When you get a new tattoo, the last thing you want to worry about is why it’s so dark. Unfortunately, many people experience this issue after getting inked. In this article, we will discuss the causes of dark tattoos and offer some solutions to help you fix the problem.
Tattooing
Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of body modification. It is thought to have originated over 12,000 years ago and was used by many cultures for a variety of reasons. Today, tattoos are more popular than ever. According to a recent poll, 36% of Americans have at least one tattoo.
All about the ink
The ink used in tattoos is a pigment that’s injected into the skin. The deeper the tattoo, the longer it will take for the ink to fade.
There are a lot of factors that can affect how quickly your tattoo fades, including:
- The type of ink used
- The depth of the tattoo
- Your body’s natural ability to heal itself
- How well do you take care of your tattoo
All these play a role in how dark or light your tattoo will look over time. If you want your tattoo to stay looking its best for as long as possible, it’s important to understand how each of these factors can affect your ink.
The type of ink used in your tattoo will have the biggest impact on how long it lasts. Some inks are designed to be more permanent than others. Black and grey inks tend to be more long-lasting than colored inks, but they also require more touch-ups over time as they start to fade.
On the other hand, colored inks are less likely to stay true to their original hue over time. But with proper care, they can last just as long as black and grey tattoos.
The depth of your tattoo also plays a role in how well it holds its color. Tattoos that are done too shallowly are more likely to fade and lose their color over time. This is because the ink doesn’t have as much of a chance to “set” in the skin.
How long your tattoo lasts is also determined by how well it heals. If you have a fast metabolism or dry skin, you may find that your tattoo fades faster than someone with a slower metabolism or oilier skin.
How well you take care of your tattoo will also play a role in how long it lasts. If you expose your tattoo to the sun or other sources of UV light, it will fade faster. And if you don’t properly care for your tattoo, it can lead to infection and scarring, which can both cause your tattoo to fade.
If you want your tattoo to last, you must understand how each of these elements may impact it. With proper care, you can keep your tattoo looking dark and vibrant for years to come.
The reasons why is tattoo so dark
If your tattoo is too dark, it could be because:
- The ink was not properly diluted. Your artist may have used undiluted ink or did not dilute the ink properly. This can make your tattoo look darker than it should.
- You have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, you may be more likely to experience a reaction to the tattoo ink.
- You are healing slowly. If you are healing slowly, the tattoo may still be in the initial stages of healing. The color of the tattoo will lighten as it heals.
- You have thick skin. If you have thicker skin, it may take longer for the color of the tattoo to show through.
- You didn’t follow the aftercare instructions. If you didn’t follow the aftercare instructions, your tattoo may not have healed properly. This can cause the tattoo to appear darker than it should.
- The artist went too deep into your skin. If the artist went too far into your skin, the tattoo may be darker than it should be.
- Your immune system is fighting the ink. If your immune system is combating the ink, it may make the tattoo appear darker than it should.
- You sunbathed without sunscreen or got a sunburn. If you got a sunburn or were in the sun without sunscreen, it may have caused your tattoo to darken. [1]
How to fix a tattoo that is too dark
There are a few things you can do to lighten up your tattoo:
- Exfoliate regularly with a mild scrub. This will help to fade the tattoo gradually. Be sure not to overdo it, as exfoliating too much can cause irritation. Do it no more than once a week.
- Apply a lightening cream or ointment. There are many products on the market that can help to fade your tattoo. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as some products can cause irritation if used too often.
- Get laser tattoo removal treatments. This is the most effective way to lighten up your tattoo, but it can be expensive and painful. If you decide to go this route, be sure to find a reputable place that has experience with tattoo removal.
Will a new tattoo that is too dark become lighter and clearer?
A new tattoo that is too dark will not become lighter or clearer over time. It can become lighter over months or even years. The only way to lighten or remove a tattoo that is too dark is through laser tattoo removal treatments. [3]
There are many possible causes of why your tattoo may be too dark. Some of the most common reasons are listed below:
- You were not given enough time to heal before being exposed to sunlight
- Your skin was not exfoliated before the tattooing process
- The artist used too much ink or the wrong type of ink for your skin tone
FAQ
What do I do if my tattoo is too dark?
There are a few things you may do to make your tattoo lighter if it is too dark. One option is to use a bleaching cream that you can buy at most drugstores. Another option is to get a laser treatment to remove the pigment.
However, if you want to avoid these options, there are a few things you can do to prevent your tattoo from getting too dark in the first place. One way is to make sure that you apply a layer of sunscreen over your tattoo whenever you go outside. Another way is to avoid exposing your tattoo to sunlight for long periods of time.
There are also some home remedies that you can try, such as applying lemon juice or baking soda paste onto your tattoo. These methods may take longer to work, but they are worth a try if you want to avoid more drastic measures.
Why does my tattoo look darker?
There are a few reasons why your tattoo may appear to be darker than you want it to. The first stage is to realize that the healing process for a tattoo does not end until approximately six weeks after the initial ink was introduced. During this time, your skin will be regenerating and the ink will settle into place. This can cause the tattoo to appear darker or more intense than when it was first done.
Another reason is because of the location on your body. Certain areas of skin, such as those with thicker layers of dermis (the middle layer of skin), will absorb more ink and appear darker. Additionally, tattoos placed over bone or tendons will also appear darker because there’s less fatty tissue for the ink to sink into.
If you’re concerned that your tattoo is too dark, there are a few things you can do to lighten it. First, try exfoliating the area with a loofah or gentle scrub. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that may be making the tattoo appear darker. You can also try using a lightening cream or serum designed for use on tattoos. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and always test a small patch of skin first before applying it to your entire tattoo.
If you’re still not happy with the results, you may need to consider laser tattoo removal. This is a more invasive option but can be effective in lightening or removing tattoos entirely. Laser removal works by breaking up the ink pigments with pulses of laser light. The number of treatments required will depend on the size, color, and depth of your tattoo.
Before you make any decisions, be sure to consult with a professional tattoo artist or dermatologist to get their expert opinion on the best way to proceed.
Do tattoos get darker when healing?
The first thing to understand is that it’s perfectly normal for your tattoo to look darker immediately after getting it. This is because the ink is still fresh and has not had time to settle into your skin. In the days and weeks following your tattoo, you will notice the color gradually lighten as it heals. [4]
How do you lighten a dark tattoo?
There are a few ways that you can lighten up your tattoo if it is too dark. One way is to use a Q-tip and some hydrogen peroxide. Another way is to use a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice. You can also try using a lightening cream made specifically for tattoos.
If your tattoo is still too dark after trying these methods, you may need to consult with a professional tattoo artist. They will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and find the best solution for you.
Useful Video: Why do some black tattoos look blue or green?⚡CLIP from The Tat Chat (16)
Conclusion
If your tattoo is dark and you’re not sure why, don’t panic! There are a few possible explanations and solutions. First, check to see if the ink has been properly diluted – if it’s too concentrated, it will appear darker. Second, make sure you’re using the right aftercare products – some lotions and soaps can cause tattoo pigment to fade. Finally, give it time – newly-inked tattoos often go through a phase of darkness before they start to lighten up.
If you’re still concerned about your tattoo’s darkness, consult with your artist or dermatologist for more advice. Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://diyquickly.com/how-to-fix-a-tattoo-that-is-too-dark/
- https://www.tattoothrive.com/how-to-fix-a-dark-tattoo/
- https://www.quora.com/Will-a-new-tattoo-that-is-too-dark-become-lighter-and-clearer-I%E2%80%99ve-come-to-realize-that-the-tattoo-I-had-done-4-days-ago-is-too-dark-Is-there-something-the-tattoo-artist-can-do-to-make-the-owl-more-visible
- https://www.quora.com/My-tattoo-blend-is-too-dark-will-it-be-lighter-when-it-heals