As a tattoo enthusiast, I know that not every ink is created equal. One thing you need to keep in mind before you get tattooed is the fact that your tattoo can fade over time.
I wanted to show you clear examples of how some tattoos have aged. Once you see these, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect.
This Poor Bird
Here’s an example of a badly done tattoo. Whoever did this didn’t put the ink deep enough. Therefore a tattoo like this is more likely to fade over a period of time. It’s pretty much imperative to find a skilled professional.
This Aged Gecko
Another reason for a tattoo to fade is when the artist pushes the needle too hard. It is the opposite of the first tattoo I showed you. When this happens, the tattoo can bleed and look poorly over time.
This Lightsaber
Any good tattoo artist should warn their client about a particular placement of a piece. It’s never a good idea to tattoo your fingers. Think about it, you wash your hands often, and this can lead to major fading issues.
This Faded Key
A lot of people expect their tattoos to look exactly like they did when they first had it done. But that’s pretty unlikely unless you have super skin. Chances are, your tattoo will end up looking more like this after some time.
This 17-Year-Old Gem
Believe it or not, this tattoo is 17-years-old. I guess for that age, it still looks okay. But I can definitely see the difference the time has made here. It’s not as bright or bold as it used to be.
This Dark Mess
This young lady thought her cover-up tattoo was an innovative design. Needless to say, she was wrong. Based on how it aged, she should have stuck to something simpler. I guess you live, you learn. Am I right?
This Miserable Sun
I’ve always wanted to get a tattoo on my foot but apparently, it isn’t the best placement. I guess your feet do take a beating. This foot tattoo here is barely recognizable, and that’s a real shame. Isn’t it?
This Colorful Mess
It can be fun to get a colorful tattoo — I’ll admit that. But you have to consider the fading aspect. In this case, the tattoo definitely didn’t make it after 13 years. I guess it’s time for a cover-up.
This Word Jumble
No, this picture isn’t blurry — that’s the actual tattoo here. Perhaps if you’re a wordsmith and can read what it says. If not, it’s supposed to say, “Live Rationally, Love Passionately.” Oh, yes, right. I wouldn’t have guessed that.
This Underwhelming Diamond
They say a diamond is forever, but not in this case. I definitely wouldn’t want to show this off anytime soon, hee-hee. I think this girl has to pick another best friend. What’s your take on this faded tattoo here?
These Poor Monkeys
It really goes to show you that not every ink color is created equal. A light yellow tint might’ve sounded good for these monkeys, but now they look so sad and faded. A good tattoo artist should have explained that to their client.
This Watercolor Fade Job
This is such a cool watercolor tattoo idea here. However, watercolor tattoos are very tricky to maintain. Pretty much no matter what you do, the tattoo can fade significantly over time. So you need to keep that in mind before you get one.
These 10-Year-Old Designs.
Here’s another example of tattoos that used orange and yellow inks but didn’t end up standing the test of time. While they aren’t as badly faded as some of the other designs on this list, they definitely need a touch-up soon!
Wow, I thought I have seen my share of faded tattoos, but these are something else, huh?
It definitely goes to show you that getting a tattoo isn’t for the faint of heart. You need to pick a good design, the right placement, and get a real professional to do it in order for it to stand the test of time.
Last Updated on June 16, 2021 by Kasia Galifi