By Akeem Alex
Tattoo touch ups are a common practice when the detail of the artwork is no longer visible due to fading over time. The precise line work, color, and tiny flourishes of a tattoo distinguish a high-quality tattoo from a low-quality one. When a tattoo has finished healing, and you notice that the colors have patches, dull lines, or uneven shading, you may opt for tattoo touch ups to perfect the artwork.
Tattoo touch ups involve adding small details such as color to the existing artwork. They are a way of correcting a tattoo and can give life to an old design when drawn as a cover-up over the existing one.
When is a Tattoo Touch Up Needed?
There are various signs that your tattoo requires some touch up and adjusting. These are;
Fading Tattoos
If your tattoo has lost its initial color and pigment, it is an indication that it has faded and requires a touch up. When a tattoo is faded, the artist will use the same pigmentation to brighten the affected areas. The tattoo does not need to be redone during the top-up.
You can prevent further fading by using sunscreen whenever the tattoo is exposed to strong sunlight. You can also take care of the artwork by keeping it oiled and keeping your body hydrated and healthy.
Infected Tattoos
Tattoo infections may occur due to using contaminated equipment, peeling, and touching the tattoo before it is completely healed. The infections are painful and may affect the skin badly. You may experience bleeding and swelling on the tattooed area.
You can treat tattoo infections with the help of antibiotics. When the infection is healed, you may need a tattoo touch up. It is advisable to seek the expertise of a skin professional to know whether your skin can handle the tattoo needles and how to prevent infections in the future.
Old Tattoos
The tattoo changes over time, and as you age, the skin loses elasticity and gets stretched. Some tattoos change after many years, while others are affected by aging skin. Tattoo aging is normal but can be prevented or delayed.
A professional artist can do tattoo touch ups on aging skin. If you cannot reach the original tattooist who did the artwork, you can look for an experienced professional tattoo expert to discuss touch up options. These experts understand how to work with various skin textures and stretched skin.
Who Needs a Tattoo Touch Up?
Anyone with a tattoo may need a touch up at some given time. However, you can reduce the likelihood of getting a touch up by following the artist’s instructions for aftercare keenly. It is advisable to keep your tattoo covered outdoors and avoid too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Tattoos normally fade after peeling, but the effects are not as much. It will help to look for a reliable tattoo provider to avoid problems with your tattoos in the long run. An artist with inadequate training and experience may do work that is not satisfactory. Apart from that, they may not handle your skin with care, which could result in an infection.
The cost of a tattoo touch up depends on the complexity and size of the detail. Many reputable tattooists offer a free touch up as a guarantee for their work. If you neglect the instructions given by the artist, you might have to pay for the touch -up expense. If the touch up requires additional detail, you may also have to cater to the cost.
It is advisable to maintain your piece of artwork to prevent any problems after the tattoo is done. If you need a touch up, it is important to book a session with a tattooist in advance.
