Are tattoo blowouts the artist's fault?

Author: Cristal Kiehn  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

This is primarily attributed to poor injection techniques by the tattoo artist. However, it's not solely limited to inexperienced artists. Even those who neglect some fundamental aspects of the technique can inadvertently cause a blowout.

What does it mean when a tattoo blows out?

A blowout is a term that refers to when the ink is put in too deep in the skin. They can look like fuzzy spots in lineart or unintentional shading.

Are some people more prone to tattoo blowouts?

yes, some skin is more prone to blowouts than others, even on the same person in different areas. Some people and some parts of the body have thinner skin and it's hard to get the exact right depth.

Can a tattoo artist fix blowout?

Unfortunately, once a blowout has occurred, it generally cannot be fixed... Otherwise, the only other thing to do to fix the look of a blowout is to ask a good artist to cover up the problematic area with more ink in order to improve the appearance of the tattoo.

How to avoid tattoo blowout as an artist?

If you're a new artist: Avoid areas that are prone to blowouts. It's much easier to blow out a line on thin skin. If you're worried about causing a tattoo blowout on your first tattoos, you can suggest a new placement to your client on an area with thicker skin.

Can You Fix Tattoo Blowouts? - What You Should Know

What areas are most prone to tattoo blowout?

Delicate Skin Areas

Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin.

Can tattoo blowouts go away?

In some cases, a tattoo blowout may resolve itself as the tattoo heals. But if, after your new tattoo healing, it is still looking funky, you may need to have it removed by a specialist. It's often the best way to get rid of a tattoo blowout.

Does over moisturizing a tattoo cause blowout?

Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.

How much does tattoo blowout removal cost?

Across the United States, laser tattoo removal cost can range between $200 to $500 per removal treatment, which usually varies based on factors like tattoo size. At Removery, we also offer the option to pay-per-session and the average cost per removal session is $175 to $600, depending on the size of the tattoo.

Do all fine line tattoos blowout?

Risks of Fine Line Tattoos

Because these tattoos are done with smaller needles, they can sometimes result in blowouts - this is when the ink spreads outside of the desired area, resulting in blurry or faded lines.

Are tattoo blowouts the artists fault?

This is primarily attributed to poor injection techniques by the tattoo artist. However, it's not solely limited to inexperienced artists. Even those who neglect some fundamental aspects of the technique can inadvertently cause a blowout.

How to fix a blowout?

Healing Ear Stretching Blowout
  1. Downsize to relieve pressure. ...
  2. Let your ear heal for 1 to 2 weeks. ...
  3. Massage your ears for 5 to 10 minutes every night. ...
  4. Be consistent. ...
  5. Tuck blowout. ...
  6. Stretch slowly: one size at a time. ...
  7. Give your ears at least 4 to 6 weeks to heal in between stretching. ...
  8. Lubricate!

Can tattoos be 100% removed?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to this often asked question, but broadly speaking, yes a tattoo can be 100% removed so long as your immune system is working effectively and you follow our sun-safe aftercare guidelines.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Can you fix a small tattoo blowout?

Unfortunately, tattoo blowout cannot be fixed unless it is removed. However, it can be prevented.

How common are tattoo blowouts?

Tattoo blowouts, while not super common with advancements in tattooing practices and equipment, can occur to any tattoo design. A blowout is the result of the tattoo ink spreading beyond the lines of the design, often creating a distorted image.

What happens if I put too much Aquaphor on my tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

How to unclog pores on a tattoo?

Over-the-Counter Treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based creams can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. However, it's crucial to select products specifically formulated for tattooed skin to avoid any adverse effects.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

Can exercise cause tattoo blowout?

However, take care to avoid any movement that puts pressure or tension on the tattooed skin. That excessive strain on a healing area can cause a “tattoo blowout,” where ink spreads outside the lines, leading to blurred designs.

How to tell if your tattoo is blown out?

Blowouts can appear as:
  1. Rough lines.
  2. Green-blue blurring around the entire tattoo.
  3. “Veins” of ink flowing through the skin's capillaries.

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