Why is my tattoo ink not staying?

Author: Kenyatta Aufderhar DDS  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

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.

Why does my tattoo ink keep falling out?

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.

How to make tattoo ink stick better?

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.

How do you know if your tattoo is rejecting ink?

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.

Why is my needle not picking up ink?

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.

Tattoo Healing Process | day by day

Why is my tattoo not holding color?

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.

Why is the ink not staying in my stick and poke?

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.

Is Vaseline good for tattooing?

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.

Why is a lot of ink coming off my tattoo?

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.

How do you keep ink from coming out of a tattoo?

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.

How to make ink last longer on skin?

How To Make Temporary Tattoos Last Longer: After Application
  1. Avoid Contact With Clothing. ...
  2. Try Hairspray. ...
  3. Use Powder. ...
  4. Try Liquid Bandage. ...
  5. Don't Scrub. ...
  6. Try Face Primer. ...
  7. Use Translucent Powder. ...
  8. Protect Your Skin From the Sun.

Why is the ink not staying in my tattoo?

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.

Why does my tattoo pen keep cutting out?

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.

Why is my ink not sticking to my tattoo needle?

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).

Why is my tattoo ink disappearing?

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.

Why does tattoo ink not stay black?

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.

What color fades the slowest tattoo?

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.

Why is my skin not absorbing tattoo ink?

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.

What to do if the ink is not flowing?

If this doesn't help, you may have to soak the ink cartridge.
  1. Put the cartridge printhead side down in a bowl of warm.
  2. Wait a few minutes and check to see if any ink has flowed into the water.
  3. If ink has flowed into the water, take some paper towel, dry the cartridge and try it again in the printer.

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