A Comprehensive Guide To Tattoo Touch-Ups
A tattoo touch-up is a very common aspect of getting tattooed, but one most people seem to neglect. Much like most other artworks, with time, tattoos fade, and sometimes they might not heal exactly how we had hoped. Even the most reputable studios and experienced artists will say that after a certain amount of time, it pays to give your art a little lift.
If you’ve got a tattoo that’s looking a little dull, or not quite right, you may benefit from getting a tattoo touch-up. There are many ways a touch-up can elevate a piece, from adding linework and shading or simply defining the key features, getting your ink overlooked can give it a whole new life.
Here’s everything you need to know when considering a tattoo touch-up.
How to tell if your tattoo needs a touch-up.
Anyone with a tattoo is likely to require a touch-up at some point during the tattoo’s lifespan. Due to the nature of our skin to stretch, sag, and heal itself, imperfections to tattoos are very likely to occur. However, these imperfections are easily fixed with a bit of extra ink-work.
A touch-up means to simply tattoo again, over your existing art in order to give it a bold, fresh look. Although not ALL tattoos will require a touch-up, there are some telltale signs that help indicate how long to wait before contacting your artist:
- Imperfections appear during the initial healing stages
- Your tattoo has faded
- The colour in your tattoo shows patchy variations in boldness
- The lines aren’t as defined as they once were
What is the healing time for a tattoo touch-up?
Tattoo touch-ups can only take place once your tattoo is fully healed (anywhere between 4 weeks to 6 months). Touching up a tattoo before it has had the chance to heal will only aggravate and further implicate the artwork.
Touch-ups have the same healing protocol as initial tattoos. A touch-up, whether minimal or a full remodel, will more than likely require the same healing time as the initial tattoo. In every case, listen to the advice of your artist, and take appropriate aftercare measures in order to ensure the touched up art heals to its best.
How many times can you touch up a tattoo?
After an initial tattoo appointment, most artists will advise you to return for a touch-up within the first year. The initial tattoo touch-up will check and correct any imperfections that were caused in the healing process, and it is usually included in your initial appointment as a complimentary service.
Beyond this first touch-up, touch-ups may not be required for some years. A general rule to follow when considering a touch up is to check for fading, discolouration and any other imperfections. If these are obvious in your art, a touch-up will have a great effect on the quality of your ink.
Can you prevent a tattoo touch-up?
While touch-ups are a great way to give definition and vibrancy back to your art, they aren’t compulsory and often they can be prevented with proper aftercare and ongoing protection to your ink.
The most effective way to prolong the lifespan of your ink is to follow the aftercare instructions of your artist, and use a good quality solution like Ink Nurse to promote healthy healing. This will ensure that the tattoo heals to its best possible result, preventing any need for an initial touch-up.