Not all tattoos are created equal. Some of them tend to fade away after some time a lot faster than others. That’s something you should keep in mind before you decide on getting some new ink.
Also, many factors come into play in terms of the longevity of a tattoo. So I’m about to share some helpful tips with you below.
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One of the most important aspects of getting a proper tattoo is using the right ink.
If the ink is of cheaper quality, it will most likely fade away much faster than the better quality ones. So, select a shop that uses quality stuff.
Another aspect to consider before getting a tattoo is the color.
I don’t know if I have to mention it, but color tattoos with lighter colors will most likely fade faster. After 13 years, this back tattoo is a bit of a mess and will need to get a touch-up.
You see, your tattoo color choice is crucial.
I got the outline of my first tattoo done in brown instead of black, and it has faded somewhat over time. But in my case, I don’t mind it so much. Just be prepared for the design to fade if you opt for light colors.
Sometimes, the ink isn’t the problem. Instead, it’s the way the artist did the tattoo in the first place.
Not every tattoo artist is skilled in pressing the ink needle correctly, and that can be evident once the tattoo starts to fade or “bleed” over time.
Heavy-handed tattoo jobs never turn out that great over time.
Just check out this example of such work. This one is ready for a touch-up, don’t you think? After only five years, this shouldn’t already be happening to this tattoo.
Another aspect to consider before getting a tattoo is the location.
Not all body parts are suitable for tattoos. Places like the hands and feet will fade away a lot faster than any other body parts. This finger tattoo faded away in only a week.
OMG, can you believe that? I had no idea a tattoo could even fade away after only a week.
That’s unbelievable to me. But unfortunately, finger tattoos can sometimes do that. So they’re not a good investment if you ask me.
Check out this palm tattoo. Didn’t it look so cute?
But what happened here? Why did it fade so bad? Well, we use our hands every day, and they tend to take a lot of impact. Therefore, they aren’t the best location for a tattoo.
You should keep your lifestyle in mind when choosing a good location for a tattoo.
If it’s in a spot where it will rub against clothing a lot or you have a very active lifestyle, it may end up with skin breaks like these. An ankle tattoo may do that, for example.
You may think that combining different tattooing techniques is all the rage but be warned.
Not all of those tattoos will stand the test of time. This single needle design with a stipple effect is not worth your while.
What was cool 14 years ago may not be so now.
This once purple skull tattoo has now turned into a black and white fade-out. I think it still looks pretty good, but it lost a bit of that purple vibe.
Another issue I need to discuss with you is the size of a tattoo you’re considering.
The smaller the tattoo, the less detail you can put into it. And thus, the less detail that will remain visible over time. Trust me on this one.
You can say the same about intricate writing.
If the letters are too close together, they will bleed into each other. And that’s not a good look if you ask me. Am I right? I mean, it will look like a mess a few years from now.
Watercolor tattoos can also be very tricky when it comes to fading issues.
The pigments used to create the watercolor effect are much lighter and more prone to fading. That’s something you should consider before you get this type of ink done on your body.
Here’s one person’s experience with a watercolor tattoo.
This Reddit user had her tattoo done by an apprentice, but the colors quickly faded after only a short time. Luckily, she was able to get the tattoo redone by a more experienced artist and the new version didn’t fade. But, it’s always important to do your research before getting a watercolor tattoo!
Another important aspect of getting a tattoo is the after-care.
If you don’t do your due diligence, you can undo even the best tattoo job ever. You absolutely must keep the tattoo away from the sun for at least three months after getting it.
When I got my first tattoo, I received an instruction sheet right after.
So I knew all the dos and don’ts of what I had to do to take care of it. I suggest you read it thoroughly and follow the directions.
There are things you can do to take care of your tattoo right after you get it.
And picking at your scabs isn’t one of them, ha, ha! Tattoo peeling and flaking is a natural part of the healing process. So leave it alone, please.
Avoid the temptation to put a specific cream on your tattoo to get rid of the itch when healing.
Not all products are suitable to use on fresh tattoos, and they can do more harm than good. Your artist can tell you what you can use.
You might also need to avoid getting the tattoo wet when it’s healing.
I remember I had to wrap my ankle so I could take a shower. It’s a necessary step to ensure that everything heals as it should. You don’t want to mess with that.
Some artists may want to prevent things like the peeling of a tattoo by overcompensating on the way they apply the pressure on the ink.
That’s a mistake, as the tattoo may damage the person’s deep layers of the skin.
Here’s another example of a tattoo that’s overworked in a few places.
If that ever happens to yours, you might need a touch-up or two once the tattoo fully heals. That’s why it’s so important to pick the right person for the job.
Speaking of touch-ups, if your tattoo does begin fading like the photo on the left, you may want to consider getting it touched up.
That’s what this person did, and I think it looks much better after they got this correction. Am I right?
I hope I’ve given you a few things to think about before you head out to get a tattoo.
If you decide to get one, make sure you take care of it well. Stay away from the sun and wear your SPF. Have you got a tattoo that faded over time?
