Getting a tattoo is a commitment for life. You wear your tattoo as it becomes a part of your body and being. It is a way to express yourself without using words. You can get a tattoo to turn a memorable moment into art, to show respect to the deceased, to express love, etc. But when the precious tattoo gets damaged or faded it is really saddening. You may feel your memory or the meaning of the tattoo has faded with it.
I get the emotional attachment and the pain you may feel when the tattoo fades. There are ways to fix faded tattoos. But if got a new tattoo or your tattoo is still in good condition you can keep it like that by following some simple tips. Keeping a tattoo from fading is better than fixing a faded tattoo later. If you love your tattoo and want to keep your tattoo from fading and this piece is for you. As I will elaborate on everything you need to know regarding tattoo fading.
Key Takeaways
- You can keep your tattoo from fading by choosing a professional tattoo artist, taking proper aftercare from day 1 after getting the tattoo, choosing the right ink color, tattoo placement, etc.
- When the ink pigments gradually break down and your tattoo contains less pigment and appears dull or blurry it calls tattoo fading.
- There are many reasons like the body’s immune system, age, improper aftercare, exposure to direct sunlight, etc behind tattoo fading.
- You can easily fix a faded tattoo by touch-up, tattoo re-coloring, or tattoo cover-up.
- If you take proper care then your tattoo may not fade for one or two decades, improper aftercare could lead to tattoo fading within 2 to 3 years after getting the tattoo.
4 Things to Do Before Getting The Tattoo to Keep It from Fading
Now, it might sound a bit weird that you didn’t get your tattoo yet, then how come there are things you can do to prevent the tattoo you will get from fading?
Surprisingly there are plenty of things you can do before getting the tattoo to ensure it does not fade.
1. Choose a professional artist
I understand why some people go for an amateur or newbie tattoo artist, as they are more affordable. A professional tattoo artist can be a bit costly. But there is a reason they are high priced and called professional. From the quality of tattoo ink , tattoo needle, and tattooing technique, you will the best of the best from a professional tattoo artist. They have both the knowledge and experience to provide with best quality tattoos. Tattoos made by newbie artists may lack quality as they might not be able to inject ink the right way at the right depth. As a result, you will end up with a faded tattoo. But a professional tattoo artist knows how deep the ink should be injected and a tattoo made by a professional tattoo artist tends to last longer.
2. Tattoo placement
In general, you would think of the placement of your tattoo of course. But did you know the tattoo placement can affect how long it would take to fade? Yes, placement can have a crucial effect on how long it would take to fade your tattoo. You have to be mindful of your tattoo placement. Skin or areas that tend to change as you old like sagging, stretching, losing elasticity, etc can affect how your tattoo looks. A body part that faces more friction will fade your tattoo faster. And getting a tattoo on a body part that tends to stay exposed most of the time would also fade the tattoo faster. Because exposed body parts would get more sunlight and sunlight is your tattoo’s biggest enemy, as it can fade tattoo quickly.
3. Get a grey or black tattoo
There are plenty of colors to choose from when it comes to tattoos. Color tattoos look amazing and lovely! But I hate to break to you that colored tattoos, especially those that use watercolors or light colors tend to fade much faster than other colors. On the other hand, grey or black colored tattoo tends to stay vibrant for a longer period of time. Every tattoo will fade to some degree over time and that is normal. But would you choose to get a tattoo knowing that it would fade faster? Or would you choose a tattoo that would not fade easily? Most likely you would choose the second option I assume. If that is so then go for a grey and black tattoo. Grey and black tattoos are always in fashion.
4. Choose quality ink for your tattoo
When you choose a professional tattoo artist they should provide you with a quality tattoo ink. But just to be sure, check the ink they will use on you before the procedure. Because some tattoo artists may favor their own brand of ink which might not be of the best quality. Do your research and ask your tattoo artist to use some of the most popular and renowned brands of tattoo ink for your tattoo. Pay attention to the label of the ink bottle to see if it is expired or not. And expired ink would give a faded tattoo. Diluting the ink is also crucial, as mixing too much water or alcohol into the ink can make it too thin as a result you will get a faded tattoo.
13 Things to Do after Getting The Tattoo to Keep It from Fading
After you have done all the things above, feel free to get your tattoo done. And follow the crucial steps I have listed below:
- Proper aftercare
Proper aftercare during the healing phase and after it heals can really affect how your tattoo would look. Improper aftercare distorts and fades your precious tattoo. Incorrect aftercare can fade, distort or shorten the lifespan of your tattoo. So make sure you are following the correct aftercare routine. - Start tattoo aftercare from day 1
To ensure your tattoo does not fade make sure to start tattoo aftercare from day 1. Because a new tattoo requires extra care. If you delay starting your aftercare even by 1 day, it might already be too late. Neglecting your new tattoo even for 1 day is enough to fade it. Starting aftercare from day 1 can ensure you get a bright and lively tattoo in the long run. - Stay consistent with your aftercare routine
Aftercare routine is necessary not only during the healing phase but also after the tattoo heals. A tattoo is considered completely healed or old after 6 months period. Healed or old tattoo does not require extensive care like a new or healing tattoo. That does not mean you don’t need to care for your tattoo at all. You should stay consistent with your aftercare routine as long as you have your tattoo, meaning your whole life. - Protect your tattoo from sunlight
Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D and exposure to sunlight to some degree can be healthy for us. But sunlight is also the biggest enemy of our tattoos. Exposing tattoos to sunlight for an extended period of time can easily fade them. The harmful UV rays can break down the ink pigment that resides on the dermis layer of your skin. Your immune system or white blood cells will naturally get rid of the broken-down pigments as a result you will be left with a faded tattoo. - Use moisturizer
A moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. Keeping the skin mildly moist can fasten the healing process of your tattoo. Applying moisturizer over an old tattoo keeps the skin lively which helps the tattoo stay bright and healthy. - Keep the tattoo clean
Dirt or oil buildup on the tattooed area is not good. Make sure to wash the tattooed skin regularly with a gentle fragrance-free soap. - Do not over cleanse or exfoliate
Cleaning the tattooed area is good but over-cleansing can do the opposite. Over-cleansing or exfoliating can peel your skin more and it can cause some ink pigment to come out from your skin. It can potentially fade the tattoo. You probably have heard exfoliation is a method to remove or fade tattoos. So make sure not to over-cleanse or exfoliate the tattooed area. - Use tattoo vibrancy serum
There is plenty of tattoo vibrancy serum on the market that reduces inflammation and helps to prevent tattoo fading. Such serum may contain the amino acid which helps to cleanse and brighten the skin. And LIFTONIN®-XPERT ECO which intensifies tattoo ink. As a result, you get a bright, sharp, and vibrant tattoo. If you use to decide to use vibrancy serum, make sure to use it on healed tattoos and not healing tattoos. - Take care of your skin
A tattoo would never look good on dry, cracked, or unhealthy skin. If your skin is dull then how come you expect your tattoo to look bright? Unhealthy skin can fasten the fading process of your tattoo. So make sure you take care of your skin. - Maintain a healthy life style
An unhealthy lifestyle can fasten your tattoo fading process. You should not smoke, as smoking is not only injurious to your health but also can fade your tattoo or make it look really dull. You should not swim for an extended period of time. Swimming extensively can also fade your tattoo. Make sure to eat healthy food to ensure good health and healthy skin. - Avoid excessive friction
Our skin will face some friction on a daily basis. But make sure to avoid excessive friction as it can fade your tattoo. - Allow your tattoo to breath
Friction, too much sweating, and constricted areas can fasten tattoo fading. So make sure you get your tattoo in a place that does not get too much sweat, friction, or constriction. Let your tattoo breathe. - Tattoo touch-up
Tattoo touch-up is not only for restoring distorted or faded tattoos. But can get a tattoo touch-up every few years to keep the tattoo vibrant and avoid fading.
Tattoo Fading
Tattoo fading refers to the gradual lightening or loss of color in a tattoo over time. It is a natural process that occurs due to various factors, including the body’s immune response, exposure to sunlight, aging, and the quality of the tattoo ink used. As I have mentioned above there are plenty of things you can do to prevent the tattoo fading process. But in reality, tattoo fading can not be stopped completely. It is a natural process that can only be slowed or delayed by doing a few crucial things. But not taking care of your tattoo or incorrect aftercare can fasten this fading process by a lot.
So does not matter if you have a new tattoo or an old tattoo, you should continue proper aftercare and take care of your tattoo and skin. Remember, a tattoo is a part of your skin and body. So when you become unhealthy or your skin becomes unhealthy it would definitely affect how your tattoo looks. An unhealthy body can not showcase a vibrant tattoo.
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6 Reasons Behind Tattoo Fading
There can be many reasons behind tattoo fading. I have elaborated on a few crucial reasons below:
1. Body’s Immune System
Your tattoo artist injects tattoo ink deep into the dermis or second layer of your skin. The immune system recognizes the ink as a foreign component and tries to remove it by sending white blood cells to the area. These white blood cells will break some pigments which is natural, that is why your tattoo can never have the same level or bright or vibrant look as when your first get it.
2. Exposure to sunlight
As I have mentioned earlier exposure to sunlight is one of the primary causes of tattoo fading. Sunlight can penetrate the skin and break down the tattoo pigments. And your body would naturally get rid of the broken-down pigments. It will cause the colors of your tattoo to fade and lose their vibrancy. This is why it is crucial to protect your tattoos by applying sunscreen or covering them when spending time outdoors.
3. Tattoo ink quality
The quality of the tattoo ink can also affect how quickly or significantly a tattoo fades.
If your tattoo artist uses cheap or low-quality ink, the tattoo would fade much faster. But if your tattoo artist uses a good quality ink, and diluted it with the right amount of water then the tattoo would last much longer. So make sure to choose high-quality ink when you get a tattoo.
4. Age
Additionally, the aging process can contribute to tattoo fading. Unfortunately, as we age, our skin tends to lose elasticity and become much thinner. There is no way we can avoid this natural process. So naturally when you go over your fifties your tattoo would naturally get a bit faded. That said, we can take care of your skin to keep it healthy and maintain elasticity as much as we can and prevent tattoos from fading by some degree.
5. Unhealthy Life Style
An unhealthy lifestyle gives you unhealthy skin, and unhealthy skin fades or dulls your tattoo. So avoiding smoking, junk food, stress, etc is crucial to avoid tattoo fading.
6. Neglecting aftercare
Neglecting an aftercare routine can cause your tattoo to fade. Neglecting aftercare can include not using sunscreen when going out in the sunlight, not using moisturizer, not cleaning the tattoo regularly, etc.
It’s important to note that while tattoo fading is a normal occurrence, some factors can accelerate the process. These include excessive sun exposure, improper aftercare, certain medications, and certain skin conditions.
If you’re stressed about your tattoo fading, then it’s best to consult with your tattoo artist or dermatologist, they can provide personalized advice considering your situation.
5 Ways to Fix a Faded Tattoo
If you fail to protect your tattoo or it got faded already then don’t be sad. Because there are many ways to fix a faded tattoo.
1. Touch-up
Getting a tattoo touch-up is probably the best way to fix a faded or distorted tattoo. It is similar to fixing a small painting mistake by painting over it. In tattoo touch-ups, your tattoo artist will tattoo over the existing tattoo to make the color bright as new. If you want to add more design depth, it is also possible during a tattoo touch-up. Remember not all tattoos require a touch-up.
You may go for a tattoo touch-up if your tattoo got:
- Faded
- Got a little blurry
- Slightly distorted during the healing phase
- Color gaps
- Imperfect lines
2. Re-coloring
If your tattoo has significant fading, re-coloring the entire tattoo might be necessary. This involves going over the entire tattoo with new ink to restore its vibrancy. It’s important to choose a skilled and experienced tattoo artist for this procedure to ensure the best results. I have done plenty of re-coloring and in my opinion, it is a fine way to restore a tattoo no matter how badly the tattoo got faded.
3. Enhancement
Another technique to address a faded tattoo is by enhancing its existing design. This involves adding new elements, such as additional details, background, or surrounding imagery, to incorporate the faded areas into a larger, more cohesive design. This method can transform the tattoo and make the fading less noticeable. It can give your tattoo a new look too.
4. Cover-Up
In some cases, if the fading is extensive or you no longer like the original design, a tattoo cover-up might be the best solution. A skilled tattoo artist can design and ink a new tattoo over the faded one, effectively concealing it. This approach requires careful planning and creativity to ensure the new design adequately covers the old one. Some tattoo colors may make it difficult or at times impossible to do a tattoo cover-up. Black-colored tattoo is one of the most difficult to cover up. So make sure to choose an artist who specializes in cover-up tattoos.
5. Laser removal and re-inking
For severely faded tattoos or if you want a completely new design, laser tattoo removal can be an option. Laser treatments can fade or remove the existing tattoo, after which you can consult with a tattoo artist to create a fresh design and re-ink the area. Laser tattoo removal is a complex process that requires multiple sessions, and it may not be suitable for everyone. Not to mention it is a costly process. As each laser treatment session may cost around 100 to 500 dollars in general.
Time It Takes for a Tattoo to Fade
It is difficult to say exactly how long would it take for your tattoo to fade. Because a lot of factors such as type of tattoo, tattoo ink color, age, etc can affect the amount of time it would take for a tattoo to fade. In general, if you take proper care and follow the crucial steps I have mentioned above to keep a tattoo from fading then your tattoo can last in vibrant condition for decades. So, a properly maintained tattoo can fade after a decade or two.
On the other hand, improperly maintained or made tattoos may show signs of fading just after a few or two. I have done many tattoo touch-ups, re-coloring, and cover to fix faded tattoos that were made 2 or 3 years ago by some amateur artist. But blaming the artist all the time is not right. As half of the time the tattoo may fade prematurely because of your negligence. Not taking care of the tattoo during the healing phase and after it heals can fade the tattoo. But if you want to avoid even the slightest fading of your tattoo then apart from taking care of the tattoo, you can get a touch-up every 2 to 3 years to ensure everlasting lively tattoo.
FAQs
Which color tattoos take longer to fade?
Black and grey color tattoos take longer to fade.
How long does it take to fade a tattoo?
Proper care can make a tattoo last decades in vibrant condition and improper or negligence can make a tattoo fade within the first year of getting the tattoo.
How to keep tattoos looking fresh?
Keep the tattoo clean and follow proper aftercare to keep the tattoo looking fresh.
Do tattoos become faded while healing?
Tattoos may appear blurry or faded during the healing phase which is normal. After the tattoo completes the healing phase it would show the actual result.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos stay with us our whole life. So keeping it in good condition is necessary. You should take care of your tattoo as you take care of your four bodies. Not choosing a professional tattoo artist to do your tattoo, not taking proper aftercare, unhealthy lifestyle, etc can lead to tattoo fading. To avoid tattoo fading protect your tattoo from direct sunlight, use moisturizer, avoid exfoliating, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If by any chance your tattoo got faded already you can easily fix it by getting a tattoo touch-up, tattoo recoloring, tattoo enhancement, or tattoo cover-up. You can also choose to remove the tattoo by laser treatment and get a new tattoo.
Do not forget that tattoo fading is a natural process. As time goes by, a tattoo would naturally fade on its own little by little even if you follow all the necessary steps to ensure it does not fade. But surely you can slow down the fading process by a lot by following the crucial steps I have mentioned above.
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