Healing & touch-ups

Why do tattoos fade, and how do I prevent it?

Sun, friction and ageing break ink down slowly. The best protection is sunscreen on healed tattoos, moisturising and not scrubbing them. Black and grey holds longest, light colours and white fade fastest.

Last checked 2026-10-14. General information, not medical advice — ask your artist or a doctor about your own case.

Read more: Tattoo healing stages: what is normal and when to worry