Touch up: Just got a new tattoo? Noticed that some of the ink is missing in certain areas?
A touch-up is the next step. The first thing we want to say is: "Take a deep breath" and read this article. It's completely normal to lose a little ink during the healing process. So before sending us a long email about how poorly the job was done, relax – this is entirely normal.
Is a new tattoo permanent from the start?
No, the ink doesn't stay permanent from the moment you leave the studio. Many factors come into play, such as how your body heals, how well you take care of the tattoo, and the complexity of the design. This is why we can never guarantee how a tattoo will heal – it's beyond our control. In fact, needing a touch up is much more common than you might think.
We perform touch-ups on a daily basis, so this is completely normal!
Are touch ups free?
We generally offer touch ups for free within 3 months, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us early. However, for high-wear areas, this is not always the case, as we know these areas will often require multiple sessions. Feel free to contact us via email at: post@attitude.no or by phone at: 22 20 13 13, and we’ll find a solution.
What is a touch-up?
A touch up means going over the existing tattoo to add ink where it has faded or to correct missing details. While not all tattoos require a touch-up, there are some signs to look out for:
- Uneven ink coverage that appear during the initial healing phase.
- Fading in certain areas after the tattoo has healed.
Touch up of older tattoos
Do you have an older tattoo that has lost its color and sharpness? We can bring it back to life with a touch-up. Keep in mind that refreshing an old tattoo can take just as much time as creating a new one, so it may not necessarily be cheaper to get a touch-up.
Do you have an older tattoo you'd like to refresh? Send us an inquiry here.
Why do tattoos need touch ups?
To understand this, we need to look at the healing process. When ink is deposited into the skin, the body naturally tries to expel it. As a result, most tattoos will lose some ink during the healing process, even if it’s not always visible.
- The thinner the lines, the easier it is to notice imperfections. This is why fine line designs are more likely to require a touch-up.
- Larger designs with thicker lines are less likely to show small imperfections.
Areas that require extra touch ups
Some areas of the body are more challenging for ink retention due to friction and movement. These areas include:
- Hands, fingers, feet, elbows, and knees.
- Areas with frequent use and movement often require multiple rounds of touch-ups.
Fine line tattoos are more vulnerable.
Fine line tattoos, which use thin and delicate lines, are more likely to require touch-ups. This is because imperfections and gaps are more noticeable in these designs. This also applies to thin fonts and detailed line work.
How long does it take for a touch up to heal?
Just like with a new tattoo, the healing time can vary. It usually takes around two weeks for the skin's surface to heal, and about a month for full regeneration. Since a touch up only addresses specific areas, it usually heals faster than a completely new tattoo.
Can you avoid needing a touch-up on tattoos later?
There are some steps you can take, but there are no guarantees.
- Protect the tattoo from sunlight.: Use sunscreen with high SPF and protective clothing.
- Use moisturizer: Keep the skin hydrated to prevent it from drying out.
- Avoid itching and picking: This can damage the ink and lead to scarring.
Even though these steps can help, all tattoos will fade to some extent over time, and a touch-up may be necessary to maintain their appearance.
Aftercare for Touch-Up Tattoos
Good aftercare is crucial to ensure your touch-up heals properly. Here are some steps to follow:
- Follow your tattoo artist's instructions.: Your tattoo artist will provide specific advice tailored to your touch-up. Follow these carefully to achieve the best results.
- Keep the area clean.: Gently wash with mild soap and water, using clean hands or a clean cloth. Avoid scrubbing.
- Apply a thin layer of ointment.: Use an ointment recommended by your tattoo artist to keep the skin moisturized and prevent infection. Avoid applying too much, as this can clog pores and extend the healing time.
- Avoid picking or scratching.: Resist the temptation to scratch the tattoo, as this can cause scarring and affect the ink.
- Protect from sunlight.: Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent the tattoo from fading.
By following these tips, you can ensure your touch-up heals properly and that your tattoo remains sharp and beautiful for many years to come.
