How Long Should You Wait Before Fixing a Bad Tattoo?

Bad tattoos are like bad dates: They happen, and sometimes all you can do is laugh, learn, and plan your next move forward. If you’re sick of looking at ink that didn’t turn out quite as you imagined, don’t stress. You’re not alone.

Unfortunately, not every tattoo is love at first sight. But with the right approach, an expert by your side, and a little patience, you can turn your regret into a masterpiece. At Solana Tattoo Company, we specialize in doing exactly this. Whether you’re looking for a Tattoo touch-up in Fort Collins or a complete tattoo cover-up, here’s everything you need to know.

When Can I Cover Up a Tattoo? 

We get it. When you’re unhappy with a tattoo, your instinct might be to fix it ASAP. But your skin needs some time to heal before any changes can be made. Here’s why you shouldn’t fix a bad tattoo too soon:

• Healing Takes Time: Tattoos typically take 4-6 weeks to heal fully (sometimes as long as 8 weeks), and unfortunately, there isn’t a shorter Bad Tattoo Healing Time. During this window, your skin is repairing itself. It needs time. You can’t rush it. 

• Risks of Rushing: Attempting a rework too soon can lead to scarring, uneven ink, or blowouts (where the ink spreads under the skin).

• Better Results: Waiting ensures your artist can work with a stable canvas, leading to cleaner, more precise outcomes. A partially healed tattoo can affect how the new ink sticks, resulting in uneven tones or patchy areas.

As the saying goes, waiting is the hardest part, but it's worth it. Rushing a fix can make things worse and lead to even more regret later. Let’s do this one right. 

What You Can Do Right Now (While You Wait)

While your tattoo is healing, here are some steps you can take to set yourself up for the best outcome:

1. Follow Proper Aftercare: Keep your tattoo moisturized, avoid picking at scabs, and protect it from direct sunlight. Healthy skin heals better (and covers up better). Here are some tattoo healing aftercare tips. 

2. Document Your Issues: Take clear pictures of your tattoo and jot down notes about what you want to change. This helps when talking to your artist.

3. Check Out Local Options: Explore styles, artists, and studios specializing in cover-ups or a tattoo fix in Fort Collins.

4. Book a Consultation: If your studio offers consultations, use them. Solana Tattoo Company always offers free consultations. We have lots of ideas (we do this all the time!) and are happy to discuss your options and create a plan for once your tattoo has healed. 

   
   

How to Know When You’re Ready to Fix a Bad Tattoo?

So, how do you know when to revisit your tattoo? Here are some signs that your skin is fully healed and ready:

• No more scabbing, itching, or peeling

• Redness and inflammation are completely gone

• The skin feels smooth and even to the touch

Remember, everyone heals differently. While 4-6 weeks is a general timeline, your body might need more or less time (some people heal in three weeks, while others can take two months). If you’re unsure, stop by the shop, and we’d be happy to assess your skin’s readiness. We accept walk-ins seven days a week. Click here for our address and contact info.

Before and After: Real Fixes That Take Time

We’ve seen it all, from minor tweaks to major transformations. Here are a few examples of tattoos we have polished up into something new. 

This client had a faded cross with angel wings, which she no longer aligned with. She wanted something that felt more “her,” so she chose a black bird with a witchy aesthetic. JD did this tattoo cover-up, and she left with a piece that finally felt like a true expression of herself.

Another client came in with lyrics from a song symbolizing a relationship, now a distant memory. She wanted something that represented her growth and resilience since her divorce. Sabrina created a stunning, traditional-style hummingbird surrounded by flowers, transforming the old tattoo into a celebration of moving forward.

This client had a poorly executed tattoo: the word "always" paired with some geometric work that didn’t heal well or meet their expectations. Sabrina worked her magic with a bold, traditional-style axe wrapped in delicate flowers. It's a striking transformation that turned a disappointment into something they could wear with pride.

If you’re exploring your options to “cover up a bad tattoo near me,” our talented artists will help you reclaim your skin.

FAQs

Can I cover up a tattoo after 2 weeks?

Not yet. Your skin is still healing; attempting a cover-up too early can lead to complications. Slow your roll and wait until it’s fully healed.

What happens if I try to fix my tattoo too early?

Fixing a tattoo too soon can cause scarring, ink blowouts, and uneven results. It’s better to wait until you are 100.

Will a touch-up hurt more?

Touch-ups can be uncomfortable, especially if the area is still sensitive. Still, most people find the discomfort manageable. Many don’t think a touch-up hurts more than the original tattoo, so there’s no need to worry. (We offer numbing cream and other options, if you prefer!)

How long do I have to wait before laser removal?

At Solana Tattoo Company, we don’t offer laser removal. The reason: Laser removal is often excruciating, expensive, and requires multiple sessions. A cover-up is a quicker, more cost-effective solution that allows you to replace a bad tattoo with something you’ll love for the rest of your life. For a tattoo correction in Fort Collins, it’s super important to pick an artist with experience making tattoos beautiful again (or you’ll be looking at yet another rework). Take your time to research studios and find a trusted professional. Good news: All of Solana’s artists are experienced in reworking tattoos. 

We Gotchoo

Bad tattoos happen, but they don’t have to happen forever. We’re here to make sure you love your ink – whether that means a touch-up of faded lines, or an entire cover-up to turn your piece into a brand-new design. Book a free consultation today and let’s turn your tattoo into something you’re thrilled to show off. If you’re needing a little tattoo regret help, you don’t have to solve the problem alone.