How long does a tattoo retouch take?

Author: Fredrick Kilback  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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.

How long does it take to retouch a tattoo?

Tattoo artists recommend waiting until the tattoo has fully healed before considering a touch-up. This is usually between 1 to 2 months but can be longer depending on how your body heals.

How much do you tip on a $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.

How much do tattoo touchups 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.

Should I 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.

All About Tattoo Touchups

Do I tip my tattoo artist for a 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 it rude to ask a tattoo artist for a 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.

Is $200 for a tattoo expensive?

Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect general tattoo prices. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces.

What to expect from a tattoo touch up?

Unlike cover-ups, a tattoo touch-up involves adding small bits of detail and fixing any small imperfections that may have formed. Tattoo touch-ups can be done on new tattoos as well as older ones that may have lost their vibrancy, helping to bring life back to an already existing artwork!

How much to tip on $1000 tattoo reddit?

Tip what you are comfortable with based on time in the shop. You are already paying the artist for their space, ability, and materials. Anything else is simply a “I am grateful for you” type of thing. I think $50 is sold, $100 at best.

Is $50 a good tip for a $350 tattoo?

The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip—just like at a restaurant or a hair salon.

Is $20 a good tip for a $100 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.

Does tattoo retouching hurt?

Let's face it: Getting a tattoo can hurt, and touch-ups can be just as much of a pain. While a touch-up doesn't take as much time or needlework as the original tattoo, you can still expect a healing process – and you'll need to take care of it as carefully as you did the first time.

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.

Do tattoo touch-ups take long?

That said, touch-ups usually take less time than the original design, so it's a shorter span of time to “feel the needle."' Mariah agrees: "It will only hurt as much as your regular tattoo. It will likely be a lot less involved, as well."

Is a tattoo touch-up cheaper?

In general, touch-ups are less expensive than getting a completely new tattoo. This is because touch-ups typically require less time and ink compared to the initial tattooing process. It is important to keep in mind that touch-ups may need to be done more frequently than getting a new tattoo.

How small is a $50 tattoo?

Please note: $50 tattoos are generally sized at 1 inch by 1 inch on arms and legs. Size, placement, and addition of color is available for an additional charge to be determined at the time of your visit.

Is $1000 normal for a tattoo?

Large tattoos, such as full sleeves, back pieces, or expansive designs that cover multiple body parts, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, or more. The price will depend on the design's detail, the artist's rates, and the number of sessions required to complete the tattoo.

Is it rude to not tip a tattoo artist?

As a tattoo lover, you may have wondered if you are supposed to tip your tattoo artist. The answer is yes, it is customary to tip tattoo artists. In fact, it is considered polite and appreciative to do so.

What not to ask a tattoo artist?

5 Things You Should Never Say to a Tattoo Artist
  • “Can't you give me a discount?”
  • “Can I bring my friends in?”
  • “Can't you just make it work?”
  • “Can you please copy this tattoo?”
  • “Can you do this while I'm drunk?”

Do tattoo artists usually do free touch ups?

After an initial tattoo appointment, most artists will advise you to return for a touch-up within the first year. The initial tattoo touch-up will check and correct any imperfections that were caused in the healing process, and it is usually included in your initial appointment as a complimentary service.

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