Will my tattoo get blurry?

Author: Pinkie Casper DVM  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

It is important to note that it is normal for a tattoo to be a bit blurry while healing, as the swelling of the skin often causes lines to seem enlarged. Before going back to the tattoo artist or looking into getting a blurry tattoo touch-up, wait for the area to heal entirely!

How long will my tattoo look blurry?

Yes, tattoos can appear blurry while healing. This is a normal part of the healing process, which typically lasts about two to three weeks. During this time, the skin may be red, swollen, and covered with a thin layer of scabbing or peeling.

Can you prevent a tattoo from blurring?

While it is true to some extent that your tattoo will blur/fade/age over time, you can help reduce the effects. Moisturizing and keeping it protected from the sun (whether that be with sleeves or sunscreen) are the best ways to reduce visible aging.

How to make a tattoo not blurry?

Best advice. Cover it in fabric, SPF the hell out of it when exposed even in mild weather. UV rays not only age the skin but also breaks down ink. Sunscreen is the most valuable long term care product for any tattoo.

What to do if my tattoo looks smudged?

This occurs when the ink spreads into the surrounding tissue, causing a blurred or smudged appearance. However, there are solutions to address it, such as consulting with your tattoo artist for possible touch-ups, getting a cover-up tattoo, or considering laser treatment to reduce the visibility of the blowout.

Why Your NEW Tattoo Is FADING AND What To Do To Fix IT!

Will my tattoo smudge if I sleep on it?

Back is Best: Whenever possible, try sleeping on your back to relieve pressure on your tattoo. This helps prevent smudging and ensures your tattoo heals beautifully. Don't: Squash Your Art: Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo, especially during the first few nights when it's most sensitive.

Do all tattoos eventually blur?

Tattoo blurring will happen to every tattoo eventually, but there are some things you can do or avoid to prevent it from happening too soon.

Can a tattoo look blown out while healing?

If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout.

Do tattoos always get fuzzy?

Blurring can occur anytime within few months of getting your tattoo, or after several years. The rate of blurring is different for every individual, and largely depends on a lot of conditions such as tattoo after care/ placement of the tattoo on your body/ sun exposure of tattoo-ed area, etc.

Does aquaphor blur tattoos?

It's a “fine” aftercare solution for tattoos, but many people have claimed that their tattoo faded after using the product. If you're going to use it, wait at least 2 weeks or until the top layer of skin is fully healed.

Do all fine line tattoos blur?

Yes, as with all tattoo styles, fine line tattoos can fade over time. Though all tattoos fade and some blur, you can extend the vibrance, definition, and color of your fine line tattoo with some simple steps: choose a skilled tattoo artist.

Does lotion fade a tattoo?

Use Water-Based Lotions

The AAD states that petroleum-based products, like petroleum jelly itself, can actually cause your tattoo ink to fade. Look for a water-based moisturizer or cream instead to hydrate your tattooed skin when it's in need of moisture.

Will small tattoos blur?

Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo. In general, you should take into account your artist's suggestions, but always speak up if you have any questions or concerns.

Is tattoo blowout my fault?

More often than not, this situation arises due to poor execution of the tattoo. By saying it's poorly executed, we don't mean that it's poorly designed or aesthetically unappealing, but rather that the technique used during the tattooing process was flawed. In most cases, the responsibility lies with the tattoo artist.

How long does a new tattoo look cloudy?

Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.

Why does my new tattoo look blurry?

During this time, the tattoo may look blurry due to excess blood and/or plasma that may leave the skin. It may look like a blob of ink, but this is totally normal! After the recommended amount of days, slowly remove the film with clean hands.

What areas are prone to tattoo blowouts?

Delicate Skin Areas

Certain areas of the body, like wrists, ankles, fingers, and toes, are more prone to blowouts due to their thin skin.

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.

How to avoid tattoo blurring?

A blurry tattoo can be avoided by ensuring that you go to a tattoo artist who has the skills, tools and knowledge to avoid pressing down on the skin too hard. This makes finding a good tattoo studio and artist to complete your tattoo a vital factor to take into consideration if you are thinking about getting a tattoo.

Do tattoos look dull at first?

A tattoo is VERY bright when it is first completed but during the healing process, it starts to look discolored and dull. Don't worry, when the tattoo is finished healing, the color will come back.

What tattoos won't blur?

Black ink lasts the longest and is least likely to blur, making it the best choice of ink color for long-lasting tattoos. Black ink is so reliable it is usually used to help hold in color molecules. Artists will create a border around color details with black linework to prevent ink migration and color blurring.

Can my new tattoo touch my bed?

You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.

Do tattoos look smudged while healing?

While a new tattoo can push out ink, along with blood and plasma, it typically does no harm and doesn't lead to a tattoo blowout. This leaking typically lasts no more than 48 hours. However, bruising from a new tattoo can make it look a little blurred or smudged as it goes through the healing process.

Can I put vaseline on my tattoo?

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.

Previous article
What is the best time of day to go to the gym?
Next article
Can you still get a suntan at 5pm?