How To Keep A Tattoo From Fading?

Tips for long-term tattoo aftercare

Keep it clean. Wash your skin daily with a gentle, fragrance-free soap.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized.
Watch what you wear. Wear SPF clothing so the sun won’t fade your tattoo.
Avoid excess weight gain or loss.

Contents

1 How do I keep my tattoo from fading over time?
- - 1.0.1 How long do tattoos last before fading?
2 What keeps tattoos fresh looking?
- - 2.0.1 Does lotion keep tattoos from fading?
- 2.1 What style of tattoo lasts the longest?
3 What can I put on my tattoo to keep color?
4 Can you recolor a faded tattoo?
- - 4.0.1 What should you not do after a tattoo?
5 Should you moisturize your tattoo every day?
- 5.1 What can I put on a tattoo to make it darker?

How do I keep my tattoo from fading over time?

How long do tattoos last before fading?

What to Do When You Notice Fading – If you’ve followed aftercare instructions and you notice concerning fading (beyond what we discussed in the introduction) within 6-months then go see the tattooist right away. It may be the result of shoddy work, and they may need to do a touch-up for you.

Potential for this concern can easily be mitigated by carefully vetting a tattoo parlor before booking an appointment. Quality work won’t fade so quickly, even when you slip-up (somewhat) on aftercare within the first 6-months.

Otherwise, any fading you experience will occur after years of living your life (taking sunny vacations, etc). At this point you can simply decide when it’s time to bring some life back to the tattoo. If the original artist is still available, then they will be more than happy to perform the touch-up at their hourly rate. .

What keeps tattoos fresh looking?

Keep your tattoo moisturized by applying lotion every day. This will ensure that your skin stays hydrated, more elastic and prevent the effects of aging. Moisturizing is a must for areas of the body that are known to fade rapidly, especially the elbows, knees and hands.

Does lotion keep tattoos from fading?

Download Article Download Article Tattoos are a cool form of artistic expression, a fashion statement, and a unique image you get to wear on your skin all the time. You may wonder how you can keep your tattoos looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come, especially in the summer months when you can show them off in all their glory. To stop your tattoos from fading, you should apply moisturizer and sunscreen as well as clean and maintain them properly.

1 Use a dye- and fragrance-free moisturizer. Fragrances may make moisturizers smell good, but they will can cause skin irritation and slow down healing. Check that the moisturizer has no chemicals or preservatives, as these can break down the color in your tattoos. Keeping your tattoos moist can prevent them from fading.
- Look for a dye-free, fragrance-free moisturizer at your local drugstore or online.
2 Get a cream sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. The sun is one of the biggest causes of fading for tattoos. Protect your tattoos from the sun by using a cream-based sunscreen rather than a spray, powder, or oil, as they may not spread properly on your skin.
- Make sure it has broad spectrum protection against UV/UVA and UVB rays. It should also contain zinc or titanium dioxide for maximum protection against the sun.
- If you are fair-skinned, use a higher SPF, such as SPF 30 or 60, on your tattoos.
- Use a waterproof sunscreen if you plan to go swimming.
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3 Apply a thin layer of moisturizer and sunscreen once a day. Do not glob on a thick layer of lotion or sunscreen on your tattoos, as this can drain out the color. Instead, apply a thin layer of moisturizer, followed by a thin layer of sunscreen. Do this once a day, or multiple times a day if you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. [1]
- Get into the habit of moisturizing your tattoos in the morning or evening so they stay fresh and bright.
- Do not go into the sun without first applying sunscreen to your tattoos, especially if they are new.
EXPERT TIP Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. Burak Moreno Tattoo Artist The color and placement of your tattoo might affect how quickly it fades. White and yellow tattoos tend to fade the fastest, but it also depends on where the tattoo is. If the tattoo is on your hand or finger, for instance, it might fade as fast as 6 weeks.

1 Wash your tattoos with antibacterial soap once daily. Use soap that does not contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
- If your tattoo is new and still healing, make sure you wash it well twice a day with the soap for the first few weeks.
2 Use a tattoo brightening cream once a day. Look for a brightening cream that contains natural products like vitamin E, lavender oil, and other essential oils. Make sure the cream does not contain bleach or any other harsh chemicals that can damage your skin and your tattoo.
- Some tattoo brightening creams will take time to work effectively, usually a few weeks to one month. If you do not see results after one month, you may want to try a different brand.
3 Keep makeup, oil, and chemicals away from your tattoos. Avoid applying these products directly on your tattoos, as they can irritate your skin and fade the coloring of your art. Make sure you wash your tattoos if they appear oily or have come in contact with makeup or chemicals so they stay clean and fresh. [2]
- If you do end up applying makeup to your tattoos to cover them up temporarily, use antibacterial soap to remove the makeup and moisturize your tattoos with lotion right away.

1 Stay out of direct sun as much as possible. Exposing your tattoos to direct sunlight can drain out the color and fade them. Try to spend the least amount of time possible in direct sunlight, especially if your tattoo is new and still healing.
- Wear long sleeves or pants if you go outside in the sunlight to keep your tattoos covered.
- Always put sunscreen on your tattoos to protect them if you go outdoors in the sunlight.
2 Avoid pools, hot tubs, and long baths. Pools and hot tubs contain chemicals that can fade your tattoos. Soaking in a bath can also cause your tattoos to fade over time. Take light showers and do not scrub hard at your tattoos, as this can potentially damage them.
- Avoiding pools, hot tubs, and long baths is especially important when you first get your tattoo, as they can impede skin healing.
3 Maintain a stable weight to prevent stretching or fading. If you have tattoos on your stomach, arms, legs, or chest, they may stretch or fade if you gain or lose significant weight in these areas. Stay fit and at the same weight by working out regularly and eating healthy so your tattoos are not at risk of becoming warped. [3]
- If you have tattoos on your hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and the back of your neck, they may not be affected by weight gain or weight loss.

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What style of tattoo lasts the longest?

Tattoos With A Bold Design – Simple, minimalist tattoos are enduringly popular, but bold tattoos tend to last the longest. You can count both the size and the thickness of the lines as two of the reasons why these tattoos age well. “Bold, black text and traditional American tattoos still look badass when they fade,” Villani says.

What can I put on my tattoo to keep color?

Tattoo Aftercare – Tattoo aftercare is one the most effective ways for you to keep your tattoo looking it’s best. This is critical to ensuring your tattoo remains healthy and does not fade. A good tattoo artist always provides tattoo aftercare recommendations specific to you. But there are general basics to follow:

It is important to keep your new tattoo clean and moisturized.
After removing the bandage covering a fresh tattoo, the area should be gently washed with lukewarm water and a mild antimicrobial soap. Splash water on the tattoo instead of running it directly under the water. Be gentle so as not to risk scratching or scabbing. Pat dry the area with a light towel, don’t rub it dry.
Use an antibacterial ointment recommended by your artist, such as Tattoo Goo, for the first few days following your tattoo.
There will be some scabbing, don’t worry, it’s part of the healing process. After the first few days continue using a mild moisturizing lotion until the scab is gone and the tattoo fully heals.

Proper tattoo aftercare includes both what to do, and what to avoid. Here are a few things to avoid during tattoo aftercare:

Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight. UV rays are harmful on a fresh tattoo.
Avoid soaking the tattoo until is fully healed.
Do not scratch the tattoo. Yes, it’s tempting to pick away at the scab, but it prevents proper healing. Other than applying ointment, it’s best to avoid touching your tattoo altogether during the aftercare period.
Avoid drugs and alcohol soon before and after a new tattoo. It is best to avoid them the day of and an artist will turn you away if you are clearly inebriated. Until the tattoo heals they increase the odds of infection.
Avoid situations that wear on your new tattoo while healing. For example, wearing tight clothes or going to crowded clubs and concerts.

Where do tattoos fade the most?

7 Things That Make Your TATTOO FADE QUICK

What color tattoo ink fades the most?

Best Tattoo Colors that Last the Longest – Below is a quick guide to tattoo colors, ranked from the color that lasts the longest to the one that fades the quickest.

Black and gray: Black and gray inks are the boldest and most dense; thus, they are the most fade-resistant colors. These are suitable for any skin tone, especially with tan or black skin. With proper aftercare, black and gray colors last for up to 10 years or longer before requiring a retouch.
Dark blue: Like black ink, dark blue tattoo colors are suitable for dark skin. They have long-wearing pigments and can also last for up to 10 years.
Red, orange, yellow, and purple: These tattoo colors fade faster on light skin and are more crucial to working with sensitive and freckled skin. They generally last for about eight years or longer before requiring a retouch.
Pastel colors and white are the lightest tattoo colors; thus, they fade the quickest among all colors. They generally last for about five to eight years before fading. Moreover, pastel and white ink colors may look like scars if not done correctly.
‘Glow-in-the-dark’: UV tattoos are trendy since they appear fluorescent with UV light. However, they do not last as long as the other tattoo colors. Most tattoo artists say that glow-in-the-dark tattoos can last for three to five years before starting to fade.

Can you fix a faded tattoo?

Tattoo Touch-Ups and Color Rejuvenations – Touch-Ups. When a tattoo reaches a certain condition, no amount of exfoliating gel can bring it back to life. This is when an appointment with a talented artist could be the answer. Your fossil of a tattoo could be re-outlined again with a solid, crisp black line.

This would enhance its clarity and give the tattoo artist the opportunity to add some detail back, especially in those areas of the design that are small and complex that have lost their detail because the ink has spread.

Portraits and designs that include faces can benefit highly from some touch-up work. Color Rejuvenation. The colors are usually the first thing in a tattoo to show wear. Re-coloring faded tattoos that have maintained their outlines can make them current again. Body suit on lady, Inked women. Tattoo aftercare helps keep these looking good.

Why did my tattoo fade in a week?

The Healing Process – Despite their beauty, tattoos are actual open wounds, therefore, your skin needs time to recover. As a tattoo heals, it goes through different stages, some of which might seem concerning:

Discharge and redness: Once you remove the wrap your artist applied to the wound, your tattoo may leak plasma and other fluids , and the surrounding skin will usually be red. Some people also experience ink coming from the tattoo.
Itching: Perhaps the most annoying stage is the itching. It might occur late in the first week or into the second, and you may notice some flaking. It’s crucial, however, to resist scratching as it could damage your skin and even lead to an infection. Instead, apply a gentle lotion or an ice pack over your clothes to numb the sensation.
Skin peeling: Once you’re a week or two into your healing, the tattoo is likely to begin peeling. This is because the outermost layer of skin—the epidermis—suffered damage and is now being replaced by new skin cells. Don’t worry, the artwork won’t peel off and it’s a sign that your tattoo is healing well.

Can you recolor a faded tattoo?

Final Thoughts – So, that’s about it when it comes to tattoo recoloring. Unless you’re willing to darken out the tattoo a bit or get some fading and blending going on, there isn’t much you can do to change the color of the tattoo completely. Just make sure to always work with experts and professionals when you’re opting for a tattoo touch-up or any kind of color change.

Otherwise, you might be dealing with a mess later, which implies you’d need a laser removal session;
And, that will simply cost and hurt too much long-term, than would a professional tattoo artist;
For more information, make sure to talk to your tattoo artist, or even consult a dermatologist just to check the condition of your skin;

Check out our other articles for more info on tattoo fading, ink colors, and tattooing overall..

What should you not do after a tattoo?

Should you moisturize your tattoo every day?

How Often Should You Moisturize Your Tattoo? – Professional tattoo artists always recommended one moisturizes their tattoo(s) once or twice a day. The best way to moisturize a tattoo is by doing it in the morning and in the evening. It is also important to apply lotion or ointment after taking a shower, to protect the tattoo from drying out.

Note : Make sure to wait between 10 and 20 minutes to apply lotion/ointment onto the tattoo after a shower;
In that time, the tattoo will dry naturally, so when you do apply a moisturizer, it will soak into the skin nicely;

By applying lotion onto a wet tattoo, you’re risking overdoing it.

What can I put on a tattoo to make it darker?

Lotions for Immediate (yet short term) Results – Avid Shark Tank viewers (aren’t we all?) may recall an episode where a pair of young entrepreneurs pitched a moisturizing solution for bringing old tattoos back to life. The proprietary lines of lotions and creams from Mad Rabbit Tattoo reportedly darkened the appearance of a tattoo, but not the actual ink itself.

Mark Cuban invested in the brand that went from a $600 side hustle to an over $4. 2 million dollar valuation. So yes, there are dedicated balms, creams, and lotions on the market that can darken the appearance of your tattoo.

These can be great for when you want to show off your body ink on any given day, whether going to the beach or for a night out on the town. It’s an effective albeit short term solution. Still, if you don’t mind a little rub down each day it is the most practical solution.

Plus, these moisturizers typically contain ingredients that provide excellent protection for your tattoo, even if you’re well beyond the “aftercare” stage. It’s never too late to shield your ink from further fading.

The next time you’re in our shop/s, ask Adrenaline Studios staff about topical ointments on site that may be available for purchase.

What can I put on a tattoo to make it darker?

The next time you’re in our shop/s, ask Adrenaline Studios staff about topical ointments on site that may be available for purchase.

What color tattoo lasts the longest?

What Colors Last Longer in Tattoos? – Black and gray are the longest lasting color tattoos. These dark shades are dense and bold, making them less prone to fading. Vibrant and pastel colors like pink, yellow, light blue and green tend to fade faster. Credit: Instagram The shades commonly used in watercolors are very short-lived. Despite being incredibly popular, this style of tattooing requires frequent touch-ups. Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram.

Why is my tattoo fading after a week?

Discharge and redness: Once you remove the wrap your artist applied to the wound, your tattoo may leak plasma and other fluids , and the surrounding skin will usually be red. Some people also experience ink coming from the tattoo.
Itching: Perhaps the most annoying stage is the itching. It might occur late in the first week or into the second, and you may notice some flaking. It’s crucial, however, to resist scratching as it could damage your skin and even lead to an infection. Instead, apply a gentle lotion or an ice pack over your clothes to numb the sensation.
Skin peeling: Once you’re a week or two into your healing, the tattoo is likely to begin peeling. This is because the outermost layer of skin—the epidermis—suffered damage and is now being replaced by new skin cells. Don’t worry, the artwork won’t peel off and it’s a sign that your tattoo is healing well.

How do you keep tattoos vibrant?

Julia