How do you know if your new tattoo needs a touch up?

Author: Mariah Russel  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

When is it Time for a Tattoo Touch-Up?
  1. Small imperfections appear during the initial healing stage.
  2. Your tattoo looks watered down or washed out.
  3. Your tattoo has faded.
  4. Your tattoo has some patches of color variations or small gaps are visible in the design.
  5. The lines are not as clean or sharp as they were.

How do I know if my tattoo needs a touch-up?

  • Fading : If the colors appear dull or significantly lighter than when first done, it may be time for a touch-up.
  • Blurring : Edges that have lost their sharpness or have become fuzzy can indicate a need for a refresh.
  • Unevenness
  • Skin Changes
  • Infection or Damage
  • Personal Preference

What does a tattoo that needs a touch-up look like?

The eligibility of a tattoo for touch-ups largely depends on its condition, the quality of the original artwork, and age. The best tattoo shops often advise that tattoos with significant fading, blurry lines, or lacking detail are the most appropriate candidates for touch-ups.

How often should a tattoo be touched up?

Intervals for Touch-Ups: - Initial Touch-Up: Usually done about 4-6 weeks after the tattoo is first done, once the skin has fully healed. - Subsequent Touch-Ups: If needed, you can typically schedule additional touch-ups every 6-12 months, depending on how well the tattoo holds up over time.

What does poor tattoo aftercare look like?

First, your tattoo will have some irritation around it. After you remove your bandaging after the allotted amount of time recommended by your artist has passed, your skin around the tattoo may be red. It may also be secreting a fluid, or ink may be dripping off of it.

All About Tattoo Touchups

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

What are the stages of tattoo healing?

While there's some variability to the healing process, generally, there are three broad stages of tattoo healing:
  • Inflammation (Days 1-3) ...
  • Visible recovery (Days 4-14) ...
  • Invisible recovery (Days 14-30) ...
  • On the day. ...
  • 1-48 hours. ...
  • 48hrs – 14 days. ...
  • The sun. ...
  • Scented soap.

How do I ask for a tattoo touch-up?

Visit your artist a few weeks after the tattoo has finished peeling, to allow them to assess the need, if any, for touch ups. Together you can make plans on how to schedule time for the work.

Do tattoo touch ups cost money?

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.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

When can I touch my tattoo without washing my hands?

While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Do not scrub.

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.

Can I shower after a tattoo touch-up?

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

How often should I moisturize a new tattoo?

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.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

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.

Why does my new tattoo look smudged?

A: Tattoo ink bleeding, often referred to as a blowout, does not go away on its own. This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance.

Where do tattoos blowout the most?

Top of Hand - The tougher skin in this area tends to push ink out, is prone to blowouts and is difficult to heal. Back - This area typically has stretchy skin with multiple curves, including the boney spine. Ribs - Much slower to tattoo typically, the ribs have stretchy skin and are prone to blowouts.

What is the best aftercare for a new tattoo?

Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.

Can too much Aquaphor fade a tattoo?

There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.

What lotion not to use on a new tattoo?

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.

Previous article
Do mass gainers cause belly fat?
Next article
How to make fake tan fade faster?