I did the tattoo, for eight years he sent me his thanks for changing his life every year. I didn’t realise until then that we could do such an important thing.”

Covering up scars can be a difficult process. Scar tissue can be very sensitive, and it can be an emotional procedure for many clients.

Claudiu and Diana, who work from their parlour on Bridge Street, stress that money isn’t a concern and that they gain much more from being able to use their art for good, helping people who might not otherwise be able to afford a scar cover-up to have a new lease on life.

They added: “The reward is unbelievable. The way the clients look in the mirror and feel at the end of the session… money cannot buy that.”

They have covered up numerous scars for free and received positive feedback for their work.

One client even produced a TikTok video commending them. The video caught the attention of Danielle Nicholson, who decided to visit the studio for a scar cover-up herself.

She spoke highly of her experience with the parlour.

“I would absolutely recommend them. The artist didn’t ask how I got the scar, not that I would have minded telling,” said Danielle. “They were really professional and nice, and the tattoo at the end was great.”

The owners of the studio love to see the positive reviews and feedback they are receiving and are looking forward to continuing their art form in the future.