Whether you’re getting a lip tattoo to avoid the process of putting on lipstick in the morning, or you’re getting a hidden inner lip tattoo, there’s one question to ask, ‘How long does a lip tattoo last?!’. We all know that the mouth heals extremely quickly if you get a piercing in your lip, but what is the case if you get a tattoo here? Does it quicken the pace of fading?
In this blog, we will go into all the details of how long a lip tattoo lasts, to help you keep informed before you go ahead and get your dream tattoo… or permanent lipstick!
If you’re looking for a pain-free tattoo, take a look at Tattoo Numbing Cream today!
How long does a lip tattoo last on average?
Let’s firstly establish that an inner lip tattoo might not last for the same amount of time that an outer lip will last for. As a whole, lip tattoos typically last for 1-5 years, but you can always get touch-ups every 6 months, which is highly recommended if you are getting a tattoo mimicking lipstick.
What’s the science behind the short life span of lip tattoos?
The science behind this is all due to cell generation in this particular area. On the lips, there is a fast turnover of mucosal cells, meaning that the ink sheds much faster, hence quicker fading.
It could be that this short life is perfect for you as you’re not after something permanent. On the other hand, it could be a nightmare if you want this to be permanent. If you are looking to get your lips a certain colour, it will need regular top-ups to keep it in tip-top condition.
What can affect the pace of how long a lip tattoo lasts?
Your lip tattoo may not fade as much if you take proper care of it. This of course can vary from person to person and most of the time, the only way to know how long it will last for can only be determined through trial and error. Some factors that play a part in the duration of the tattoo are:
Depth of the ink- Some tattoo artists may insert the needle too close to the surface of the skin, this means that as soon as the skin sheds, the tattoo will fade off. On the other hand, if the tattoo artist places the needle slightly deeper than this, you can expect the tattoo to last longer. It’s best to find somebody who already has experience in the field, even though it might be tough to find, as it’s fairly uncommon.
A faster pace of mouth cells regenerating- The difference between the cells in the mouth compared to other parts of the body is surprisingly extreme. On the majority of body parts, it takes the skin three weeks to heal, whereas in the mouth it takes around 3 days.
Moist and acidic environment- Just like the enzymes in your mouth are made to break down food, they’re also pretty good at breaking down ink...not so great for your inner lip tats! The moist environment isn’t great for the tattoo either. Yes, a tattoo loves to be moisturised, but not covered in water!
Overall, if you want a tattoo to last, an inner lip tattoo probably isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re after some permanent lipstick, it could be a great choice if you don’t mind getting it topped up once every 6 months or so!
Aftercare
Read our blog on how to properly look after your tattoo!
Thank you for reading our blog ‘How long does a lip tattoo last’. If you want to experience your tattoo pain-free, take a look at Tattoo Numbing Cream Co!
