Is a Tattoo Touch Up Really Worth It? — Certified Tattoo Studios (2024)

FAQs

Is a Tattoo Touch Up Really Worth It? — Certified Tattoo Studios? ›

The answer, of course, depends on the artist and the size of the tattoo. However, touch ups typically start at around $50 and can go up from there. So, if you're looking to keep your ink looking fresh, be prepared to spend a little extra cash. But touch ups are worth it!

Touch-ups may not be required for some years. A general rule to follow when considering a touch up is to check for fading, discolouration and any other imperfections. If these are obvious in your art, a touch-up will have a great effect on the quality of your ink.

Most of the time, your first touch-up is free within the first year. However, this depends on the tattoo artist or the shop. Following that initial touch-up, you can expect to pay a fixed hourly rate for any additional work done to your tattoos. Usually, the cost is between $50 to $150 per hour for touch-ups.

So feel free to request a redo or second session from a different tattoo artist than the one you initially contracted to work with. In addition, many people assume it's rude or unprofessional to ask an artist to finish someone else's design. This belief is entirely false.

Your Artist Recommends It

They'll also be able to tell you when the best time to come in is, whether it's a week or two after the final work or a couple of months later. Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)

The answer, of course, depends on the artist and the size of the tattoo. However, touch ups typically start at around $50 and can go up from there. So, if you're looking to keep your ink looking fresh, be prepared to spend a little extra cash. But touch ups are worth it!

If you're getting smaller art done or maybe a touch-up for $100, tipping anywhere from $15 to $25 fits the bill. Some regular or return clients also give gifts to their tattoo artists, such as restaurant gift cards, theater tickets and doughnuts for the shop.

According to Mariah, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month for a touch-up to heal. "Touch-ups usually heal quicker because less space on the skin has been affected," says Forte. "If you had line or dot work style ink touched up, that may take the full time, which can be weeks or even months," he adds.

Visit your artist a few weeks after the tattoo has finished peeling, to allow them to assess the need, if any, for touch ups. Together you can make plans on how to schedule time for the work.

Fine line tattoos may fade more than regular tattoos over time, so they may need touch-ups like regular tattoos. The longevity of your tattoo depends on the location, your skin care, and the skill of the tattoo artist.

Can I negotiate price with tattoo artist? ›

Negotiating or Criticizing the Tattoo Price

This one is at the top of the absolute worst tattoo shop etiquette. Don't negotiate the price. Tattoo artists will always quote you beforehand based on their time and the size of the tattoo.

Giving your artist creative freedom is most artists dream, but don't do it unless you really do want them to make all of the creative decisions. If you have something specific in mind, tell them.

Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin's surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.

There are many artists who will recommend a touch up within the first 6 months. Your best bet is to check with your artist and see what their recommendation is based on your tattoo design and any other factors to consider.

A: No, it is never too late to touch up a tattoo. Touching up a tattoo is a common practice and can be done at any point in time, regardless of how long ago the original tattoo was done. Tattoo touch-ups can address various issues such as fading, color inconsistencies, or minor design adjustments.

A tattoo touch up, sometimes called a freshen up, will essentially redo the tattoo by going over existing black line work that's faded to shade of grey and re-coloring the tattoo. Touch up tattoos work best when designs are simple and less saturated without full coverage.

While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap.