New tattoos look like a baked turkey right off the oven. It is fresh, hot, and catches everyone’s eye. Tattoos don’t come cheap, so you want that tattoo to look fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Not just because of the expense, it is also like art on our skin, and we want them to stand out and shine! But how do you keep tattoos vibrant? What is the secret behind the ever-lasting and ever-green tattoos that you see on some tattoo gurus?
Keeping tattoos vibrant requires a bit of hard work, a bit of love, and tons of consistency. If you do not stay consistent with aftercare, your tattoo may appear like a dead raccoon, dull and unattractive. Do not get stressed my friend, I will be dishing out all the juicy tips and tricks to help you maintain your tattoo’s awesomeness and prevent it from fading away like last year’s fashion trends. Let’s go!
Key Takeaways
- Tattoos look fresh, lively, and the bright colors of the tattoo are the signs of tattoo vibrancy.
- A few ways to keep your tattoo vibrant are applying moisturizer, staying hydrated, exfoliation, keeping your skin clean, sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, etc.
- Reasons to keep your tattoo vibrant are to be the showstopper, ink with attitude, be forever fresh, boost your confidence, etc.
- You can make faded tattoos vibrant again by getting a tattoo touch-up.
Tattoos Vibrancy: What Does It Mean?
Have you heard the term “vibrant tattoos” but you are not sure what it means?
A vibrant tattoo simply means a tattoo that’s bursting with life, color, and energy! Imagine your ink looking like it just jumped off the page of a comic book or a neon sign in the middle of Times Square. It’s that eye-catching, attention-grabbing kind of tattoo that makes heads turn.
You need to choose a professional tattoo artist who will provide you with vibrant tattoos and the rest is up to you. After getting a quality tattoo, it depends on your aftercare routine if the tattoo will remain vibrant for decades or will fade within a few years.
10 Ways to Keep Your Tattoo Vibrant
Now, let’s get to the juicy portion of this article that you are eagerly waiting to learn about. Here’s a detailed list of ways to keep your tattoo vibrant.
1. Applying moisturizer
Moisturizing the tattoo is not only crucial during the healing phase but also after the tattoo has healed, my friend! Quality moisturizer can keep your tattooed skin healthy, and hydrated and increase the elastic nature of the tattooed area. As a result, you will have a more vibrant tattoo for years to come! You can ask your tattoo artist for suggestions regarding quality moisturizer for your body art.
What to use: Choosing any random moisturizer is not recommended for your tattoo.
Use a fragrance-free lotion or some tattoo-specific aftercare products. It is better if you use a tattoo-specific moisturizer, but you can use any other moisturizer as long as it does not have any harsh chemicals or harmful components.
How to use: Wash your tattooed area with a gentle soap or cleanser, and pat it dry. Then apply a small amount of moisturizer and massage it on the skin evenly. Excessive moisturizer could end up clogging your pores and cause pimples and other issues, so do not overuse it.
Dry skin is the enemy of vibrant tattoos, but with a little moisturizing TLC, your ink will be popping like crazy!
How many times to use: There is no fixed amount of time you should moisturize your tattoo. But in general moisturizing twice a day should be sufficient for any sort of tattoo.
2. Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial to stay healthy. It is also very crucial for your skin health. Dehydration could degrade your skin health and as a result, make your tattoo look dull and really old. You can not expect a vibrant tattoo to reside on dull skin. Staying hydrated can help with skin elasticity which can make the tattoo look more lively.
How to stay hydrated: To stay hydrated make sure to drink plenty of fluid. Drinking fruit juice, smoothies and good old plain water is the key to keeping your skin healthy and tattoo vibrant.
3. Exfoliation
There is a common misconception that exfoliating will ruin and fade a tattoo. Yes, it can fade tattoo but that is only during the healing phase. After the tattoo is healed, exfoliating it will not cause any harm. And exfoliating will make the tattoo bright. Why so? Because exfoliation removes the dead cells from the upper layer of the skin or the epidermis layer and makes the skin more clear. Again, do not worry as exfoliation will not reach the dermis layer where your tattoo ink is residing.
What to use: To exfoliate tattooed skin, use a gentle, fragrance-free exfoliator with microbeads or a soft loofah. Avoid harsh products that can damage or fade your tattoo. The exfoliation process may include:
- Scrubs
- Terry cloths
- Brushes
- Mitts
- Loofahs
- Sponge
How to use: Apply the exfoliator in a circular motion on the tattooed area. Gently remove dead skin cells and avoid scrubbing the tattooed area vigorously. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
When to use: Wait until your tattoo is fully healed before exfoliating, usually around 2-4 weeks. After the tattoo has healed you can start the exfoliating routine.
How many times to use: Exfoliate no more than once a week to maintain the integrity of your tattoo while keeping your skin fresh and smooth.
4. Keep your skin clean
Keeping your tattooed skin neat and clean is also crucial. Any tattoo would look dull if the skin is dirty and oily. And it is very crucial to keep the tattoo clean during the healing phase because it can get infected very easily if you do not keep the wound clean.
What to use: You can use any tattoos-specific cleanser or any gentle and fragrance-free cleanser or soap to wash your tattoo and keep it clean.
5. Sunscreen
Letting the sunlight kiss your tattoo could lead to tattoo fading. Old and new tattoos both can get damaged by extended periods of sun exposure. It can fade your body art and take away the natural vibrancy of your beloved tattoo. You can buy tattoo-specific sunscreen from the tattoo shop or from any reputable store. But remember not to apply it on a fresh tattoo, you can use it after the healing process is complete.
What to use: Try to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. More SPF means longer and better protection against the sun!
When to use it: Whenever you go out in the sun or expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, you should use sunscreen. Just make sure to apply the sunscreen for about 30 minutes before you go out so that the sunscreen can take full effect.
6. Avoiding tanning beds
Tanning beds? Just say no to them! They’re like a one-way ticket to a tattoo-fading town. Skip the beds, and your tattoo will thank you with its bright and beautiful colors. Even tattoo sunscreen may not be able to provide full protection when you spend a lot of time on tanning beds.
7. Resist the itch to scratch
I know it’s tempting to scratch that healing tattoo. But trust me, resist the urge! Picking at scabs is a big no-no. Let them do their thing, and you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant tattoo that’ll make heads turn after the healing process is completed.
8. Avoiding swimming during healing
Make sure to avoid swimming or submerging your new tattoo in water. An unhealed tattoo may fade because of water damage. But after the tattoo has healed, you can go for a swim or long shower as much as you want and it won’t affect your tattoo in a negative way.
After healing process is completed you can swim without any worry.
9. Proper clothing
Tight clothing is so yesterday. Opt for loose, comfy outfits that won’t rub your healing tattoo the wrong way. Friction is not your ink’s friend, my friend.
10. Eat healthy food
Why am bringing diet into this? It is crucial to keep the skin healthy to keep the tattoo vibrant. Unhealthy skin will make the tattoo look basically dead. So eat plenty of healthy food and keep your skin healthy. Even if your tattooist doesn’t say anything regarding a healthy diet, you should still follow a diet that includes fruits, veggies, and protein. Healthy skin can keep your tattoo vibrant. Not to mention it can help the tattoo shine.
What to eat: You should eat vegetables, fruits, and protein on a daily basis. Make sure to avoid junk food as much as possible because they are unhealthy food.
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10 Reasons to Keep Your Tattoo Vibrant
You should keep your tattoos bright! Want some reasons to do so? I’ve got you covered.
- Be the showstopper: Your vibrant body art is like a spotlight, making you the center of attention. Who needs a red carpet when you’ve got that awesome body art stealing the show?
- Ink with attitude: Faded tattoos? Nope, not our style! A vibrant tattoo is like a statement piece that shows off your personality and adds some serious flair to your look.
- Forever Fresh: You want your ink to look as fresh as that new pair of sneakers, right? Keep it vibrant, and it will look like a new tattoo. Let your tattoo shine.
- Art on fleek: Tattoos are like wearable art, and you want your masterpiece to stay on point. A vibrant tattoo ensures those colors stay bold and those lines stay sharp.
- Boosts your confidence: A vibrant tattoo boosts your confidence like a power-up in a video game. You’ll walk with that extra swagger, knowing your tattoo is on fire!
- Unleash your inner rockstar: Tattoos are like the ultimate accessory, and a vibrant one is like rocking the stage at a sold-out concert. Embrace that rockstar vibe!
- Storyteller: Your tattoo tells a story, and a vibrant one makes sure it’s heard loud and clear. Don’t let it fade into the background; let it shine and tell the world who you are!
- Eternal good vibes: Vibrant tattoos give off those good vibes like a party in full swing. You’ll radiate positive energy, and people will be drawn to your ink magic!
- Make memories pop: Picture time! A vibrant tattoo looks killer in photos, capturing those epic moments and turning them into lasting memories.
- Own your ink: Your tattoo is a part of you, an extension of your awesomeness. Keeping it vibrant shows you’re owning your ink game like a boss!
Making Faded Tattoo Vibrant Again
Let’s say for some unfortunate turn of events, your fabulous tattoo faded, does it mean the end of the world? Of course not! You can make that faded, dull-looking tatt, vibrant and lively once again with the help of a tattoo touch-up. But make sure to wait till the new tattoo is completely healed, touch-up can not be performed on a healing tattoo. As it can lead to many issues.
All right, first things first, hit up your tattoo artist like you’re reconnecting with an old buddy. They’re the masters of their craft and know exactly how to bring back that vibrant charm to your ink. During the touch-up session, they’ll go over the faded areas with precision, making those colors pop like bright candy!
Now, remember, healing takes time, so don’t expect your tattoo to go from faded to fabulous in a snap. Give it a few weeks to settle in and reveal its true brilliance. Your tattoo needs some love and pampering, just like you after a long day at work!
Remember, it’s not just about your tattoo, it’s about your lifestyle too. Eating right and skipping those smokes will do wonders for your ink’s vibrancy. A healthy body means a happy tattoo and a happy tattoo is a vibrant tattoo!
So, there you have it – the secret to making your faded tattoo vibrant again! Embrace the touch-up session like a mini spa day for your ink. Treat your tattoo like the masterpiece it is, and watch it shine like a superstar once more!
FAQs
Why do tattoos fade over time?
Several factors contribute to tattoo fading, including:
- Exposure to sunlight (UV rays).
- Aging of the skin.
- Improper aftercare.
- Using harsh skincare products.
- Not keeping the skin healthy.
Can I use any sunscreen on my tattoo?
No, not all sunscreens are suitable for tattoos. Use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection. Look for one without fragrances or harsh chemicals that could damage your tattoo.
When can I start using moisturizer on my new tattoo?
Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions, but typically, you can start using a fragrance-free lotion or tattoo-specific aftercare product once the tattoo begins to peel or scab, usually after a few days.
Is it okay to scratch my healing tattoo if it itches?
Resist the temptation! Scratching can lead to scarring and affect the vibrancy of your tattoo. Instead, pat or gently tap the itchy area to alleviate discomfort.
How often should I exfoliate my tattooed skin?
Wait until your tattoo is fully healed which is around 2-4 weeks, before exfoliating. Limit exfoliation to once a week using a mild, fragrance-free product, and avoid scrubbing harshly.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you can keep your tattoo looking fly just by taking proper care of it. So, show some love to your tattoo like it’s your best friend – sunscreen, moisturizer, and gentle care are the keys to vibrancy. Say “See ya!” to tanning beds and harsh products. Keep that ink out of the sun’s sneaky grip! And don’t forget the power of touch-ups that can bring back any faded tattoos that are looking pretty dead to live and vibrant form. It’s like giving your ink a fresh coat of awesomeness! So, whether you’re a tattoo newbie or a seasoned ink pro, you’ve got the lowdown on how to rock that vibrant tattoo like a boss. Embrace the colors, the lines, and the stories etched on your skin, you’re a walking masterpiece!
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