However, there are also some risks associated with fine line tattoos. Because these tattoos are done with smaller needles, they can sometimes result in blowouts - this is when the ink spreads outside of the desired area, resulting in blurry or faded lines.
Fine line tattoos are said to fade more aggressively than regular tattoos, though both tattoo styles will fade with time, and may need touch-ups. The longevity of your tattoo in either style relies on the location of the tattoo, how well you care for your skin, and the excellence of the tattoo artist you choose.
They tend to fade more quickly than other tattoo styles
That's because fine lines require thinner needles, which means the ink isn't deposited as deeply into the skin. So if you're thinking about getting a fine line butterfly tattoo, be prepared to touch it up every few years to keep it looking sharp.
"Linework tattoos can take longer than tattoos that are shaded," Mike explained, before adding that fine line tattoos respond "very well" to removal as they're usually not as dense, with ink applied lightly into the skin.
Fine-line tattoos tend to age a little bit worse than other styles because the fine details fade easier over time. There is a reason “bold will hold” is a common saying in the tattoo world. Another culprit style for aging a little poorly over other styles are micro realism tattoos.
See a tattoo artist for touch-ups: Fine line tattoos will usually need to be touched up every few years to keep them looking fresh.
Fine line tattoos are often made using thinner needles, which means that the ink doesn't go as deep into the skin as other styles. As a result, they are more likely to fade over time due to normal wear and tear.
Certain tattoo styles that use black and/or grey ink, such as Tribal tattoos, Greyscale tattoos, and American Traditional tattoos (as well as bold lettering or Zodiac tattoos) are known to age well. These different tattoo styles feature bold, detailed linework that is deeply injected into the skin.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
Tiny tattoos may seem like a great idea, they're discreet and don't require a huge amount of time. They're easy to hide at work, cheap, and just plain cute to look at. Tiny tattoos are a huge trend right now. Unfortunately, tiny tattoos may not age well.
By day six or seven, scabs should start to cover and thicken on the freshly tattooed area. During this week of your healing journey, the skin will be flaky and may start feeling a bit itchy. This is completely normal as the dry skin is getting ready to exfoliate itself away as the top layer of the skin heals.
Hot water opens the pores on your skin and causes more ink to seep out, which can also cause fading and blurring of your tattoo. While you shower after a tattoo, refrain from keeping the main flow of the water on your tattooed area; instead, rinse gently with your finger tips and the shower will not hurt.
Black ink and black and gray tattoos tend to last longer and require fewer touch-ups than most color tattoos. Color tattoos, specifically pastel ink colors or watercolor-style tattoos, tend to fade much faster than black tattoo ink and require more frequent touch-ups over the years.
With proper care and maintenance, fine line tattoos can age well and maintain their sharpness over time. However, as with all tattoos, the aging process is influenced by factors such as the quality of the ink, placement on the body, exposure to sunlight, and individual skin type.
Ultimately, you can get a tattoo at any age, and you shouldn't care about what society might think regarding your personal choices. The only person who can decide if you're too old to get a tattoo is you.
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.
#3 Needle Size
That's right when it comes to getting a new tattoo fine lines are more painful than bold traditional. Upside is, most fine line tattoos are smaller. And smaller needle sizes are used mostly for the outline at the beginning of the tattoo, when you are fresh and ready for the pain.
But remember: don't choose lines that are too thin or too close together. This will increase the chances of your design smudging during application. Lines should be between 4px and 8px in width. 💁🏾♀️ Pro Tip: the smaller the tattoo, the thicker the lines should be!
Thin lines, shading, small words, and small tattoos all fade much more quickly. Some like the effects age has on their tattoo. However, that tattoo will likely blur together if it's got too much detail. Bolder lines, thicker lines, and larger designs will better stand the test of time.
Many styles of fine line tattoos use a three round liner needle (3RL), while single needle tattoos use only a one round liner needle (1RL). Single needle tattooing is the thinnest of fine line tattoo line work, creating smaller and subtler tattoos with delicate and detailed artwork, much like a drawing.
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.
Ephemeral tattoo ink is the first ink designed to naturally fade over time. Exact fade times depend on person, placement, and design, and they always fade away 100%.
Black and gray are the most common colors used in tattoos. They suit all skin tones, from light to dark. Because black is a long-lasting shade, it is used for line work.