How to Cover Dark Tattoos: Best Ideas and Tips

Tattoos are undoubtedly the best way to enhance your looks or flaunt your unique style. However, as you continue adding more artwork to your body, older tattoo designs may start to feel out of sync with the newer ones. Of course, your body art collection should be more cohesive and the best way to upgrade the older ones is tattoo cover up. But the thing is not everybody is ready for a cover up. So, if your older tattoos are also become unappealing and you want to give them new charm, then this post is for you. Here, we have outlined some of the best ideas and tips to cover dark tattoos. So, without any further ado, let’s get started…

Before we delve into the best ideas and tips of cover up tattoos, let’s first understand the basics of dark tattoos. Here we go…

What are Dark Tattoos?

Dark tattoos, as the name says, are the ones that are created using deep, intense ink shades, such as black, dark blue, deep green, maroon or dark brown. These tattoos are eye-catching designs that stand out for their bold appearance and strong contrast against the skin. The best thing about these tattoos is this that they are long-lasting visibility as they include darker shades. More often than not, these designs include tribal patterns, realistic tattoos, blackwork, portraits and heavy linework designs. These patterns are ideal for giving any design depth and definition. Undoubtedly, they deliver a striking visual impact and tend to resist fading, but older dark tattoos often struggle to blend seamlessly with newer body art. In such a situation, tattoo cover-up comes in handy.

But the question is – can all dark tattoos be covered?

Read ahead to know….

Can All Dark Tattoos be Covered? 

Dark tattoos can be more challenging to cover, modify or remove because of their high pigment concentration. However, an experienced tattoo artist can help cover up a dark tattoo and create a cohesive body art. Professional tattoo artist in cover up dark tattoos either uses the current tattoo as a base layer for the new one or first fade the tattoo with lasers to make “negative space” for the new design. 

Why Do People Choose to Get Dark Tattoo Cover Ups or Cover Tattoos?

There are several reasons people opt for a cover up tattoo designs, such as:

• Have an unappealing tattoo pattern
• No longer like the design
• The tattoo has faded or blown out with age
• The tattoo pattern looks mundane
• Preferences and tastes have changed 
• The older tattoo pattern doesn’t match with the new body art
• The tattoo represents beliefs that the wearer no longer holds
• The design reminds the wearer of someone with whom he/she no longer has a connection
• The size of the design is too small or not appropriate 
• The tattoo has flaws, or the design has distorted with age 

People choose to cover dark tattoos because of 

• Cultural reasons, family conditions 
• Interviews and events, and so on

Whatever the reason, the good news is you can get rid of the design with a cover up. However, it is crucial to choose a highly expert tattoo artist who is experienced in tattoo cover ups. A talented tattoo artist can help you get a dark tattoo cover up you’ll be happy with. An expert can utilize the already existing tattoo design as a base to create an absolutely stunning tattoo pattern.  

How is Dark Tattoo Cover Up Done?

Well, cover up may appear like applying some ink on the already existing tattoo design to create the new one. No, that’s not how it happens. Tattoo cover up is more like Photoshop where the expert artist uses the old tattoo as a base layer for the new design. They choose the right color schemes, shades and details to create a cohesive pattern. These designs are meant to integrate seamlessly into the older pattern so well that the new one looks absolutely fresh and charming. 

Factor to Consider Before a Cover Up Tattoo

Primarily, tattoo artists see the size of the tattoo, how saturated the design is, the details in the design, the size of the area you want to cover and how flexible you are about the outcome to determine whether or not a cover up is possible.

More often than not, tattoo artists prefer working with the existing tattoo as a foundation for the new design. However, if creating a new pattern over already existing one seems impossible, then artist recommend fading the design with laser removal. Doing so lightens the design and creates more negative space for etching a new pattern. 

How Much it Takes to Get Successful Outcomes of a Cover Up Tattoo?

The outcome of a dark tattoo cover up mostly depends on the talent of the tattoo artist. Therefore, it is crucial to find a professional tattoo artist who is experienced in dark tattoo cover ups for the best outcomes. A talented tattoo artist can help you get the desired cover up results effortlessly. When choosing a tattoo artist, make sure to visit their portfolio or ask for examples of cover up work they’ve done in the past. An experienced cover up tattoo artist will first evaluate your current tattoo to determine whether a cover up is possible or not. The factors they often consider, include: 

• Color: Darkness, saturation, pigment, etc.
• Age: How old is your tattoo design.
• Tattoo Appearance: The appearance of a tattoo changes over time and a faded tattoo can be an advantageous situation.
• Detailing: How intricate the design is. 
• Set Preference: How flexible you are about the outcome. 

After they evaluate all these factors, they determine the right course of action for cover dark tattoo process so as to ensure the best outcomes. 

This is the situation, when you wish to get rid of a dark tattoo with a cover up tattoo design. There are people who do not want to undergo the same pain to cover their dark tattoos. Moreover, sometimes even experts are unable to create a cover up tattoo. So, what shall you do in such a situation? 

Read ahead for the tips…

6 Best Ideas & Tips to Cover Dark Tattoo 

Temporary Solutions (When a Cover Up Tattoo is not Possible or is not Required)

If you’re unable to cover up your current tattoo with a new pattern, then here are some of the best tips and tricks to conceal your design. Take a look…

TIP NO. 1: Cover Your Tattoo with Makeup 

Temporary, ye highly effective method to cover your tattoo instantly! This trick is ideal for events and daily use. The best thing about this procedure is that it is a non-invasive method to cover dark tattoos. All you have to make sure of is to use high-quality makeup products to conceal your design. Here are the steps; 

Step 1: Wash the area with mild soap and let it dry.

Step 2: Apply a lightweight, oil-free primer

Step 3: Now, color correct the darkness using a color corrector

Step 4: Apply full-coverage foundation or concealer that matches your skin tone. You can blend it using a beauty blender for the best results.

Step 5: Lock the makeup using translucent or skin-tone setting powder. 

Step 6: Seal the whole thing with setting spray

Pro Tip: For darker tattoos (black and blue), use peach or orange corrector and for green tattoos, use red corrector and for purple design, use yellow corrector

TIP NO. 2: Cover Dark Tattoo Design with Clothing 

If following tip no.1., seems taxing or impossible, then cover up your dark tattoo with nice, graceful and stylish clothing. Yes, opt for high coverage fashion options, such as:

• Long sleeve shirts and sheer overlays for hand or arm dark tattoos
• High-neck dresses and mock collars for neck or near the ear tattoos
• Full-length gloves for wrist or arm tattoos
• Stockings for leg and calf dark tattoos

TIP NO. 3: Covering Up with Ornaments

Here is another best idea to cover dark tattoos. Yes, you can use ornaments to cover some of your tattoo designs, such as:

• Put on bracelets and bangles for wrist tattoos
• Wear rings for finger tattoos
• Consider anklets for thin ankle tattoos and long boots for large designs
• Armbands for arm tattoo in dark pattern

TIP NO. 4: Professional Airbrush Tattoo Coverage 

Professional airbrush tattoo coverage is yet another method to cover a dark tattoo design. This one is the most advanced solution, but is again temporary for dark tattoos. This technique allows wearers to conceal their dark tattoos for a longer duration and without the makeup getting cakey or washed with sweat. 

This solution is ideal for wedding ceremonies, film shoots, pre-bridal shoots, fashion shows and so on. Airbrush coverage create ultra-thin layers (nearly invisible), is camera-friendly, sweat-resistant and leaves no cakey texture. Moreover, it lasts for over 24 hours in a row, making it perfect for important occasions and events. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Get it done by a trained makeup artist as they can cover even the darkest black tattoos flawlessly with airbrush techniques.

Permanent Solutions

Here are some permanent techniques for those who eager to get rid of their unappealing or outdated design forever. Take a look…

TIP NO. 5: Tattoo Cover-Up with New Tattoo 

If you’re looking for a permanent transformation then a tattoo cover-up is the best option. As said earlier, it is done using new ink on the already existing tattoo design. To ensure the best cover-up tattoo design, it is crucial to find a skilled tattoo artist who is expert in covering darker pigments, larger designs and is experienced in strategic shading and texture. An expert tattoo artist can help you completely mask the old dark tattoo with a stunning body art work.

Some of the best Cover-Up tattoo designs include:

• Floral designs (roses, lotuses, peonies)
• Mandalas and geometric art
• Japanese work (koi, dragons, waves)
• Blackwork and tribal patterns 
• Realistic portraits

Cover-up tattoos are the best option if your existing tattoo feels outdated, if it is poorly executed or if it no more serves the purpose. 

TIP NO. 6: Laser Removal or Lightening  

If your artist is unable to cover up your current tattoo design, then consider laser removal or lightening. Sometimes, dark tattoos are too dense for a cover-up pattern. In such a situation, laser lightening or removal comes in handy. More often than not, experience cover up tattoo artists recommend laser tattoo fading before the new tattoo. This technique breaks down heavy pigment, lightens dark blacks and blues, reduces need for oversized cover-up designs and make plenty of space for new tattoo designs. 

Usually, 2–5 laser sessions are required to fade an existing tattoo design and do a successful cover-up. However, it is crucial to follow best tips to get the best outcomes, which include: 

• Go to a certified laser and skin specialist to fade your tattoo
• Avoid sun exposure before and after the treatment
• Religiously follow aftercare regime 
• Make sure to wait 6–8 weeks after the last laser session before a cover-up tattoo 

Tattoos to Cover Easily 

Tattoos etched on 

• Chest
• Calves
• Thighs
• Upper back

Are all easy to conceal with permanent methods.

Hardest Tattoos to Cover 

Tattoos etched on 

• Ankles
• Fingers
• Knuckles
• Neck
• Inner wrists

Are hard to cover as thin skin on these areas make them hard to conceal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Covering Dark Tattoos with Makeup

• Skipping color correction
• Using light coverage foundation
• Rubbing instead of tapping
• Applying thick single layers
• Avoiding sealing spray
• Using skin products that do not match perfectly
• Not testing before application 

Avoid these mistakes to get the best outcomes and conceal your tattoo as if it was never there!  

Aftercare Tips for Tattoo Cover Up 

Tattoo cover ups are similar to tattoo design. Hence, you will have to take care of your cover up just like you did when you got your tattoo in the first place. Here are some tips that you need to follow to have a vibrant tattoo cover-up; take a look… 

• Keep your newly tattooed area clean
• Keep the area moisturised 
• Avoid sun exposure for a few weeks
• Drink plenty of water and eat balanced diet
• Avoid indulging in strenuous exercises or workouts
• Avoid long baths and water sports
• Use tattoo-friendly ointments and gels to moisturize your skin
• Avoid harsh scrubbing
• In case of any infection or problem, visit your artist or skin specialist

Temporary vs. Permanent Tattoo Covering: Which Is Right for You?

The choice of tattoo covering solution totally depends on your personal goals, lifestyle, preferences and final outcomes. Say if you are already carrying an outdated or emotionally draining tattoo design, then it becomes crucial to get rid of it permanently with a tattoo cover up. But then sometimes tattoo cover ups are not possible for some people. In such cases, they are advised to conceal their tattoo with makeup, clothing, accessories or airbrush makeup. 

For instance, you like tattoo design but you have an interview or attend an event where tattoos are not encouraged. In such a situation, you are advised to opt for a makeup or Airbrush technique to conceal the design. However, if the tattoo is outdated, unappealing or emotionally draining, then a cover up with laser lightening is your only solution. So, it all boils down to your personal goals and lifestyle whether to cover it permanently or opt for temporary solutions.

The Bottom Line 

So, this is all about the best ideas and tips to cover dark tattoos. Hopefully, this article has been informative for you and helped you learn useful tattoo cover up tips and techniques. Covering a dark tattoo is easy and possible than ever. All it requires is the right technique for the right purpose. Whether you choose makeup for a temporary transformation or laser for lightening or a bold new cover-up tattoo for a fresh start, each method is easy to implement and offers desirable results. So, choose the one that fits your requirements the best. All you have to make sure of is that you are using high-quality makeup products to conceal your dark tattoo temporarily and if you opt for a tattoo cover-up than do get it done by highly skilled and experienced tattoo artist for the best outcomes. Happy Tattooing… 😊 😊 

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