Apr 26, 2020

What is a tattoo blowout?

What is a tattoo blowout?

Those who hear the word "blowout" might think of an oil or gas leak. But in the tattoo world, it means something completely different, namely: "leaking ink." A better name could not have been given to this phenomenon, because if you have a blowout, the ink literally leaks out of your tattoo. Nine out of ten times, a blowout results in a faded, blurred, and uneven (read: messy) tattoo. So, prevent it!

What does a blowout look like?

Blowouts come in different forms and degrees. Sometimes a tattoo blowout is barely visible, and sometimes it's super obvious. Usually, a blowout turns your tattoo into a blotchy, blurry, and uneven 'stain.' The color sometimes spreads beyond the lines. Compare it to coloring a drawing, where you accidentally get too close to the lines. The ink then goes over the line, making the drawing no longer 'crisp.' With a tattoo blowout, essentially the same thing happens. In addition, colors can mix, turning bright Ferrari red with fresh apple green into an ugly brown color.

I have bruises around my tattoo. Do I have a blowout now?

No, don't worry. A bruise around your tattoo is common. The artist simply worked a bit rougher. Nothing to worry about otherwise.

Want to read more about the difference between a bruise and a blowout? Then read this blog!

What causes a tattoo blowout and how can it be prevented?

The cause is simple: it is always caused by improper use of the needle. For example: if an artist inserts the needle into deeper skin layers than necessary (or: the needle enters an area where the pressure and cell structure are different), then the color will "bleed." You then get color variations in the different skin layers that you don't want there. Usually, a blowout is immediately visible after the tattoo artist has inserted the needle into the wrong skin layer. But sometimes it takes a few weeks before it becomes visible.

The firmness of your connective tissue also plays a major role in the whole blowout story. If your connective tissue is less firm and the pigment of your skin does not adhere to the lines the artist draws, you also run the risk of a blowout.

What are the most common causes of a blowout?

As mentioned, the artist places the needle too deep in the skin or doesn't choose the correct insertion angle, causing the ink from the needle to flow into nearby tissue. This often happens with inexperienced tattoo artists. And for you as a client, it's also not pleasant, because an incorrectly placed needle hurts a lot. But honestly: in some parts of the skin, it's also difficult for experienced tattoo artists to avoid a blowout. So it's not always necessarily the artist's fault if you 'get' one.

Thin skin

If the skin is very thin, you can more easily get a blowout (this applies especially to certain body parts where the skin is thinner than normal). Think of: the back of the knee, the top of your hand, the crook of your arm, your wrists, ankles, fingers, toes, and the top of your foot. Also, in places with many veins, you are more likely to get a blowout. And again: with an experienced tattoo artist, you have a smaller chance of it, but you can never rule it out.

Overstretched skin

If the skin is stretched too much during tattooing, you increase the chance of a tattoo blowout. To ensure that the tattoo needle is placed in the correct spot on the skin, the skin is always stretched a tiny bit, creating a smooth surface. It is very normal for an artist to do that. But... if the skin is stretched too much or put under too much tension, especially in an area where the skin is already thin, it can happen that the puncture angle is no longer correct and then the color can 'bleed'.

What can I do to prevent a blowout?

As a partial (because you can't 100% prevent it) precaution, it's best to choose an experienced tattoo artist. And don't choose difficult-to-tattoo body parts. Furthermore, make sure the skin is not stretched too tightly during the session. But even with these tips, you cannot be 100% sure that nothing will go wrong. And if it does go wrong during tattooing, it is difficult to correct at that moment.

How can you fix a blowout on a tattoo?

A blowout doesn't have to completely ruin your tattoo. There are definitely solutions. By touching up your tattoo, the blowout will be much less noticeable. And a good tattoo artist can create a cover-up around the problem area, making the bled colors almost imperceptible. Of course, a blowout is a shame and you should try to prevent it, but is it the end of the world? No, not at all.

Also discover our other blogs about tattoo aftercare:

Questions about tattoo aftercare?
Feel free to check out our tattoo aftercare blogs at your leisure. Do you have questions or just want more information? Feel free to contact us.

📅 Original publication date: April 26, 2020

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