We also have some tips on how to keep your tattoo ink looking fresh and new for as long as possible. Of course, if you\u2019re worried about ink colors fading and changing over time, consider a temporary tattoo instead.<\/p>\n
Why Do Tattoos Turn Green: The Short Answer<\/h2>\n![\"Why](\"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Why-Do-Tattoos-Turn-Green-The-Short-Answer.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe ink of your tattoo doesn\u2019t change over time, but it is slightly absorbed and expelled by your body. Black ink is made up of a variety of pigments which are removed by your body at different speeds. Green and blue pigments are some of the last to be absorbed.<\/p>\n
So, as some of your black ink starts to fade away, fewer pigments show through. That\u2019s why very old tattoos turn green!<\/p>\n
By old, we mean really <\/em>old. It takes decades of time for old ink to turn green. Furthermore, many modern tattoo inks are designed to not fade or turn green like this at all.<\/p>\nTo learn more about how ink changes over time and what you can do to keep your tattoo looking fresh, keep reading our guide below.<\/p>\n
Also Read:\u00a0Tattoo Chemistry: What is Tattoo Ink Made From?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nTattoos Turn Green: The Long Answer<\/h2>\n![\"Tattoos](\"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Tattoos-Turn-Green-The-Long-Answer.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTo expand on our short answer, tattoos don\u2019t turn green \u2013 they already contained green to begin with. Tattoo ink is comprised of different pigments. To create different shades of black (yes, black isn\u2019t just one color) numerous pigments are blended.<\/p>\n
The specific pigments used depends on the brand and shade of black. How fast they fade depends on the placement and long-term tattoo care, as well as the quality and components of the ink.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s In Tattoo Ink?<\/h3>\n
Tattoo ink is made of a solid color pigment and a liquid \u2013 usually an alcohol or water. The solid pigments can be plastic, metal, or any other solid and colorful component that won\u2019t degrade over time.<\/p>\n
Usually, only black ink is prone to turning green with age, as the pigments are absorbed by your body. However, other bright colors can fade too. Although they won\u2019t turn green, loss of definition and fading are common problems.<\/p>\n
This is why quality is so important. You should always be inked with high-quality ink<\/a>, as the pigments are less likely to fade quickly, and you won\u2019t experience an infection. This can happen when you are inked with expired tattoo ink!<\/p>\nModern Tattoo Ink<\/h4>\n
We have learned from the past and improved the quality of the pigments in our tattoo inks over the years\u2026 but we aren\u2019t 100% sure that it has worked.<\/p>\n
As mentioned, it takes decades for tattoos to fade and turn green. So, while we hope that our modern ink will stay bright and not fade, we won\u2019t be completely confident until a few decades have passed, and we can see the evidence.<\/p>\n
How Tattoos Change Over Time<\/h3>\n
Tattoos naturally change over time as our bodies slowly draw out the ink pigments and dispose of them. This is actually how laser tattoo removal works \u2013 the laser breaks down the pigment so your body can draw out the ink and expel it.<\/p>\n
Bright colors can fade in a matter of years (see our tips below on keeping them bright and fresh) but most discoloration and fading takes decades. There are numerous factors that can impact how a tattoo fades, including:<\/p>\n
\n- Expose to UV light \u2013 this fades tattoos faster,<\/li>\n
- Your body\u2019s natural response to tattoo ink,<\/li>\n
- The quality of the ink pigments,<\/li>\n
- Damage to your skin, e.g., scars over the tattoo.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also Read:\u00a0Does Tattoo Ink Expire? Everything You Should Know<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPlacement Matters<\/h3>\n
When it comes to tattoos fading and turning green, placement<\/a> really matters. The place you put the tattoo on your body will play a huge role in determining how fast it will fade. Any spot that\u2019s regularly exposed to the sun, e.g., your hands, will fade much faster than a tattoo that\u2019s hidden away, e.g., on your inner thigh.<\/p>\nSome areas of your body will drain away from the ink faster, or regenerate new skin quicker. This accelerates the fading process. Tattoos inside your mouth or on your inner lips are a good example of this. They can fade in a matter of months. Usually, that\u2019s considered a bad thing, but it could be positive if you aren\u2019t sure you want your tattoo to be with you for the rest of your life!<\/p>\n
Another thing to consider is the natural aging process of your body. Some areas naturally sag and the skin wrinkles. It\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to us all. But if you want a really detailed tattoo on the back of your hand or on your neck, for example, it may distort over time as your skin changes.<\/p>\n
The same goes for any area that swell and shrinks as you lose and gain weight. This can really distort the tattoo design over time.<\/p>\n
Also Read:\u00a0Do Tattoos Fade Over Time (And How Can You Fight Tattoo Fading?)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nWorried About Faded Ink? Try Temporary Tattoos<\/h2>\n![\"Worried](\"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Worried-About-Faded-Ink-Try-Temporary-Tattoos.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019re reading this article before <\/em>you got your first ever permanent tattoo, then you may be worrying about how it will fade. Thanks to the innovation of modern ink, a new tattoo won\u2019t turn green quickly\u2026 but we aren\u2019t quite sure how long it will take to start fading.<\/p>\nSo, if that uncertainty doesn\u2019t sit well with you, then give temporary tattoos a try first.<\/p>\n
Temporary tattoos<\/a> can last anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the type and brand. They won\u2019t fade away like permanent tattoo ink will, but they will give you an idea of what it\u2019s like to wake up to the same ink design, day in and day out.<\/p>\n5 Tips to Keep Your Tattoo Ink Fresh<\/h2>\n![\"5](\"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/5-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Tattoo-Ink-Fresh.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Credit: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019ve got ink and you want to keep it looking bright for as long as possible, follow these 5 tips. On the other hand, if you\u2019ve got brand new ink, go talk to your tattoo artist first! They\u2019ll give you the proper aftercare procedures to follow.<\/p>\n
Only once your tattoo has fully healed should you apply other products.<\/p>\n
Apply Sun Protection<\/h3>\n
The higher the SPF, the better. UV rays from the sun will fade your tattoo quickly. Regardless of whether you live in a hot or cold climate, if your tattoo is regularly exposed to direct sunlight, you should take sun protection seriously.<\/p>\n
Apply Coconut Oil<\/h3>\n
Coconut oil is a really good moisturizer for tattoos. It can brighten and sharpen the colors, while locking in hydration. This prevents moisture loss through the day which is better for your skin and the ink.<\/p>\n
The ink of your tattoo doesn\u2019t change over time, but it is slightly absorbed and expelled by your body. Black ink is made up of a variety of pigments which are removed by your body at different speeds. Green and blue pigments are some of the last to be absorbed.<\/p>\n
So, as some of your black ink starts to fade away, fewer pigments show through. That\u2019s why very old tattoos turn green!<\/p>\n
By old, we mean really <\/em>old. It takes decades of time for old ink to turn green. Furthermore, many modern tattoo inks are designed to not fade or turn green like this at all.<\/p>\n To learn more about how ink changes over time and what you can do to keep your tattoo looking fresh, keep reading our guide below.<\/p>\n Also Read:\u00a0Tattoo Chemistry: What is Tattoo Ink Made From?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n To expand on our short answer, tattoos don\u2019t turn green \u2013 they already contained green to begin with. Tattoo ink is comprised of different pigments. To create different shades of black (yes, black isn\u2019t just one color) numerous pigments are blended.<\/p>\n The specific pigments used depends on the brand and shade of black. How fast they fade depends on the placement and long-term tattoo care, as well as the quality and components of the ink.<\/p>\n Tattoo ink is made of a solid color pigment and a liquid \u2013 usually an alcohol or water. The solid pigments can be plastic, metal, or any other solid and colorful component that won\u2019t degrade over time.<\/p>\n Usually, only black ink is prone to turning green with age, as the pigments are absorbed by your body. However, other bright colors can fade too. Although they won\u2019t turn green, loss of definition and fading are common problems.<\/p>\n This is why quality is so important. You should always be inked with high-quality ink<\/a>, as the pigments are less likely to fade quickly, and you won\u2019t experience an infection. This can happen when you are inked with expired tattoo ink!<\/p>\n We have learned from the past and improved the quality of the pigments in our tattoo inks over the years\u2026 but we aren\u2019t 100% sure that it has worked.<\/p>\n As mentioned, it takes decades for tattoos to fade and turn green. So, while we hope that our modern ink will stay bright and not fade, we won\u2019t be completely confident until a few decades have passed, and we can see the evidence.<\/p>\n Tattoos naturally change over time as our bodies slowly draw out the ink pigments and dispose of them. This is actually how laser tattoo removal works \u2013 the laser breaks down the pigment so your body can draw out the ink and expel it.<\/p>\n Bright colors can fade in a matter of years (see our tips below on keeping them bright and fresh) but most discoloration and fading takes decades. There are numerous factors that can impact how a tattoo fades, including:<\/p>\n Also Read:\u00a0Does Tattoo Ink Expire? Everything You Should Know<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n When it comes to tattoos fading and turning green, placement<\/a> really matters. The place you put the tattoo on your body will play a huge role in determining how fast it will fade. Any spot that\u2019s regularly exposed to the sun, e.g., your hands, will fade much faster than a tattoo that\u2019s hidden away, e.g., on your inner thigh.<\/p>\n Some areas of your body will drain away from the ink faster, or regenerate new skin quicker. This accelerates the fading process. Tattoos inside your mouth or on your inner lips are a good example of this. They can fade in a matter of months. Usually, that\u2019s considered a bad thing, but it could be positive if you aren\u2019t sure you want your tattoo to be with you for the rest of your life!<\/p>\n Another thing to consider is the natural aging process of your body. Some areas naturally sag and the skin wrinkles. It\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to us all. But if you want a really detailed tattoo on the back of your hand or on your neck, for example, it may distort over time as your skin changes.<\/p>\n The same goes for any area that swell and shrinks as you lose and gain weight. This can really distort the tattoo design over time.<\/p>\n Also Read:\u00a0Do Tattoos Fade Over Time (And How Can You Fight Tattoo Fading?)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you\u2019re reading this article before <\/em>you got your first ever permanent tattoo, then you may be worrying about how it will fade. Thanks to the innovation of modern ink, a new tattoo won\u2019t turn green quickly\u2026 but we aren\u2019t quite sure how long it will take to start fading.<\/p>\n So, if that uncertainty doesn\u2019t sit well with you, then give temporary tattoos a try first.<\/p>\n Temporary tattoos<\/a> can last anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the type and brand. They won\u2019t fade away like permanent tattoo ink will, but they will give you an idea of what it\u2019s like to wake up to the same ink design, day in and day out.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got ink and you want to keep it looking bright for as long as possible, follow these 5 tips. On the other hand, if you\u2019ve got brand new ink, go talk to your tattoo artist first! They\u2019ll give you the proper aftercare procedures to follow.<\/p>\n Only once your tattoo has fully healed should you apply other products.<\/p>\n The higher the SPF, the better. UV rays from the sun will fade your tattoo quickly. Regardless of whether you live in a hot or cold climate, if your tattoo is regularly exposed to direct sunlight, you should take sun protection seriously.<\/p>\n Coconut oil is a really good moisturizer for tattoos. It can brighten and sharpen the colors, while locking in hydration. This prevents moisture loss through the day which is better for your skin and the ink.<\/p>\nTattoos Turn Green: The Long Answer<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s In Tattoo Ink?<\/h3>\n
Modern Tattoo Ink<\/h4>\n
How Tattoos Change Over Time<\/h3>\n
\n
Placement Matters<\/h3>\n
Worried About Faded Ink? Try Temporary Tattoos<\/h2>\n
5 Tips to Keep Your Tattoo Ink Fresh<\/h2>\n
Apply Sun Protection<\/h3>\n
Apply Coconut Oil<\/h3>\n