You’ve finally gotten the tattoo you’ve been dreaming about for ages! A few weeks after getting it, you notice how the tattoo is healing. Are there lines that seem a bit less crisp than before? No worries. Touching up a tattoo is a normal and simple process. At BlackBear Ink, a tattoo touch-up is usually free of charge.

Why Does a Tattoo Fade?

There are several factors that can cause a tattoo to look less sharp over time.

1. The Sun is the biggest enemy of your tattoo. The sun gradually breaks down the ink and can make a tattoo look faded. So, avoid sun exposure for the first 30 days after getting a tattoo, and wait even longer before using a tanning bed. You can safely use one after 60 days, and always apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo.
2. Aftercare is crucial in the first few weeks after getting a tattoo. If you don’t take care of your new tattoo, it will fade more quickly.
3. Skin Renewal happens constantly. While the ink is permanent, the skin cells containing the ink are always changing. Over time, this can cause the tattoo to lose its sharpness.
4. Aging and Skin Aging: As skin ages, it loses elasticity and firmness, which can affect how your tattoo looks.

When Should You Get a Tattoo Touch-Up?

Not all tattoos heal the same way, but one thing is universal: a tattoo cannot be touched up during the first few weeks after getting it. After 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll start to see how the tattoo has healed. Check the lines at that point. If you notice spots where the black ink has faded or disappeared, it’s time to schedule a touch-up. This can be done 6 weeks to 3 months after getting the tattoo. Completely satisfied with the final result? Then there’s no need to schedule a touch-up. If you’re unsure, feel free to send us a photo, and we’ll take a look.

There are two situations where touch-ups are not free:

• If you schedule an appointment after 3 months, the touch-up will be subject to a fee.
• If you haven’t taken proper care of your new tattoo, the touch-up will also not be free.

How Do I Schedule a Touch-Up Appointment?

You can schedule a touch-up by emailing the shop, giving us a call, or sending a message to your artist. It’s helpful to send a photo of the healed tattoo so we can estimate how much time we need to schedule.

Do you have a tattoo from a guest artist? In that case, the touch-up will be done by the guest artist when they return to BlackBear Ink. Reach out to them to coordinate their next visit to Utrecht or Eindhoven. If the artist doesn’t have a future visit planned, one of the resident artists can touch up your tattoo for a fee.

Aftercare for a Tattoo Touch-Up

Touching up a tattoo ensures that you achieve the desired final result. Even after this appointment, it’s important to continue taking good care of your tattoo. Follow the aftercare instructions in our care booklet, and your tattoo will remain beautiful for years!