How Do You Know if Your Tattoo Needs a Touch Up?
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Getting a tattoo that means something to you is an amazing thing, especially because you get to look at and be with your favorite work of art every day! But over time, even the best tattoos may begin to fade or look different than they did when you originally had them done and you might be considering a touch up
The primary indicator of a tattoo that needs a touch up is a significant decline in the saturation of ink in the skin. As to when you should schedule a touch up for your tattoo, this will depend on the size and coloring of the tattoo as well as how much it has faded and how old it is.
It can be difficult to know just when it is time to revisit your tattoo artist for a touch up, so keep reading to learn more about tattoos, why they fade, and when it is time for a touch up. This way, you will be able to make your own decision about whether or not it is time to have your tattoo touched up.
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Why Do Tattoos Fade Over Time?
All tattoos fade gradually and slowly, but there are a few conditions that will cause fading with significantly more certainty.
Normal tattoo fading results from changes in your skin as cells are replaced and tiny bits of tattoo ink are lost. Abnormal and pre-mature fading can be caused by the location of the tattoo on you body, the quality of work, and how you care for your skin.
The tattoo artist who gives you the tattoo is a big factor. A professional artist will know more about how to tune their machines, how deep the ink goes and how much ink to put into your skin. Your friend in their garage, giving you a free tattoo will not know these things.
The location of your tattoo on your body matters when it comes to fading is because there are certain parts of your skin where the cells are shedding and replacing much faster like the palms, soles of you feet, elbows, etc. There are also areas which are more affected by weight gain and loss, which can also affect how a tattoo looks.
The age of your tattoo has a big impact on the vibrancy of your tattoo. As we age or skin loses elasticity, stretches and begins to break down. Your tattoos will be affected by all these process as well. Don’t be discouraged though, aging is a part of life and having old faded tattoos is a great story to carry with you.
The sun has a huge impact on your tattoos, essentially breaking down the ink and weakening the cell structure that holds it in place. If you are in the sun with your tattoos exposed it is important to use the strongest SPF sunscreen you can find and apply often and generously.
Smoking causes premature aging effects in your skin, reducing elasticity and breaking down collagen, all of which can negatively affect the appearance of your tattoo
In the pictures below you can see a variety of conditions where fading has occurred. Below each image I will briefly describe what has happened and why.
Tattoo by Matt Truiano
In the image above you see a tattoo that is relatively new and has undergone a normal amount of fading. As the tattoo heals, fresh skin covers the new tattoo and this creates a slight shift in brightness from the initial application. This is perfectly normal and unavoidable.
In the above image you see a tattoo that was not done very well to begin with. In some areas the ink was not applied deeply enough and the whole process was inconsistent. This tattoo faded significantly and quickly.
The above image is an example of a tattoo that was placed in an area of the body where the skin is not conducive to holding ink. Places on the body where the skin is rapidly and continually replaced and undergoes constant friction will not hold tattoo ink and should be avoided. Ask your tattoo artist what areas to avoid.
Why Do My Tattoos Keep Fading?
If you have a tattoo that seems to undergo repeated fading, despite touch ups, it may be located in an area that isn't conducive to tattoos, such as on/near the palms of your hand or on/near the soles of your feet or in an area that is getting too much sun. Proper aftercare is also essential to the longevity of your tattoos
If you don't care for your tattoos properly while healing, this could be causing them to fade unusually fast. Never pick or scratch at a new tattoo as it is healing, and make sure you keep it clean and well moisturized. Don’t go in the sun until completely healed and wear strong sunscreen.
Tattoos in locations that are not conducive to holding ink tend to fade no matter what, and you probably won't be able to keep any tattoo in these locations vibrant, whether it is done by a professional or not.
A note on tanning beds: Tanning beds fade tattoos 10x faster than anything else.
Even if you've followed all of these suggestions, you may notice that your tattoos still seem to fade faster than others, and this could just be because of the way your body is dealing with the tattoo pigment in your skin. Unfortunately, this just happens for some people, and there is no way to know this before you get a tattoo, so you may just be someone who needs frequent tattoo touch ups.
Can You Fix a Badly Faded Tattoo?
Once a tattoo has begun to fade, there are a few things you can personally do to try and restore your tattoo to its former glory.
Schedule a touch up with the artist that originally did the tattoo. They will have some ideas on how to revitalize your tattoo and make it look new again. It is important to wait 2-3 months before getting a touch up to see the fully healed and settled result from the tattoo process
If a tattoo is too badly faded, stretched or blurred from repeated tanning, it may require a complete re-do or cover-up. Your tattoo artist will be able to tell you the best options.
Do All Tattoos Fade Over Time?
No matter how good your tattoo artist is or how careful you are about the sun, every single tattoo will fade over time.
All tattoos fade to some degree because tattoos are part of a constantly changing biological system which is always replacing old material with new. However, this process is slow and gradual. If done correctly and cared for you will not notice your tattoos fading for many years.
The only thing you may be able to control is how fast your tattoo fades, therefore ensure you are taking the time to care for your tattoo properly so that you can enjoy it as much as possible for years to come.
To ensure your tattoos are vibrant and bold for as long as possible ensure you care for it properly during healing, moisturize regularly, drink lots of water, avoid exposure to the sun and stay out of tanning beds.
How Long Do Tattoos Last Before Fading?
There is no sure way to predict how long your tattoo will last before it begins to fade. This is because everyone's body reacts differently to tattoos, and the life of your tattoo will also depend on how well you care for it.
If you get your tattoo done at a quality tattoo parlor, using quality materials, your tattoos will look great for many many years. By the time you are worried about what your tattoos look like, you will be much much older and probably more concerned with what the rest of your body is doing.
If your tattoos are significantly fading or developing large light spots within the first year this could be due to a number of factors. You may not have cared for it properly or the tattoo may not have been applied with the greatest care or skill.
However, even the best tattoos may develop small areas where tiny bits of ink didn’t take. this is very normal and easily fixed by your tattoo artist.
Why Do Black Tattoos Turn Green?
Black is the most common color when it comes to tattoos and often large amounts are used in a tattoo. You may notice at some point that the black is no longer a bold, solid black and may even appear to have a slight green or blue tone.
The black ink is not actually turning green but the pigment in your skin has started to affect the hue of the ink. Every color of ink you put in your skin will be affected in this way. Quality products and proper care will reduce the amount of change in the appearance of the tattoo ink in your skin.
In fact, we are able to see tattoos in skin because skin is slightly see through at the top layers. We are literally looking through your skin at the tattoo! The skin acts like a window that is slightly tinted with a color. All the colors of your tattoo will be minutely changed as a result. This is normal and unavoidable.
Does a Tattoo Touch Up Hurt More?
You may be wondering what to expect pain-wise from your tattoo touch up appointment.
If there is no scarring or stretch marks present your touch up will not feel any different than the original tattoo. It is important to wait 2-3 months before getting a touch up to see the fully healed and settled result from the tattoo process
So if your tattoo was painful to get initially, you should expect that it also might be painful to touch up. But, on the flipside, if you had very little pain during the original tattoo, then you'll likely have very little pain during the touch up as well.
Is It Rude to Ask For a Tattoo Touch Up?
When you notice your tattoo is beginning to fade, you may be nervous about asking the original tattoo artist to touch up their work.
It is not rude to ask for a touch up. Reputable tattoo artists will stand by their work and guarantee its quality. Usually, within a set length of time the original artist will offer free touch ups for small spots in the tattoo that may have faded due to the natural healing process.
The touch up may not be free if the artist can tell that it was not properly cared for. If you are asking a tattoo artist to fix a tattoo they did not do originally they may charge a fee. This fee will probably be their normal rate since, for them, it is essentially a new tattoo they are making for you.
How Often Should a Tattoo Be Touched Up?
If you got your tattoo at a young age, you may be wondering how many times you should expect to touch up your tattoo over the course of your lifetime.
Aside from minor touchups to small light spots that occurred during healing, a tattoo shouldn't need any major touch-ups for many many years. When a tattoo has aged for many years you may decide you want to have it redon but many people live the rest of their lives with no touch
If it was done properly the first time, the quality of your tattoo shouldn’t keep you awake at night, wondering if you need a touch up. Keep it out of the sun and well moisturized and you will enjoy it for many years. If you do notice signs of fading and you have questions, consult with your tattoo artist to discuss a plan of action.
How to Prevent Tattoo Fading
Tattoos are generally expensive, so it makes sense that you would want to protect your investment.
To prevent your tattoo from fading pre-maturely and keep it looking fresh for as long as possible, practice good skin care, healthy lifestyle and follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the tattoo artist after they finish the tattoo.
Click here to read my personal suggestions for aftercare. This is not medical advice, just what I have seen work with predictable consistency.
After that, you should take care of your tattoo by keeping it out of the sun or by wearing sunscreen when you do go out in the sun. You also should be sure to moisturize your skin on a daily basis to keep it happy and healthy because, after all, it is home to the pricey tattoo you want to protect.
Avoid lifestyle habits that can cause premature aging in your skin like smoking or chronic dehydration. Drink more water!
How to Keep Tattoos Looking Fresh
Besides just keeping a tattoo from fading, you'll also want to do everything in your power to keep it looking fresh on a day-to-day basis.
Exfoliating to remove the top layer of dead skin can be helpful to keep your tattoo bright. It is important to follow this with a moisturizer and drink lots of water. Only exfoliate tattoos that have healed completely.
Don’t go to hard on your skin though!!
If exfoliation fails to make your tattoo look fresh, then it's probably time to schedule a touch up.
Will A Tattoo Artist Fix Someone Else's Work?
When it comes to a touch up, it is always best to go to the original artist. That being said, the original artist may no longer be available for whatever reason, or maybe you have moved from the area.
If the original artist is no longer available it is perfectly fine to ask another tattoo artist to fix someone else’s work. Because this is new work for the new tattoo artist, they will charge for their time.
For various reasons, some tattoo artists may be uncomfortable with working on top of another artists tattoo. Just ask someone else instead. Respect that the tattoo artist you asked wasn't comfortable with the request. And if they do agree to touch up someone else's work, know you will have to pay them hourly for their time.
It is also important to find and artist whos style is close to the art of the original tattoo. Due good research when seeking out a new artist to work on your old tattoos
Is It Rude to Ask a Tattoo Artist to Cover Up Their Own Work?
This is a difficult question, so tread lightly when you ask it but there are a number of cases, where this is reasonable to ask.
Asking the original tattoo artist to cover their own work will require a very good reason for wanting to do so or the willingness to pay a premium cost for the work. Some tattoo artists may not be comfortable with covering their own work if their is no apparent need.
With that said, if the tattoo is very old or is associated with bad memories It is okay to ask a tattoo artist to cover up their own work. In this situation, most tattoo artists will understand and be happy to brainstorm ideas to do so.
What is rude, however, is telling the artist you hate their work and asking them to cover it up with more of their work. If you don't like the work that was done, visit another tattoo artist for the cover-up but be prepared to have a very good explanation as to why you don’t like it.
Does Washing Your Tattoo Make it Fade?
Since a tattoo is something you associate with the skin, it makes sense that you might be afraid washing your tattoo would fade it. But once the tattoo has passed the initial healing stage, simply washing the skin will have no effect on your tattoo. In fact, washing your skin is an important part of keeping your skin healthy, which in turn keeps your tattoo looking great too!
What Tattoo Colors Fade the Fastest?
Different tattoo colors fade at varying rates so, this may be a consideration for you before getting a tattoo.
Light blue, yellow and bright oranges are the most prone to fading. In general, the lighter a tattoo ink is, the faster it will fade. Try and avoid pure white tattoos as these will fade the most and do not look good after many years.
The question of quality is again relevant here. If the ink is poor quality or the original formula was not built to last you may notice significant fading. Some tattoo inks have even been known to almost disappear completely! These colors are usually very light blues, orange and yellow.
Why Does My Brand-New Tattoo Look Faded?
It may be disheartening if you notice that your tattoo is not quite as bright and colorful as the day after you got it done, but this is expected to happen and unavoidable.
Every tattoo fades to some degree. A subtle shift in brightness and contrast is expected to happen but significant changes or large light spots are a sign of poor craftsmanship or poor aftercare. Talk to your tattoo artist about how to proceed if you think your tattoos have faded more than normal
Because proper aftercare can affect the quality of your tattoo, it is so critical that you follow everything your tattoo artist tells you to do after you get your tattoo.
What Kinds of Tattoos Age Well?
The best indicator to knowing if a tattoo will age well is its location on the body and the size of the tattoo. Beyond that, whether a tattoo looks great for years to come generally relies on how well the individual with the tattoo takes care of themselves and the tattoo.
The areas of the body where tattoos tend to last are the upper arm, shoulder, back, and chest. These areas are the easiest to keep out of the sun, as well as experience the least amount of stretching and/or sagging due to age. And large tattoos tend to survive the twists of time better than small tattoos as they allow more room for unpredictable changes.
How Do Tattoos Age Over Time?
As tattoos age, they will become faded, and some lighter colors like yellow and white may disappear completely. Additionally, sometimes the lines of a tattoo can spread, causing a blurred or less clean look. It is possible for poorly designed tattoos to become blobs of ink.
Where Do Tattoos Age The Best?
Once you face the fact that any tattoo you have will age, there are ways to plan for your tattoos to age gracefully. You can do this by planning a tattoo for an area of your body that will age well.
Tattoos will age the best in areas where the skin will stretch or sag the least and is protected from the sun. Tattoos should not be placed on areas of the skin where there is a high degree of material change such as the palms, inner finger, soles of the feet.
Where Do Tattoos Stretch the Least?
Tattoos will age along with your skin, and therefore any area of your body that is rough for your skin will also be rough for your tattoo. Any area that is prone to stretch marks, like your stomach or sides, will also be difficult on the tattoo. For this reason, the best places to get a tattoo while avoiding stretching are the areas that don't experience stretching, like your back and upper arm.
Do Tiny Tattoos Last?
It may seem easier to get a tiny tattoo instead of a large one that requires lots of commitment. But in general, tiny tattoos just don't last like large ones do. This is because as they age and the ink spreads, they will transform into tiny blobs with even the smallest ink movement. And even if you can still see the general shape, the details will be lost.
If you are dead set on having a tiny tattoo, go for something very simple, like an open shape that won't look terrible when it fades. Or, when you get the tattoo, just be prepared to cover it up with something else later.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to know when your tattoo needs a touch up because the time span between tattoo touch ups is different for everyone. But if you look down at your tattoo one day, and don't see it looking the way you want it to look, then it's time to call your tattoo artist for a touch up.
Thanks For Reading!
If you ever want to ask questions or discuss anything you read here please feel free to reach out through the contact page or visit my Twitch channel and ask me anything in real-time! I stream Wednesday-Friday 10 am-3 pm PST.
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