So, you want to know what are the secrets and tips of the trade to avoid your tattoo from fading?Well, let’s just debunk one myth right from the start. There is no way to stop a tattoo from fading, because just like your skin and so many other parts of your body, tattoos do age as well over time, and fading is just a fact you need to accept from the get go.
That being said, it’s not all downhill from the day you get tattooed. There are definitely a handful of fairly simple, basic care tips for you and your tattoo to keep the fading to a minimum.
1. Do Your Homework
Before you book your appointment, there are a few important details to consider that will definitely help ensure the best results for your tattoo and a lesser chance for major fading. Do you research, talk to friends, and dig around on line to get recommendations for a highly reputable tattoo shop. A well-known, trustworthy tattoo artist will be using high quality inks and the most current techniques. Do your research and learn about the different ink options around before getting your tattoo and then ask your artist what ink they intend on using so you can decide whether it’s of the quality you want.
Most tattoo inks will fade over time but never fade away completely. Regardless of whether it’s full color or just black, inevitably, The edges of the tattoo usually become less defined with time.
Another detail to consider before you tattoo is your color choices. Black and grey typically are the strongest colors and because they are bolder and darker, they tend to last longer than other brighter hues such as pink, yellow, green or purple, which all do tend to fade faster. Very dark colors like maroon and brown also have more staying power over time.
2. Choose the Best Spot on your Body for Your New Tattoo
The next point of consideration is the placement of your tattoo. Friction = fading. If you want to minimize the fading, then the best options for placement are places where your tattoo doesn’t chafe or will be constantly rubbing up against another body part or against tight clothing.
3. Prepare for the Healing Process
Believe it or not, the most important steps are the ones you take to care for your tattoo immediately after and until it is fully healed. During those first few weeks when the tattoo is curing and becoming one with you, it’s crucial to follow the specific care instructions provided by your tattoo artist in order to insure it heals well. Reducing the chance of irritation or infection is paramount to attaining a spectacular tattoo for life.
Once you get past the healing stages and you’re fully in maintenance mode, the way to minimize fading is really just sticking to a basic care routine.
4. Stay Hydrated!
It’s no joke. Staying hydrated, and keeping your tattoo and surrounding skin squeaky clean properly moisturized is part of long-term maintenance to keeping your tattoo looking great. Choosing a high qualitytattoo aftercare product to keep the area clean and well moisturized is essential. No less important is keeping your body hydrated from the inside—so fill up your largest reusable water bottle every morning and drink it down by the time you say good-night.
Proper sleep, and a well-balanced diet full of healthy fruits, vegetables and nutrient-rich foods will also do their part to ensure your skin gets the good stuff it needs to stay supple and well-nourished.
Any significant weight loss or gain can take a toll on the appearance of a tattoo, especially depending on where it is on the body. So, hands, wrists, feet and ankles are much less subject to changes than other areas on the body with more flesh.
5. Protect Your Tattoo from the Sun
If you are a sun-worshipper and want to preserve your tattoo, then SPF is your new best friend. Seriously, just don’t leave home without it. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Regardless of the temperature outside, sunlight and UV exposure are just no good in any way for tattoos, so the best defense is either cover up with clothing or a really good SPF cream to protect it from all those powerful rays.
At the end of the day, keeping your skin saturated is key. Caring for your tattoo is important and easy! Just make sure you follow all of these important guidelines to keep your tattoo looking almost as good as the day it was done.
About the author: Yaffa Baslaw (@yadeinu) is a Freelance Writer with over a decade of experience copywriting and blogging compelling content. She has written for more than 20 companies in the fields of healthcare, skincare, and retail.
