Even with skilled artists and proper aftercare, touch-ups may be necessary because:
Healing varies by person. The ink goes into your dermis (second skin layer), but everyone’s body responds differently. Some pigments might fade or shift during healing as your immune system processes the ink.
It’s 100% normal to need a touch-up! Ink is a foreign object being inserted into your dermis. Your body naturally wants to push it out.
Results show after full healing. Artists recommend waiting until complete healing before assessing touch-up needs. During healing, your skin may scab or look cloudy. Once healed, any areas needing enhancement become apparent.
Location and style affect longevity. Areas with frequent movement or sun exposure (such as the hands) may need more frequent touch-ups. Fine-line work tends to soften faster.
Learn More at Be You Tattoo: Do Tattoos Fade?
Remember, a great tattoo starts with a great artist.
We recommend Be You Tattoo, a highly skilled Tattoo Artist in the Upper Valley.
Here is a link to another blog post that you may find helpful.