A patchy tattoo could be the result of bad technique; if the artist hasn't made sure the ink is deep enough to stay put. It could also be due to them not 'packing' the ink enough; certain ink colours, or areas of concentrated black, often need to be packed in quite a lot in order to create a solid area of colour.
Oily, dry, or damaged skin can affect ink retention. If the skin is not properly prepped or if there are issues like scarring, the ink may not hold as well. Ink Quality: The quality of the tattoo ink can also impact retention. Low-quality inks may not be designed to stay in the skin effectively.
If the lines aren't holding always make sure the tip/inkwell is fully saturated, and the skin is fully stretched; and from then you can really only go: in no particular order: slower hand speed, deeper needle into the skin, and higher voltage.
Yes, your body can reject tattoo ink. This is often evident in symptoms like itching, swelling, and raised skin. Tattoo ink rejection is typically due to an allergic reaction to the ink. In such cases, removal or medical attention may be necessary.
Blockages in the needle or tube are among the most common reasons why ink does not flow properly. The path that the ink goes through may get obstructed by debris or dried ink over time. This may occur if the ink is left to dry inside the needle or tube, or if the machine is not thoroughly cleaned after every use.
Poor aftercare
Not taking proper aftercare precautions could also contribute to patchiness; picking scabs off your new tattoo, swimming or submerging it in the bath, exposing it to UV rays while it's still in the early stages of healing could all lead to ink loss and patchiness.
When it comes to stick and poke tattoos, the trickiest part is finding the balance between poking deep enough but not too deep. If you poke too shallow, the ink won't go far enough into the skin, which will cause your tattoo to fade more quickly. On the other hand if you poke too deep, you'll cause a blowout.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
Most tattoo peeling will start within a couple of days of getting inked. But don't worry—the ink is deep in your skin, beyond the epidermis and into the dermis (middle layer). ² So, you can rest easy knowing that peeling doesn't mean you're losing ink or that your new tattoo is going to end up looking faded.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tattoo stays looking its best for years to come. Moisten and Protect: Keeping your tattoo moisturized is crucial for ink retention. Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, non-petroleum-based moisturizer to your tattoo regularly.
Peeling tattoos with missing ink aren't usually anything to worry about. It's normal for a tattoo to peel and lose a little bit of ink as your skin heals. Care for your tattoo diligently by keeping it clean, moisturized, dry, and out of the sun.
The Machine Cuts
The wires are extremely thin and are joined to one another by tiny solder joints. If any of these joints experience any harm, the tattoo machine will cut in and out. Another reason is the clip cord not making a complete connection. This happens when the point of contact becomes oxidised.
One cause of ink not going in is: Needle is set too far out for that viscosity ink. The tip is the reservoir for the ink. Surface tension holds the ink in the tip and on an object (the needle cluster).
When you get a tattoo, the needle deposits ink in a layer of skin known as the dermis. Over time, cells from your immune system – called macrophages - gradually absorb the tattoo ink and disperse it, which can lead to some tattoo fading.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun will penetrate the skin and essentially break down the pigments in the tattoo. Once those pigments are damaged, the tattoo will ultimately appear much lighter and less vibrant than it once did.
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.
The texture and oil content of the skin can affect how well the ink settles. Oily skin may cause ink to spread slightly, which could affect the sharpness of a tattoo. Dry or textured skin might absorb ink unevenly, leading to patchiness.