Tattoo Care 101: Everything to Know About Tattoo Touch Ups

Wearing a tattoo is a sign of many things, such as bravery, commitment, and passion. However, as beautiful as they may be, they're not perfect because they fade with time. Luckily, touch-ups exist to ensure they're maintained in perfect condition.

A tattoo touch-up is precisely what it sounds like: A tattoo artist will fix color, brighten up the design, or redo the ink in parts that are no longer visible. Additionally, touch-ups can be used to help a tattoo heal quicker. Tattoo touch-up services are not just for visually impaired or old tattoos; they're also for people who have tattoos that are in bad shape, with crooked elements or uneven ink, or they just want them to look even better than they did initially.

Not many people realize the value of a tattoo touch-up, which is why we'll discuss more about it in great detail. Read on below to get started.

When to Get a Touch-up

It's always a good idea to get a touch-up when the ink begins to fade. After all, a tattoo isn’t just supposed to look perfect for the rest of your life, but it should look good for as long as it's on your body.

However, you should check with your tattoo artist if you think your tattoo is no longer as sharp as it once was. If your artist can't fix it, they will refer you to another artist who can.

People should also get a touch-up after hitting the 10-year mark. This is usually when tattoos start to lose their vibrancy, becoming less visible to the naked eye. You should always ensure it still looks sharp enough for you to like it before deciding to get a touch-up.

What Happens During a Touch-up?

Touch-ups are very straightforward because they're the same as getting a new tattoo. The artist will start by cleaning the area, prepping the skin, and placing the stencil. They will then ink the tattoo with new ink—it's that simple.

If you've decided to get your tattoo touched up, you should make sure you're relaxed. After all, you'll need to sit still for the session, and you don't want your body in unnatural positions because it will hurt in the long run.

Some artists may give you a numbing cream before beginning the touch-up; this will help reduce the odds of your skin being sensitive after the session. If your artist doesn't give you a numbing cream, you can buy one before visiting the studio to help you relax.

Like any other tattoo, a touch-up will hurt. You will feel the needle digging into your skin, but it shouldn't hurt too bad. If you can't handle the pain, ask the artist to stop and give you a few minutes to relax before getting the tattoo done. It shouldn't take longer than an hour, provided you're relaxed.

You shouldn't be in pain when you have a touch-up done, but you should watch out for any signs of infection. These signs include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Pain

• Tenderness

• Discharge

• Open wounds

If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately visit your doctor to ensure you don't have an infection. These infections can become serious if you don't take them seriously.

Is a Touch-up Avoidable?

In most cases, touch-ups are unavoidable because they are usually needed after a decade or after the tattoo has faded. However, you can avoid getting a touch-up if you properly take care of your tattoo.

To avoid a touch-up, you should always follow the artist's advice. Always use high-quality ink that the artist approves. Never smoke around your tattoo. Never forget to cover your tattoo when going to the beach. Keep your tattoo clean.

In most cases, it's better to avoid touch-ups until the tattoo is completely healed. After all, getting a touch-up is pretty expensive, and it's not worth it if you don't know how to take care of your tattoo.

The Cost of Touch-Ups

Touch-ups will usually cost you around the same amount as a new tattoo. This is because the session is the same. It's not like the touch-up is shorter or easier than a new tattoo session.

That being said, the price you'll have to pay as a tattoo client will vary from artist to artist and from studio to studio. Some artists may not charge for touch-ups, while others may charge an arm and a leg, so you should check before making an appointment.

Conclusion

Touch-ups are essential for tattoos because they ensure you have a tattoo in its best condition for as long as possible. While touch-ups may come at a cost, they're a necessity if you want to keep your tattoo looking sharp.

If you're looking for the best tattoo parlor in Denver, Certified Tattoo is the place for you! Our experienced tattoo artists can give you a tattoo in various styles, and they can also give them a much-needed touch-up, all for an affordable price. Contact us today to book an appointment!