Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more people opting to get inked as a form of self-expression. However, if you have ever gotten a tattoo or seen someone with one, you may have noticed that the ink tends to appear bluish in colour. This phenomenon can occur in both brand new tattoos and old ones, and has puzzled many tattoo enthusiasts.
So why do tattoos look bluish in colour?
The answer lies in the way tattoo ink is designed and how it interacts with the body’s natural processes.
In this blog, we will explore the science behind this intriguing phenomenon, and delve into the reasons why tattoos can appear bluish, both in the immediate aftermath of getting inked, and over time as the tattoo ages.
Whether you are a seasoned tattoo veteran or simply curious about this fascinating topic, read on to discover the secrets behind why tattoos look bluish in colour.
Reasons Why New Tattoos Turn Blue
Cheap Tattoo Ink
When getting a new tattoo, it is important to choose a reputable and skilled tattoo artist who uses high-quality ink. However, in some cases, individuals may opt for a cheaper tattoo artist who uses low-quality ink, which can result in the tattoo appearing bluish in colour.
The main reason for this phenomenon is the use of low-quality ink that contains a higher concentration of certain pigments, particularly blue and green. When the ink is injected into the skin, the persons body sends white blood cells to the spot to remove the foreign substance. Over time, these white blood cells break down the ink particles, causing them to disperse and fade.
In the case of cheap tattoo ink that contains a high concentration of blue pigments, the body’s immune response may be particularly strong, as blue pigments are more difficult for the body to break down compared to other colors. As a result, the blue ink may remain more visible and pronounced, giving the tattoo a bluish tint.
It is important to note that not all cheap tattoo ink will result in a bluish tattoo, and not all bluish tattoos are the result of low-quality ink. Other factors, such as the thickness and depth of the needle used during the tattooing process, can also contribute to the final appearance of the tattoo.
Sun Exposure
Exposing a new tattoo to the sun is never recommended, as it can cause damage to the skin and alter the appearance of the tattoo. One potential side effect of sun exposure on a new tattoo is that it may turn bluish in colour.
The reason for this is due to the way that sunlight interacts with the skin and the tattoo ink. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can penetrate the skin and cause damage to the cells. When a new tattoo is exposed to sunlight, the UV rays can break down the ink particles in the skin, causing the tattoo to fade and lose its vibrancy. This is especially true for tattoos that are still healing, as the skin is more vulnerable and susceptible to damage during this time.
In addition, the blue pigment used in some tattoo inks is more prone to fading and changing colour when exposed to sunlight. This is because blue pigments absorb more light than other colours, and the UV rays in sunlight can cause the pigments to break down more quickly. As a result, a new tattoo that contains blue ink may appear bluish in colour after being exposed to sunlight.
To prevent a new tattoo from turning blue or fading due to sun exposure, it is important to keep the tattoo covered and protected from sunlight during the healing process. This can be done by wearing clothing that covers the tattoo, or by applying a high-quality sunscreen to the area if it cannot be covered. Once the tattoo has fully healed, it is still important to protect it from excessive sun exposure to maintain its vibrancy and prevent fading.
Bad Aftercare Used
Aftercare is a crucial part of the tattooing process that helps ensure proper healing and maintain the vibrancy of the tattoo. However, if the wrong aftercare products are used, or if negative ingredients are rubbed into the tattoo, it can cause the tattoo to turn blue in colour.
One reason for this is that some aftercare products may contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that can damage the skin and alter the appearance of the tattoo. For example, using products that contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach can cause the ink to break down and fade, which can result in a bluish tint to the tattoo.
One reason for this is that some aftercare products may contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients that can damage the skin and alter the appearance of the tattoo. For example, using products that contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach can cause the ink to break down and fade, which can result in a bluish tint to the tattoo.
In addition, some people may use home remedies or negative ingredients to treat their tattoo, such as applying toothpaste, baking soda, or lemon juice to the area. These ingredients can be abrasive or acidic, and can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to scarring and changes in the colour of the tattoo. This can also result in the tattoo appearing bluish in colour.
It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the tattoo artist, and to use only high-quality aftercare products that are designed specifically for tattoos. These products should be free of harsh chemicals and abrasive ingredients, and should help promote healing and protect the tattoo from damage.
In conclusion, using bad aftercare or rubbing negative ingredients into a new tattoo can cause the ink to break down and alter the appearance of the tattoo, resulting in a bluish tint. To ensure proper healing and maintain the vibrancy of the tattoo, it is important to use only high-quality aftercare products and follow the aftercare instructions provided by the tattoo artist.
Infection
Getting a new tattoo requires breaking the skin barrier, which increases the risk of infection if proper hygiene and aftercare practices are not followed. If a tattoo becomes infected, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, swelling, and pain, and can also alter the appearance of the tattoo, causing it to turn bluish in colour.
One reason for this is that when the skin is infected, the body’s immune system reacts by releasing white blood cells to the spot to fight the infection. These white blood cells release enzymes that break down the ink particles in the skin, causing the tattoo to fade and lose its vibrancy. In some cases, the blue pigment in the tattoo ink may be more susceptible to breaking down, leading to a bluish tint to the tattoo.
In addition, infection can cause scarring and changes in the texture of the skin, which can also affect the appearance of the tattoo. Scarring can cause the skin to become raised or uneven, and can make the ink appear bluish or distorted. Changes in the texture of the skin can also cause the tattoo to become blurry or smudged, which can contribute to the bluish appearance.
To prevent infection and ensure proper healing of a new tattoo, it is important to follow good hygiene practices and to take care of the tattoo as instructed by the tattoo artist. This may include keeping the tattoo clean and dry, avoiding tight clothing that can rub against the tattoo, and using only high-quality aftercare products. If an infection does occur, seeking prompt medical attention and following the prescribed treatment plan can help minimize the risk of damage to the tattoo.
Reasons For Old Tattoos Turning Blue
Time Gone By (Fading)
Over time, tattoos can fade and lose their vibrancy, resulting in a bluish appearance. This is because the ink particles in the skin break down and disperse as the skin ages, causing the tattoo to lose its sharpness and clarity.
One reason for this is that the body’s immune system continues to work to remove the foreign ink particles from the skin, even after the initial healing process is complete. Over time, the white blood cells that are sent to the area break down the ink particles, causing them to disperse and fade. This process can be accelerated by sun exposure, which can cause the skin to age more quickly and make the ink particles break down more rapidly.
In addition, the type of ink used in the tattoo can also affect how it fades over time. Some inks are more prone to fading or changing color than others, depending on the type of pigment used and the manufacturing process. Blue ink, for example, is known to be more susceptible to fading and turning bluish in appearance over time.
To prevent tattoos from turning blue or losing their vibrancy over time, it is important to protect them from excessive sun exposure, and to use high-quality aftercare products to promote proper healing and maintain the integrity of the skin. It may also be necessary to have the tattoo touched up or re-inked periodically to maintain its original appearance.
Sun check
Sun exposure is a major factor that can contribute to the fading and discoloration of tattoos over time. This is because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate the skin and break down the ink particles in the tattoo, causing them to disperse and fade.
Over time, sun exposure can cause the skin to age and become less elastic, which can make the ink particles in the tattoo more susceptible to breaking down and fading. Blue ink, in particular, is known to be more sensitive to UV rays and can turn bluish in colour as a result of sun exposure.
In addition, the location of the tattoo can also affect how it fades over time. Tattoos that are located in areas that are more exposed to the sun, such as the arms, legs, and back, may be more susceptible to fading and discoloration than tattoos located in more protected areas, such as the chest or stomach.
To prevent tattoos from turning blue or losing their vibrancy due to sun exposure, it is important to protect them from UV rays by wearing clothing that covers the tattoo, or by applying a high-quality sunscreen to the area when exposed to the sun. It is also recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
What Can You Do To Fix A New Tattoo That Has Turned Blue
Avoid Sun and Check Aftercare Brand You Are Using
If a brand new tattoo has turned blue due to sun exposure or the use of improper aftercare products, there are steps that can be taken to correct the issue and restore the vibrancy of the tattoo.
1. The first step is to avoid further sun exposure to the affected area. This can be done by covering the tattoo with clothing or applying a high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF factor to the area when exposed to the sun. This will prevent further damage to the tattoo and give it time to heal.
2. The second step is to check the aftercare products that are being used to ensure they are high-quality and free of harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients. Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aftercare product designed specifically for tattoos can help promote healing and prevent further damage to the tattoo.
Check With Tattoo Artist If Infected
If a new tattoo has turned blue due to infection, it is important to seek prompt medical attention to treat the infection and prevent further damage to the tattoo. Depending on the severity of the infection, this may involve the use of antibiotics or other medications to clear the infection and promote healing.
Once the infection has been treated and the tattoo has fully healed, it may be necessary to seek the assistance of a professional tattoo artist to correct any discoloration or fading that has occurred as a result of the infection. This may involve touch-ups or re-inking the affected area to restore the vibrancy and integrity of the tattoo.
It is important to choose a reputable and experienced tattoo artist who uses high-quality ink and can provide expert advice on how to correct the issue. They may recommend a specific colour or technique to help correct the bluish appearance of the tattoo and restore its original colour and vibrancy.
In addition, it is important to follow proper aftercare practices to prevent further infections or damage to the tattoo. This may involve using gentle, fragrance-free aftercare products and avoiding exposure to sunlight and other harsh environmental factors that can cause further damage or fading.
What To Do To Fix A Old Tattoo That Has Faded
Get Your Tattoo Touched Up
If an old tattoo has turned blue in colour due to fading or other factors, it is possible to fix it by going back to a reputable tattoo artist or parlour to get it touched up.
The tattoo artist can assess the tattoo and determine the best course of action to restore the vibrancy and integrity of the tattoo. This may involve re-inking the affected area or using specialized techniques to correct any discoloration or fading that has occurred.
Before getting the tattoo touched up, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with the tattoo artist and to provide them with as much information as possible about the history of the tattoo, including when and where it was originally inked, the type of ink used, and any previous touch-ups or modifications.
During the touch-up process, the tattoo artist will carefully match the colour and shading of the surrounding area to ensure that the repaired area blends in seamlessly with the rest of the tattoo. They may also use specialized techniques, such as colour blending or shadowing, to correct any discoloration or fading that has occurred.
After the touch-up is complete, it is important to follow proper aftercare practices to promote healing and prevent further damage or fading. This may involve using gentle, fragrance-free aftercare products and avoiding exposure to sunlight and other harsh environmental factors that can cause further damage or fading.
In conclusion, to fix an old tattoo that has turned blue in color, it is important to go back to a reputable tattoo artist or parlour to get it touched up. The tattoo artist can use specialized techniques to correct any discoloration or fading that has occurred and restore the vibrancy and integrity of the tattoo. It is important to follow proper aftercare practices to promote healing and prevent further damage or fading.