Some people think of touch-ups as a bit of a hassle. You have to undergo the same amount of pain just to have the same tattoo fade all over again as time passes. It may be tempting to just let nature take its course, but there are situations where it’s better to get that touch-up.

If you’re feeling hesitant about a touch-up because you really like your tattoo, you should rest assured that the best tattoo shops have artists that specialize in these services. If you’re not sure when you should actually get your ink redone, read up on the signs below.

Your Tattoo Didn’t Heal Right

As much as possible, you don’t want to have a touch-up right after you’ve just gotten your tattoo. However, accidents can happen during the healing process that kind of mess up the final look. There are various ways your tattoo can still lose spots of ink or get a little muddled if not cared for properly. 

Update your artist throughout the process if complications like this arise. Once it’s healed fully and you see that there are some flaws, it’s time to get it touched up.

Your Tattoo’s Vibrant Colors Have Washed Out

This issue is particularly prevalent with colors that are more prone to fading. Vibrant tones like green, yellow, pink, and blue tend to fade much quicker. This process becomes even faster if you use pastel shades. Eventually, your colors will lose their intensity, and shading won’t be as clear. 

A touch-up will bring your faded tattoo back to life. Keep in mind that white ink will fade significantly faster than any other color. 

Your Tattoo Artist Notices It

The best tattoo artists will know when it’s time for a touch-up. They can assess the look of the tattoo and see how it has fared based on the position of the body it’s on. If your artist is the same one that worked on the piece initially, trust their advice when they give you a recommendation. 

They likely have a preferred timeline for the work to last, so if they suggest you come in, then they have seen a need for improvement. Some artists even do the touch-up for free if they decide to do it just after it heals, though it’s still best to tip them for their work.

Your Tattoo Has Been Stretched and Exposed

When your skin sees a lot of movement and external stress, it will fade more quickly. This is because your skin will renew itself over time. Add exposure to the sun, and the fading process hastens. Stretched skin from continuous movement and weight gain can also contribute to the ink bleeding out.

Over time, you run the risk of some warping, too. If you have tattoos that are constantly exposed to the sun, have gotten stretched, or see a lot of friction, a touch-up may await.

Your Tattoo Is More Than Two Years Old

Even with sublime aftercare and maintenance over the years, fading and some minor bleedout just naturally happen as time goes on. So, if your tattoo has seen some years, it’s normal to see the effects of time. A touch-up can breathe new life into a tattoo, and if it’s already damaged, you can also get a cover-up.

Conclusion

You can extend the time between touch-ups by using proper aftercare products and maintaining tattoo-friendly habits. Even with good care and maintenance, though, you will eventually need a touch-up. If you go to an artist you can trust, you should get a great result that will last you for years.

If your tattoo needs to get touched up or you're looking for some new ink, you’ll find the best tattoo artist in Denver at Certified Tattoo Studios. Our award-winning artists have made us the premier tattoo destination in the area, so book a session with us now and get a free consultation.