As skin matures, its surface layer, the dermis, begins to thin. Moreover, aging skin is slower to heal. These two factors, lessened elasticity and slower healing, can potentially complicate the tattooing process.
Choose a design that will work with you — and your skin: Fragile skin also means that the kind of intricate designs younger people get are far more difficult to do on seniors. With this in mind, it's better to choose a design that's bold and simple, and a design that won't take a dozen separate sessions to complete.
The short answer to this question is no. You're never too old to get a tattoo! As people age and become more independent, they also become more confident and want to express themselves more than they were allowed to in their younger days.
Otherwise, there's no reason for any healthy individual, be you from the Baby Boomer generation of Generation X, to miss out on getting inked. Whether you're 40, 60, or 80 (kudos!) getting your first tattoo later in life can be a great way to celebrate your life, so don't hesitate any longer.
If you never got that “Mom” tattoo because Mom called it an eyesore, you're in luck: You can still get a tattoo at age 80! However, there are a few factors about tattooing that seniors should keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before going under the needle.
The good news is you're never too old to be inked and nowadays, tattoos have moved past many of their negative associations and are widely accepted.
Bolder, deeper and darker linework looks better with age. Tattoos done in black or grey ink tend to hold up over time and are the least likely to fade when regularly protected and treated with care. Blackwork tattoos and Black & Grey tattoo styles have a high guarantee of aging gracefully.
You should expect your upper arm and abdomen to sag more as you age, which can affect how a tattoo in those areas would look. "Shoulders and ankles have tight skin, and the skin does not sag and become as loose over time, unlike the upper arm or abdomen," Edgar Fincher, a dermatologist, told Allure.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
Lines may blur and script may become less clear, but generally speaking the ink will still look good. Staying healthy, too, is great in it of itself and in caring for your tattoo.
Tattoos on areas that see a lot of activity, such as your feet and your fingers, are much more likely to fade more quickly than tattoos on your back or chest, for example. Also, the tattoo design comes into play, too - the smaller and more intricate the detailing is, the more chance it will get blurred years later.
The main signs of tattoo aging include the ink's pigment breaking down, causing your tattoo to appear blurry, stretched, wrinkled or less vibrant than it once was.
Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue
Many people notice the swelling happens during the summertime, when weather is warmer and humidity higher. This can cause the skin to swell slightly, including your tattoo.
Older tattoos generally fade more easily with laser treatments than newer ones. For instance, a black tattoo that is ten years old may take one or two treatments less than a one year old black tattoo. Why? Because the body has already absorbed some of the tattoo's pigment throughout the years, making it easier to fade.
Staying well hydrated leading up to being tattooed, will put your skin in better condition. It helps your skin become more resilient which helps allow the tattoo ink application easier. Also, do not forget to moisturize your skin prior to your tattoo session.
Keep in mind: Of the people we talked to (the majority being teenagers to twentysomethings), a whopping 78 percent regret at least one of their tattoos. And 19 percent of participants with two tattoos regret both. Planning ahead is the best way you can make sure you don't suffer from tattoo regret.
Research from the UK, US, Australia, Canada and surveys by notable organizations report that 78% of tattooed people regret at least one of them. In the US alone, 23% felt regret. Half of these regrets were due to tattooing someone's name, as revealed by a British study. WebMD states that 11% have sought removal.
Statistical comparisons were made. Results: The mean age of death for tattooed persons was 39 years, compared with 53 years for nontattooed persons (P = . 0001). There was a significant contribution of negative messages in tattoos associated with nonnatural death (P = .
Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks. Some white inks and pastel inks have trouble lasting longer than five years. Watercolor tattoos also tend to fade faster as the ink is lightly colored and very fine.
Absolutely not! You are never too old to get your 1st tattoo. I have Tattood many different people of all ages, genders and walks of life and I can tell you some of the clients with the best thought out designs have been in their middle ages.
Black and gray: Black and gray inks are the boldest and most dense; thus, they are the most fade-resistant colors. These are suitable for any skin tone, especially with tan or black skin. With proper aftercare, black and gray colors last for up to 10 years or longer before requiring a retouch.
Crepey skin can be tattooed, with some caveats. Because crepey skin occurs where the skin has lost collagen and elastin, it's looser and saggy. Tattooing loose skin can be tricky because the image will stretch along with the skin, so that portrait of a mermaid may end up looking like an eel-lady.
Butterflies are the most popular tattoos in the USA
Said to represent young love, summer and joy, their versatility is what makes them so popular – they look great big or small, and can be etched in so many places, such as your lower back, collarbone, or chest.
Tattooing on loose or crepey skin can be very difficult. Loose skin is a result of decreased collagen and elastin. When skin is loose, it can be harder to tattoo and is more likely to stretch and warp. We recommend talking with a skilled tattoo artist who can work with you and your skin because it is still possible!