Successful cover ups also take longer. After getting the design on your skin, it is ideal to let the new tattoo heal and settle over the old one for a few months.
Mike warns that cover-up tattoos can be harder to heal since the skin below has already been damaged. You need to make sure you are working with an artist that understands the skin and knows what they are doing.
A tattoo is a wound and if you cover it, it will heal faster but can pull the ink out of your skin as well. Do not wrap again after the first time.
Covering up an old tattoo can be more painful than getting a new tattoo on fresh skin. This is due to several factors: Skin Condition: The skin over an old tattoo may have scar tissue or be less elastic, which can increase sensitivity during the procedure.
It is difficult to cover up a black tattoo with any color other than black. Other dark tones like navy or brown might work, but lighter colors won't be effective in covering up an original black tattoo.
According to Mariah, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month for a touch-up to heal. "Touch-ups usually heal quicker because less space on the skin has been affected," says Forte. "If you had line or dot work style ink touched up, that may take the full time, which can be weeks or even months," he adds.
Remove your bandage after 3-12 hours, and clean it with mild soap and warm water as in Method 1. After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to air dry for 15 minutes.
One of the most obvious benefits of getting a tattoo cover up is that it will hide the old tattoo. If you have a tattoo that you regret, or if you simply want to cover up an old tattoo, a cover up is a great solution. The new tattoo will completely cover the old one, making it invisible.
You Want to Transform the Old Tattoo: Cover-ups allow you to change the meaning, style, and appearance of the old tattoo without having to remove it completely. You're Looking for a Quick Fix: If you don't have the time or budget for multiple removal sessions, a cover-up can provide a faster solution.
The new ink will undergo the same fading and microscopic migration as the old ink. What results is that most cover-ups look great on day one, but over time, the ink settles in such a way that the old tattoo will show through.
After an average 3 to 5 sessions your old art will have faded enough to get going on the new piece, depending on what your new art is going to be.
Can I still see old tattoos under cover-up? As discussed before it is very important to find a tattoo artist who has good experience with cover-ups. Because in many cases the cover-ups look very nice and opaque when it's fresh. But once the tattoo is healed the previous tattoo may start showing up.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out, promoting faster healing. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Hydrated skin not only heals faster but also retains the ink better, keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.
Benefits of Dry Healing
Natural Healing Process Dry healing allows the body to use its natural healing mechanisms, which can result in a more vibrant and detailed tattoo. Simplified Routine Without the need for multiple applications of ointments or creams, the aftercare routine becomes simpler and less time-consuming.
DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal). DON'T expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, swim, sauna, steam or tub for 2 weeks.
In general, a person should not sleep with a new tattoo uncovered until their tattoo artist say it is ok to do so. Usually, they will suggest covering the tattoo for at least the first night to avoid staining sheets and putting pressure on the tattoo.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Generally, you have one shot at a cover-up tattoo. A third time over is generally not possible given the damage and ink already in that skin; laser tattoo removal is usually the path should you want to remove a cover-up.
When it comes to tattoo touch-up appointments, the general rule of thumb is yes, you should tip for the extra work required. Showing appreciation for the additional effort illustrates your understanding of the artist's commitment to ensuring your tattoo looks its best.