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Do you have a finger tattoo? Or thinking of getting one?
If so, you’ll want to read this post! In it, we’ll explore how long finger tattoos last and give you 5 tips to help keep them looking fresh.
So, whether you’re just considering getting a finger tattoo or you’ve had one for a while and are seeing fading, keep reading for some helpful advice!
How Long Do Finger Tattoos Last
It depends how good you are at taking care of your finger tattoo. As with any tattoo, how long it lasts depends on how well you take care of it while you’re getting it and after.
Finger tattoos appear to fade quickly because they’re constantly under attack from handwashing, weather, and daily life. However, if you follow the aftercare instructions from your artist, you should have a beautiful piece of art on your finger for many years.
So, how long do finger tattoos last on average?
Normally finger tattoos will start to fade around 8 months after healing, however for it to completely fade away you will have to wait a couple of years. To avoid a faded, blurry finger tattoo you will have to do yearly touch-ups to keep it looking good.
5 Tips To Help Your Finger Tattoo Last Longer
1. Avoid using harsh soaps and chemicals on your tattoo.
When you get a new tattoo, your artist will usually give you some aftercare instructions. They should include how to care for your ink while it’s healing. Most likely, they’ll tell you not to use harsh soaps and chemicals on it. This is especially true of alcohol-based hand sanitizers because they can irritate the skin cells around your ink.
If you decide to get a tattoo on your finger you should be disposed to follow this step constantly, not only just two weeks after getting. It is important to use as natural cleansing products as possible and you will see that your tattoo will look as new a lot of time.
2. Don’t scratch or pick at the tattoo – this can cause scarring and fading
If you’ve ever scratched an itch on your face, you know how tempting it can be to scratch elsewhere when you can’t reach the desired area. The same is true with tattoos – especially finger tattoos.
When you get a new tattoo and it starts itching, resist the urge to scratch it and encourage friends not to touch it either. If you do, you could end up with a scar or your ink will fade faster.
3. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer to your tattoo twice a day
Another good tip is to use a moisturizer on your tattoo every day. This will help keep the skin cells hydrated and healthy, which is how you prevent fading.
Don’t go overboard with the amount of lotion you apply because it could enter into your ink and cause discoloration or smearing. Just like most things in life, a little goes a long way.
4. Avoid submerging your tattoo in water (including pools, lakes, and oceans) for at least 2 weeks after getting it
While you want to keep your finger tattoo moisturized, you also need to avoid getting the skin around it wet. Especially if your new tattoo is on one of your hands. Submerging it in water can cause fading or problems with how the colors look later on.
Besides that, you should not forget about waterproofing it. Here are some tips how you can waterproof your finger tattoo:
- Remove any debris that may have gathered on your tattoo.
- Apply sunscreen to your skin.
- Cover your tattoo in plastic wrap.
- Avoid remaining in the water for lengthy periods of time.
- Remove the wrap as soon as you’re out of the water.
5. Stay out of the sun as much as possible – tattoos are more susceptible to sun damage than un-tattooed skin
Another thing you’ll want to remember is how much your tattoo will sunburn. You don’t want it to fade and turn white, so always treat your tatt with some sunscreen when you go outside. Even if you’re wearing long sleever and covering your new finger tattoo most of the time, the sun can still affect the colors in your design over time.
Take your time while choosing your tattoo sunscreen, make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol, fragrances or parabens as the chemicals could cause damage to your fresh ink.
Final Words
Finger tattoos may be trendy right now, but they come with their own set of challenges.
If you’re thinking of getting one, or are already the proud owner of a finger tattoo, heed these five tips to keep your finger tattoos last longer.
