Tattooing is an ancient art, but modern techniques and inks have come a long way. A common concern, especially with colour tattoos, is whether they fade over time, and if so, whether it’s down to the tattoo not being applied correctly.
Why Do Tattoos Fade?
First off, it’s important to understand that all tattoos, no matter the colour, will fade a bit over time. This is a natural part of the healing process and your skin’s natural exfoliation cycle. The outer layer of skin is always shedding, so it’s inevitable that tattoos will lose some vibrancy. But several factors can speed up how quickly a tattoo fades:
Sun Exposure: UV rays break down the ink pigments, making colours lose their vibrancy. This is especially noticeable in colour tattoos, which often use lighter and more vibrant shades. Sunscreen is your tattoo’s best mate.
Ink Quality: Not all tattoo inks are created equal. High-quality inks tend to last longer and keep their brightness. Cheaper inks, on the other hand, can fade faster or age badly, turning bright colours into dull, washed-out tones.
Skin Type and Placement: Tattoos in areas that move a lot, like hands or feet, tend to fade quicker because the skin there regenerates more often. Similarly, if your skin is naturally dry, it can make tattoos age faster.
Healing Process: Proper aftercare is key. Not looking after your tattoo properly during healing can cause deep scabbing, pulling ink out of the skin and leaving your tattoo looking patchy or faded.
Is Fading Due to Incorrect Tattooing?
In some cases, colour tattoos may fade faster because of improper tattooing techniques. Here are a few reasons why this could happen:
Ink Not Deposited Deep Enough: Tattoo ink needs to be injected into the dermis (the second layer of skin). If it’s too shallow, it will fade quickly because it’s stuck in the outer layer, which sheds regularly. This can make the tattoo look patchy or faint.
Overworking the Skin: Tattooing too aggressively can cause scarring, which can lead to a faded or uneven look as the skin heals over the damaged area. Scarring can also cause the ink to settle unevenly.
Blowouts: This happens when the needle goes too deep, causing the ink to spread out under the skin in unintended ways. This can blur the colours and make the tattoo look faded or washed out.
Ink Dilution or Improper Mixing: Some artists dilute ink too much, either with water or other mediums. While this is sometimes done for artistic effect (like with watercolour tattoos), improper dilution can cause the colour to fade faster.
Which Colours Fade Faster?
Generally, lighter colours like yellow, white, and pastels fade faster than darker ones. They reflect more light and are more prone to UV damage. Reds, blues, and purples can fade over time as well, but they tend to hold up longer if high-quality inks are used and the tattoo is properly cared for. Interestingly, black ink tends to be the most durable and fades the least.
How to Keep Colour Tattoos Vibrant
If you’re thinking of getting a colour tattoo or already have one, there are some ways to help it stay vibrant for as long as possible:
Use Sunscreen: Protecting your tattoo from the sun is one of the best ways to prevent fading. Regularly applying high SPF sunscreen can make a big difference.
Moisturise Regularly: Keeping your skin hydrated helps your tattoo look fresh. Dry skin can cause cracking and quicker fading.
Touch-ups: Most tattoos, especially colour ones, will benefit from the occasional touch-up over time. This can restore any vibrancy and detail that might have faded.
Follow Proper Aftercare: After you get your tattoo, following the artist’s aftercare instructions is crucial. This helps the tattoo heal properly and retain as much colour as possible.
Conclusion
While it’s natural for tattoos to fade a little over time, colour tattoos don’t have to fade drastically if they’re done well and properly looked after. Things like sun exposure, aftercare, and tattooing technique all play a role. A skilled tattoo artist using high-quality inks can help ensure your colour tattoo stays bright for years to come, but maintaining your tattoo is just as important.
If you’re noticing your tattoo fading faster than expected, it might be worth coming to see us for a touch-up or a consultation. A well-maintained tattoo, like any piece of art, can keep its beauty for a lifetime.
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