Unfortunately, in most cases the intensely saturated colour you see when you first get a tattoo, won't actually be the finished result. The ink will usually end up looking a tiny bit darker and less vibrant once healed. Of course, a lot of this will be down to the quality of ink used, and the technique of the artist.
Generally, a tattoo may look brighter and more vibrant once it's fully healed, but some lightening is normal. Factors like skin type, ink colors, and aftercare can also influence how much a tattoo fades. Proper aftercare can help maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo.
Tattoos can look different after they heal depending on how well you take care of them and how your skin reacts to the ink. In general, tattoos will look brighter and more vibrant when they're first done. But as your skin heals and the ink settles in, the colors may fade slightly and the lines may blur a bit.
Exfoliate your ink
Once your tattoos have healed you can exfoliate your new tattoo, and all your other healed tattoos too. Exfoliating helps to remove build up of dead skin cells, dirt and impurities which can make tattoos look dull. An exfoliating body wash gently scrubs your skin leaving skin luminous.
Generally, a tattoo can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to heal, during which time it may appear darker or more vibrant due to the healing process. After the initial healing period, the tattoo's colors may become more defined and appear closer to their true shade.
After the healing process, the original brightness usually returns. At that point, some people realize the tattoo is more saturated or bolder than they wanted. Tattoos do begin to fade eventually, but they take a long time to fade on their own.
Dry skin can make your tattoo look dull and lifeless. Proper hydration keeps your skin supple, helping your tattoo maintain its crisp lines and vibrant colors. Hydration is vital for your overall health. Your skin will look better, and in addition to that superficial benefit, your entire body will function better.
Minimalist designs, unsurprisingly, are preferred among those who often dislike tattoos. These styles can include subtle linework of arrows, boundaries of states or countries, geometric shapes and outlines of animals or mythological creatures. Japanese tattoos were the second most attractive style for both groups.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
If you are worried about tattoo blowouts, avoid areas where the skin is particularly thin – such as the wrist or the top of your foot. And go for a tattoo location with thicker skin – like the upper thighs or the calves. Finally, be sure to continue a thorough aftercare routine.
However, there's another important healing phase that happens between week 2 and week 8—and I have a perfect example to show you! During this time, your tattoo may appear shiny or “milky”, especially with heavily black tattoos. This is completely normal!
Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.
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.
How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.
Bold, solid lines may hurt more than dotwork or stick-and-poke tattoo styles. Having a talented artist that can ink your preferred style is the best way to manage discomfort during your tattooing session.
Ruled by Venus (the planet of beauty) the Libra is always looking for beauty in the world, and ways to make themselves even more beautiful, this is why Libras love tattoos.
Detailed tattoos use more ink, covering the skin with more pigment, which helps prevent fading. Intricate designs help maintain the look of the original design even if colors blur slightly over decades. Dotwork tattoos, known for their detail, typically age well, especially in larger pieces done in black or grey ink.
Tattoo Care After 2 Weeks (Days 15 to 30):
If your tattoo looks dry and dull, continue to moisturize to rehydrate the skin. It may take another month or two for the lower layers of skin to completely heal, at which point the tattoo should look as bright and vivid as expected, and as the artist intended.
Lastly, the American Academy of Dermatology states that petroleum-based products can cause the ink to fade. After all the pain and hard work you had to endure to get that beautiful new piece, surely you're not too keen on it just fading from something as simple as petroleum jelly, would you?
If you go to a new artist for a touch-up, expect to pay the typical hourly rate or a set fee for the work if it's a small job," adds Forte.
On average, tattoos can last a lifetime, but it's not uncommon for them to fade over the years. However, with proper care, you can significantly extend the life and vibrancy of your tattoos.
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.