What is a Tattoo "Holiday"? A Guide to Missed Spots

You've made it through the main tattoo healing stages. The peeling has subsided, and you're admiring your new art. As you look closely, however, you notice a tiny spot in a solid black area that looks a little light, or a small patch in a color field that isn't fully saturated.

This frustrating little imperfection is known in the tattoo world as a "holiday." It's a spot that the ink didn't fully take to, leaving a tiny void in the design. It can leave you wondering, "is my tattoo healing properly?"

The good news is that a holiday is a very common and an extremely easy issue to fix. This is your guide to understanding what a tattoo holiday is, why it happens, and the simple solution to make your tattoo flawless.

What is a Tattoo Holiday and Why Does It Happen?

A holiday is simply a small spot where the ink pigment did not get successfully locked into the dermis. It's not a sign of a bad heal; it's an issue with the initial application of the ink. This can happen for several reasons:

• The Skin is a Complex Canvas: Some tiny spots on your skin can be tougher or have a slightly different texture, making them resistant to accepting ink on the first pass.

• Movement: Even a tiny, involuntary flinch from the client at the wrong moment can cause the artist's needle to miss a small spot.

• Difficult Placements: Areas with very thin or very thick skin can be technically challenging to saturate perfectly.

It is a normal part of the tattooing process and not necessarily a sign of a bad artist. Even the best tattoo artists in the world have to deal with the occasional holiday.

The Solution: A Simple and Quick Touch-Up

The only way to fix a tattoo holiday is to put more ink in the spot. This is done with a quick follow-up session called a touch-up.

1. Wait Until It's Fully Healed: This is the most important rule. You cannot get a touch-up until the tattoo is 100% fully healed and settled. This means waiting a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks after your initial session. Your artist needs a stable, healthy canvas to work on.

2. Contact Your Artist: Politely reach out to your artist and send them a clear photo of the "holiday." Any professional artist wants their work to look perfect and will be happy to schedule a quick touch-up. These sessions are usually very fast, often taking just a few minutes.

3. Heal it Perfectly: A touch-up is a new tattoo on that spot, and your tattoo aftercare for this small area is just as critical as the first time. You must go through the healing process again to ensure the new ink locks in. Our No Pain Tattoo Aftercare Bundle provides the essential tools like our Cleansing Foam and Aftercare Balm to ensure the fix heals perfectly.

The Verdict: A "holiday" is a small, common imperfection that is easily corrected. It's not a sign of a ruined tattoo. With a patient wait and a quick visit back to your artist, you can easily fix these minor flaws and ensure your tattoo is the solid, vibrant, and flawless piece of art you envisioned.