Tattoo Blowout is pretty annoying. Sometimes they can not be prevented, but can be fixed easily. If you have a blowout or plan to have one, but are worried about the blowout, it is essential to understand that it’s better to avoid them.
Luckily, it is not a serious problem and does not harm your health. But what are the signs of a blowout? How to know if you have this issue?
In this guide, I will explain the common causes behind tattoo blowout, signs, fixing, and prevention. Also, unveil aftercare tips for tattoos at the end. So, keep on reading!
Table of Contents
What Is a Tattoo Blowout?
A blowout is when the tattoo seems blurry or smudged. Professionals are usually described as “blurry” or “fuzzy”. It looks like the tattoo is “bleeding” into your skin, and it is common for new tattoos.
The blowout occurs during or after the healing process. You can easily identify the blurring effect on the skin surface and around the tattoo design.
So, what causes Tattoo Blowout? Let’s find it!
What Causes Tattoo Blowout?
Understanding the cause of a blowout from a new tattoo is essential to avoid them from happening further and enhance your new fashion. Here are the common causes that create the blowout:
➊ The Needle Pushed Too Deep in the Skin
Mostly, Tattoo Blowout is caused due to inexperienced artists. The unsteady hands can lead to inconsistent needling depth. There are three upper layers in the skin. When the ink is placed on the top layer, the tattoo fades quickly. The top layer can not hold the ink for a long time.
When the ink is perfectly placed in the middle layer, it holds the ink for the longest period of time. But if it’s put in the deeper layer, it smudges. This layer contains fat, which acts like a liquid to spread the ink.
➋ The Needle Ran into the Skin at the Wrong Angle
Holding the tattoo machine and the needle reflects true artistry. Placing the needle at the correct angle allows for creating darker lines. If it is angled too much or closer to the skin, the ink spreads into the layers, causing Tattoo Blowout.
Note: Blowouts easily happen on thin or delicate skin, such as the wrist, ankle, toes, or fingers. Aging skin or skin trauma issues also have an increased chance of getting a blowout. |
Signs to Tell If It’s A Blowout
Now that you know the root causes of a blowout, it can still be confusing if you have a tattoo for the first time. No worries!
There are some early signs that will allow you to find out if you have a blowout and fix the tattoo as soon as possible. Let’s explore the 4 common signs of a Tattoo Blowout:
✦ Ink spread beyond the design absolutely indicates a blowout of the tattoo.
✦ Blurred spots or fuzzy lines rather than having a clear-cut edge.
✦ Bumpy skin or raised texture around your tattoo design refers to a blowout.
✦ If you notice a blue or green tint in the underneath tattooed skin, it is a sign of blowout.
3 Common Ways to Fix the Blowout
If you have experienced a Tattoo Blowout or the above signs indicate you might have experienced a blowout on your new design, do not panic! There are ways to fix the mess depending on the severity and sensitivity. Here they are:
✔ Laser Therapy

Laser is a popular and quite effective method to fix a blowout. It breaks down the smudged ink from the deeper layer and offers cleaner lines. It works perfectly, but it can be a little pricey. You may also need multiple sessions, depending on the blowout mess.
✔ Cover Up Tattoos

Cover-ups are a cost-effective solution to fix tattoo blowouts. You can find a more experienced tattooist with great client reviews and create a new design on top of the old design. This method works better on a smaller blowout area. If the original design has simple lines and has been done on a smaller area, you might be able to hide it easily.
✔ Surgical Removal

Surgical removal can be the last option if the situation is worse and the other methods are not working. In this method, the surgeon entirely removes the affected skin and stitches it back. Though it may leave a scar and take a long time to heal.
✅ It is always better to seek a professional with years of expertise and a good reputation. Be careful to plan before having a design and follow professional guidance. This way, you can minimise the risk of any Tattoo Blowout and cherish the new style for years. |
How to Prevent Tattoo Blowout?
Understanding all causes, signs, and fixing methods is essential. But, knowing its prevention is always better! Here are the prevention tricks which make sure you never have to face the blowout issue:
Selecting Appropriate Tattoo Area
Selecting the right area for the tattoo allows you to avoid any blowouts. The thin and delicate areas are more prone to blowout. I advise you to choose a thicker-skinned area to reduce the risk.
Fingers, wrists, feet, and facial areas are prone to the risk, while our arms, chest, thighs, and calves are some of the safest body areas to try tattooing.
Appointing an Expert Tattooist
Tattoo Blowout primarily happens on inexperienced or unprofessional hands. I highly suggest that you do proper research on your local tattoo artists who are good for more than just maintaining their aesthetics.
Appoint an experienced and professional tattooist who understands where and how deeply to place the tattoo ink. It will help you prevent any issues with tattoo pigment and blowout.
Also, following proper aftercare tips can help you prevent any Tattoo Blowout during the healing process. Follow the below aftercare tips every time you get a new tattoo:
Aftercare Tips to Maintain a Tattoo
- Once you have found a professional tattoo artist and gotten your perfect style, you should clean the area twice a day until properly healed.
- Be careful and try not to scratch the tattooed area. The best way to keep the area moisturised.
- Try not to pull or rub the skin, as this promotes spreading the ink beyond the tattoo lines and creates Tattoo Blowout.
Takeaways
There is never a 100% chance that you will not get a Tattoo Blowout. There are some causes that promote a blowout to a newly done tattoo. You need to understand the above-mentioned causes and possible signs to detect the blowout early and fix it as soon as possible.
Hope the above fixes can be helpful to you to restore the appearance of your skin texture and get you ready for the next tattoo. So, don’t forget to share your experience through the comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tattoo blowout risky?
Tattoo Blowout does not pose any health risk. It causes a blurry or smudged effect to the tattooed skin, impacting the tattoo’s clean appearance.
How long does the blowout sign take to appear?
The signs of a blowout appear within a few days of getting your new ink. It can show up during the healing process or even afterwards.
Does Tattoo Blowout go away on its own?
Unfortunately, no! The blowout needs to be fixed by following proper methods.