When Will a Finger Tattoo Start to Blur and Fade?

Finger tattoos seem to be trending these days, with everyone getting lyrics, poetry, symbols, and lines on their fingers or over their knuckles. There are matching wedding ring tattoos and so many fun designs that you can choose from, you’re probably thinking it’s time to get a finger tattoo for yourself.

But you might be wondering if certain statements about finger tattoos are true, such as the tattoo hurting a lot and then fading fast, or if there is anything that could be done to preserve finger tattoos for longer.

Keep on reading, because we have the answers.

Do Finger Tattoos Last?

So you want an elegant, finely detailed, and fashionable tattoo. A finger tattoo would be a great choice, but you might be bummed to find out that your quirky little piece of art is going to fade.

Yes, all tattoos fade to some degree, but finger tattoos? Those fade—and fast. Of course, there is no way we can calculate just how fast a finger tattoo will fade for every single person, though it is true that finger tattoos fade faster than ink placed anywhere else on the body aside from feet.

Here’s why finger tattoos fade:

• Our hands are constantly exposed to soap, labor, and other surfaces. This means that the ink is affected by the constant friction.
• The skin is more elastic on the fingers.
• Human hands are full of bones, fat, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Ink tends to behave differently on the hands and could blow out or fade easily.
• Ink sets into the hands and fingers differently than other sections of skin, causing irregular fading.

When Will a Finger Tattoo Start to Blur and Fade?

Deterioration of tattoos is based on individual factors. That said, if treated with love and care, your finger tattoo won’t lose any of its vibrancy prior to 6-8 months. Some people have retained the brilliance of their finger tattoos for about 12 months, but once you hit that point, you can expect some visible fading and blurring.

Do Finger Tattoos Need Touch-Ups?

More so than other kinds of ink, finger tattoos need retouching at least once every few years. To keep the image looking new, the lines will need to be redrawn. This is one thing to consider when you are planning on getting a finger tattoo. Although the initial cost of finger tattoos is not as expensive as larger pieces, the maintenance alone drives up the cost.

Some tattoo artists do offer touch-ups for free, most will decline a free finger tattoo touch-up because of the amount of money they lose.

Of course, you might not care if the tattoo fades. After all, there’s a certain appeal to an aged tattoo. Why not embrace and admire the natural progression of your finger tattoo?

Which is Better: Black or Colored Ink?

Colored ink doesn’t last as long as black ink with any tattoo. So if you want something that is going to last for years without needing a touch-up, go with black ink. On the other hand, colored ink can look unique once it starts to fade. It is best to make a note of the name, product number, and make of the ink that is used since you’re going to need the colored finger tattoo regularly touched up. Most tattoo shops keep a record of what was used on their clients, but it’s smart to also keep track of these things yourself in case you decide to go somewhere else.

Which Finger Is Best For a Long-Lasting Tattoo?

Any finger is going to work well for a finger tattoo. Depending on the kind of message you want to send, you could use any finger or your thumb for a truly unique work of art.

It’s the part of the finger you want tattooed that you need to consider. The top of the finger is going to hurt, but it’s also the part of the hand where your ink is going to last the longest. The bottom or palm side of your fingers has more padding and thicker skin, but the ink doesn’t stay there long. Meanwhile, the sides of the fingers experience continuous movement and rubbing, so the tattoo will fade more quickly. Lastly, it’s best to avoid the knuckles since the wrinkled skin could distort the image.

How to Keep a Finger Tattoo From Fading

Pay attention to the healing process once you’ve got a finger tattoo. If you don’t care for your tattoo properly, you’ll damage the piece before it even sets. Healing can take up to 6 weeks, and it starts the moment the artist removes the needle from your skin for the last time.

After the initial 2 to 4 weeks of healing, you still need to take care of your tattoo. The most obvious way is to keep your hands and fingers as clean as you can. Avoid using chemicals or abrasive soaps, since that can damage the ink. Use some 100% coconut oil to keep your hands moisturized as well.

The other way to keep a finger tattoo from blurring and fading is what we had mentioned earlier—touch-ups.

Wrapping Up

So you now know that a finger tattoo will start to blur and fade within 6 to 8 months of getting tatted. Keeping your finger tattoo means committing to the constant upkeep, so remember that if you decide to get your fingers inked. However, whether you want to get your blurred finger tattoos touched up is up to you. A slightly faded tattoo can look classy! At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we make it a point to provide customers with the customization and excellence that they deserve. If you would like to know more, feel free to call us at (215)638-1601.