Do tattoo touch-ups cost money?

Author: Dr. Kamryn Hammes  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

The answer, of course, depends on the artist and the size of the tattoo. However, touch ups typically start at around $50 and can go up from there. So, if you're looking to keep your ink looking fresh, be prepared to spend a little extra cash. But touch ups are worth it!

Are touch ups on tattoos free?

Touch ups are generally free but the most respectful thing to do is ask for it when you're getting your next tattoo. That way the artist isn't setting everything up and making no money on the materials they used. If you're already getting another tattoo, just have them do the touch up in the same session.

Should you pay a tattoo artist for a touch up?

Touch ups are generally free but the most respectful thing to do is ask for it when you're getting your next tattoo. That way the artist isn't setting everything up and making no money on the materials they used. If you're already getting another tattoo, just have them do the touch up in the same session.

Should I tip my tattoo artist for a free touch 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.

Is $40 a good tip for $200 tattoo?

The biggest thing to remember here is that there's no hard rule for how much to tip tattoo artists. Tattooers don't necessarily expect to be tipped, but they definitely always appreciate it. As with tipping waitstaff, 15-20 percent is a good standard. So, if you pay $200 for a tattoo, you're looking at a $30-50 tip.

SHOULD YOU GET your Tattoo TOUCHED-UP? | When, Why & How

Do you tip for a $1000 tattoo?

As we state generally “tips are not required, but appreciated “ because most tattoo artists in a shop minus the owner are making 50-60% of the total cost… on a $1000 tattoo (most likely multiple sessions) I would tip at least $100-$150 for every session done.. so roughly I'd say average a good tip on a tattoo that's ...

How much do tattoo touch ups cost?

Most of the time, your first touch-up is free within the first year. However, this depends on the tattoo artist or the shop. Following that initial touch-up, you can expect to pay a fixed hourly rate for any additional work done to your tattoos. Usually, the cost is between $50 to $150 per hour for touch-ups.

How much to tip an artist for a touch-up?

If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill.

Are tattoo touch ups common?

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.

Is it rude to ask for a tattoo touch-up?

Is Asking For a Touch-Up Rude? Not at all! Most artists will tell you to come back once the tattoo is fully healed if it needs any touch-ups.

How long does a tattoo retouch take?

How long do touch-ups take? They can take five minutes, or several hours, depending on the size of the tattoo, and on the way that the tattoo has healed. Visit your artist a few weeks after the tattoo has finished peeling, to allow them to assess the need, if any, for touch ups.

Is it rude to ask how much a tattoo artist charges?

I think you'd be fine asking, politely, what an artist's rate is, maybe including a note about wanting to budget properly for their work. That said, don't let the cost of a tattoo you really want deter you, save up until you can get what you want done correctly.

Should I pay a tattoo artist for a touch up?

The answer, of course, depends on the artist and the size of the tattoo. However, touch ups typically start at around $50 and can go up from there. So, if you're looking to keep your ink looking fresh, be prepared to spend a little extra cash. But touch ups are worth it!

How much does a simple text tattoo cost?

Small tattoos, such as minimalistic designs, symbols, linework, or lettering, typically range from $50 to $200, depending on the detail and the artist's rates.

Can my shirt touch my tattoo?

As long as the clothing does not directly contact the tattooed skin, there should be no significant problems. If your tattoo is located in a not-so-public area, it might not be practical (or legal) to go without clothing. Groin-area tattoos are an obvious example here, as are chest tattoos on women.

How much to tip for a $5000 tattoo?

"While any tip is highly appreciated, a good guideline is to tip 15-20% of the price of the tattoo. However, this amount can be adjusted depending on your personal budget, as well as how happy you are with your tattoo; there definitely isn't a minimum amount," they added.

How much to tip on a $200 tattoo?

Tattoo tipping rates

But as a rule of thumb, a 15-20% tip is usually a good place to start. So, if you spent a total of $200 on a tattoo, tipping anywhere from $30 to $40 shows your artist that you appreciate their handiwork.

Why are colored tattoos more expensive?

Since artists take time into consideration when charging for a tattoo, color designs are likely to cost a bit more. As for the pain, it's not the actual colored ink that hurts more, but rather the speed, depth, shading technique, and order in which colors are placed that may make it more painful.

Is $1000 normal for a tattoo?

A full sleeve tattoo can cost anywhere from $1000 to $6000, depending on the hourly rate of the artist and how much time the art takes to complete. For a design in full color, expect to spend at least two full days sitting for the piece, or be prepared to sit for multiple sessions. How much does tattoo removal cost?

Is $50 enough for a tattoo?

For the past 12 years, most tattoo artists charged about $100/hr, with a $50 shop minimum. In some shops, if the owner is a tattoo artist, they might have charged a bit higher. This rate was almost constant until 2021.

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