Your tattoo has healed, you love it… and then you spot it: a line that's slightly lighter, a patch where the colour isn't quite even, or a tattoo from years ago that has lost some of its punch. Don't panic, it happens more often than you think. That's what a touch-up is for. In this blog you'll read when a touch-up is possible, why it's sometimes needed and how to keep your tattoo looking good for as long as possible.
What is a touch-up?
During a touch-up, your artist reworks small parts of an existing tattoo. Think of a line that has become thinner in one spot, a bit of shading that healed unevenly or a colour that has faded a little. The goal isn't to change the tattoo, but to make it look crisp and complete again.
So a touch-up is something different from:
- A new session. With large tattoos done in several sessions, building it up further is simply part of the plan.
- A cover-up. That means putting a new design over an old tattoo. A whole different story.
- Refreshing an old tattoo. A tattoo from years ago can sometimes be given a real refresh with new lines or extra shading. That's often more work than a small touch-up. Curious how bigger tattoo work is quoted? Read how the price of a tattoo is determined.
Why does a tattoo sometimes need a touch-up?
Getting tattooed is craftsmanship, but the healing is done by your own skin. And every skin heals a little differently. Common reasons for a touch-up are:
- Spots during healing. If the aftercare doesn't go quite right, for example when the tattoo is touched a lot or tight clothing keeps rubbing, it can affect the healing and the look of your tattoo.
- Friction. Tattoos on spots that move or rub a lot, such as hands, fingers and feet, fade faster (more in Finger tattoos).
- Sun. UV light makes ink fade faster, especially on a fresh tattoo.
- Time. Your skin changes throughout your life, and your tattoo changes a little with it. After years, lines soften and colours become less bright.
- Fine lines. The thinner the line, the sooner you notice it softening over the years.
- Changes in your body. Stretching skin can make colours and lines fade too. Read more in To what extent do weight loss and weight gain influence your tattoos?
When can you get a tattoo touched up?
Only when your tattoo has fully healed. Just because the surface looks calm doesn't always mean your skin is ready. Touching up skin that isn't ready can do more harm than good. Your artist will tell you the right moment for your tattoo and your spot.
Tip: only take a really critical look at your tattoo once it has fully healed. During healing a tattoo can look dull or patchy, and that often settles by itself afterwards.
How to avoid needing a touch-up soon
There's a lot you can do yourself to keep your tattoo looking good for as long as possible:
- Follow the aftercare carefully. Touch your tattoo as little as possible, wash it twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap and don't wear tight or dirty clothing over it. Everything is in our tattoo aftercare instructions (PDF).
- Protect your tattoo from the sun. While it heals, no sun or tanning beds, not even with sunscreen; once healed, always use a high SPF.
- Choose a smart design and a smart spot. Enough space between lines and not too much detail on a tiny area help a tattoo stay crisp for longer. Your artist will think along with you.
Touch-ups at Piercings Works
Not sure whether your tattoo needs a touch-up? Feel free to drop by and show it to one of our artists. How a touch-up works for your tattoo depends on the tattoo itself, so always ask your artist.
You can walk in at Reguliersbreestraat 46 or book a tattoo appointment in advance. Our studio holds a GGD licence (the Dutch public health authority) and our team speaks six languages.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before a tattoo touch-up?
Until your tattoo has fully healed. Your artist will look at your tattoo and tell you the right moment.
Is a touch-up the same as a cover-up?
No. A touch-up reworks the existing tattoo. A cover-up puts a new design over it.
Can an old tattoo be refreshed?
Often, yes, with new lines, shading or colour. Whether that works for your tattoo is something to discuss with the artist.
Can I prevent my tattoo from fading?
Largely, yes: good aftercare following our aftercare instructions, no tight clothing rubbing on it, and protecting your tattoo from the sun (no sun at all while healing, a high SPF afterwards).
See you soon at Reguliersbreestraat 46!