Finger tattoos are delicate and elegant and act as a trendy replacement for rings, it’s no wonder finger tattoos are what everyone’s talking about. Celebrities all over the globe are getting new finger tattoos, leaving the general population inspired to do the same. With iridescent finger tattoos all over TikTok, we will discuss the secrets that aren’t discussed. How long do finger tattoos last? Do they fade? What can I do to take better care of my finger tattoos?
How long do finger tattoos last generally?
"How long do inner finger tattoos last?" is a frequently asked question in the world of tattoo artistry and among enthusiasts. The unfortunate truth, though, is that inner and outer finger tattoos are notoriously known for their inability to stay forever. In fact, on average, they will only last for 6 months to a year at most!
This shorter lifespan is owed to the unique daily wear and tear our hands undergo compared to anywhere else on the body.
Now, what exactly are the factors contributing to the shorter lifespan of finger tattoos? They are typically the usual elements our hands encounter daily: friction, water exposure, sunlight, sweat, and a variety of textures our hands deal with. Just think about your daily activities: texting on the keyboard, grabbing the steering wheel, washing dishes, or even just the simple act of washing your hands multiple times a day. All these activities contribute to the gradual fading of the tattoo.
Why do finger tattoos fade?
Sunlight, the things you touch, even the weather - they can all leave their mark on your tattoo, causing it to fade.
Speaking of weather, did you know that even the cold can affect your tattoo? In the winter, your hands can get rough and prone to dryness. When your skin is dry, it can make your finger tattoo fade faster than you'd like. So if you see your finger tattoo faded after a week, it might be because of the cold weather and dry skin.
But it's not just what's going on outside that affects your tattoo. In addition to external factors, the skin on the hands sheds and regenerates faster than in any other part of the body. It's always growing new skin cells and shedding the old ones. And this happens fairly quickly on your fingers. So as your skin is shedding, some of your tattoos might be shedding along with it.
How long do finger tattoos last if I take good care of the tattoo?
If you take good care of your tattoo, you can avoid seeing your finger tattoo faded after a week. Expect it to fade less and be around for a little while longer. There are certain practices that you can put into place to make your finger tattoo last longer. Here are a few tips to keep it looking bright and clear for longer:
- Take good care of your tattoo - Aftercare of your tattoo is extremely important to make it last longer. You can take certain precautions to make sure that your tattoo is properly cleaned and moisturised. If you use the right tattoo cream, it can help your tattoo heal properly and not fade too quickly. We have written a blog about this, check it out here.
- Don’t get an overcomplicated design - Avoid getting complex and detailed designs as these will be prone to fading and blurring.
- Keep your skin hydrated - By keeping your skin hydrated from the inside and the outside, you can minimise the chance of your skin drying and tattoo shedding. It is especially important to moisturise after the skin is exposed to water as this is when the skin is prone to drying out.
- Think About Sun Care: The sun can fade tattoos pretty quickly. Whenever you're going to be in the sun, make sure you're protecting your tattoo by using suncream that's safe for tattoos.
The Impact of Tattoo Technique and Ink
Quality and technique also play big roles in whether or not your finger tattoos fade quickly. How the tattoo is done, the depth of the ink penetration, the type of ink used, and even how heavy-handed the tattoo artist is, can all influence the long-term outcome. Choosing a well-experienced and competent tattoo artist can make a world of difference.
The secrets of getting a finger tattoo
- Finger tattoos are close to the bone and hurt. In addition to this, they are close to nerve endings, making it one of the most painful areas to get tattooed. To experience this in the best possible light, you should use tattoo numbing cream to ease the pain.
- Finger tattoos fade and require top-ups- Keep in mind to choose a simple finger tattoo to make sure that this process isn’t more complex than it needs to be. If you require frequent top-ups, this also means that it will generally be more expensive than any other tattoo.
- They may blur - The skin around the fingers is generally a bit looser than any other part of the body, meaning that the ink in the finger may have more room to move.
Other Types of Tattoos
Stick and Poke Tattoos
Asking yourself how long do stick and poke tattoos last? Made by hand, these popular tats may not deepen into your skin the same way a machine does. Much like finger tattoos, their charm fades over time. It is best to always get a professional on board to do the job, even for stick-and-poke tattoos.
The Lifespan of Lip Tattoos
Let's change lanes onto lip tattoos, If you are looking to get one and follow the footsteps of celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Kendall Jenner, an obvious question may be, 'How long does a lip tattoo last?' Well, like finger tattoos and stick and pokes, lip tattoos aren’t the longest-lasting option.
Your lips move as you chat, munch and sip. Plus, the skin there changes pretty quickly. With the right preventative measures though, you can help prolong the lifespan of your lip tattoo.
Final Words
When answering the question "How long do finger tattoos last?", remember that while there are numerous factors affecting their longevity, proper care and maintenance can significantly prolong their lifespans.
Even though finger tattoos may fade slightly faster due to the nature of the skin and location, with the correct protection and attention, they can stay bright and beautiful for many years! Whether you already have one or plan to get one, ensure it remains a proud mark of self-expression, with proper care and periodic touch-ups.
Fingers can be one of the most painful places to get tattooed, so make sure you go to all of your appointments with tattoo numbing cream by your side, for a painless experience. You can also read our blog for more information on how long tattoo cream lasts.
