Why Did My Tattoo Fade After Healing?
This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.
Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away. Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this. But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term.
Let’s have a look.
Contents
Is it normal for tattoos to fade after healing?
Final Thoughts – Why do tattoos look dull when healing? It’s nothing to worry about and is to be expected while the body is trying hard to repair the area. Stabbing the skin thousands of times with tiny needles causes trauma, killing the top layer of skin.
Why did my tattoo fade so fast?
There are numerous reasons a tattoo may fade or become misshapen over the course of a lifetime. Among them, Wesley says, are the location of the tattoo, the color and type of pigment, sun exposure, and smoking.
Why did my tattoo disappear?
Without a doubt, your tattoos will eventually fade. Several reasons can affect the vibrancy of your tattoos: sun exposure, poor aftercare, friction or placement, just to name a few. Fortunately, we can slow down the process, and prevent our tattoos to fade as fast.
Why does it look like my tattoo is coming off?
– Peeling is a normal and expected part of tattoo healing. Tattoo needles penetrate the epidermis , or the outer layer of skin, and the dermis, which lies beneath. This process creates thousands of small wounds that damage skin cells. Tattoos usually take about 2 weeks to heal, but it can take longer for the skin to fully recover.
Peeling usually occurs a few days after getting the tattoo, as the skin begins to heal and regenerate itself. The regeneration process involves the skin removing dead and damaged cells. As the skin exfoliates itself, a layer of dead skin cells and ink pigment peels off, allowing new cells to grow.
Although some peeling is normal, excessive peeling could indicate a problem, especially if there are symptoms of infection and inflammation.
Why is my tattoo not holding ink?
One cause of ink not going in is: Needle is set too far out for that viscosity ink. The tip is the reservoir for the ink. Surface tension holds the ink in the tip and on an object (the needle cluster). You notice that when you prepare to work the ink does not dribble out the end.
- As the needles move very fast up and down (in and out) the surface tension is broken and the ink flows;
- Thinner inks flow more freely and more easily;
- The farther the needle travels out and away from the tip the longer the distance the ink must flow down the needle and onto the point of the needle;
Thick slowly-flowing inks cannot travel as far as thinner inks so hanging the needle way out will prevent the ink flowing such a long distance. Different inks have different viscosities and flow at different rates. The distance the needle travels out of the tip is adjusted by moving the tube up or down.
Ink flow is regulated by moving the tube up or down. Experimenting a bit you will notice that even with very thin inks if the needle hangs way out you may begin a line but quickly run out of ink. As you move the tube downward a little each time you will see that your line becomes longer and longer for each different setting.
A point will be reached at which a small drop will form on the surface and move along with the needle as you make your line. Many artists use this droplet as a marker so that the ink line will be uniform in ink density. As the needle droplet begins to diminish the line is stopped for a refill.
- Of course you must visualize where your stencil line is if tolerances are critical while working in the droplet;
- This is the surest way to make certain your line work will have the same density of ink;
Shadings with larger clusters of needles is often done in the same manner but usually with greater amounts of ink on the surface..
How can I make my tattoo last longer?
Can too much lotion fade a tattoo?
What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;
- Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
- Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
- Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
- Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
- Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out
To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.
What happens if you over moisturize a tattoo?
Can You Over Moisturize a Tattoo? – Moisturizing your tattoo is a great way to improve the healing process and give you a vibrant, long-lasting tattoo. However, if you use too much moisturizer on your tattoo or don’t dry it thoroughly after washing, it could hinder the healing process.
You can over-moisturize your tattoo, and this can lead to all kinds of issues. It can prolong the healing process and could even cause an infection. All of this can damage your tattoo and leave you with a less than perfect tattoo on your body that you have to live with for many years.
Your tattoo artist will discuss the tattoo aftercare regime with you before you leave the tattoo studio after getting your tattoo. They know what they’re talking about, so it’s best to listen and make sure that you understand what’s needed before leaving. 
This is FAR too much lotion and some should be blotted off with a paper towel.
