Finger tattoos are the hot new twist of self-expression, however they are challenging and require upkeep. Studies show that 40 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo. If you want a small tattoo that can be hidden easily, having a tattoo on the side of the finger would show a sneaky hint of style. There are many constituents to consider before you ink your fingers! So here are a few reasons to make you think before you ink:
1. Fading
The biggest trouble with finger tattoos is that they have a tendency to fade quickly. There are a few reasons for this. There is a lot of science behind this. Tattoo ink remains a liquid underneath your skin, that’s how it is able to move/grow with you. Ideally, the placement for the ink is right between the epidermis and dermis. It is tricky, especially with the skin being so thin on the fingers to get the ink to be placed in that spot. So the needle does not go in deep enough in some spots and causes the skin to regenerate. In the spots where the ink is too blurry, the needle went in too deep. Therefore, the pigments from the ink are not as bold and bright since the skin is so thin.
Then, if you decide to get the palms or sides of your fingers tattooed, there are sweat glands that will cause the ink not to hold and fade faster. These are spots that will need to be constantly touched up.
2. Commit to Upkeep
Since the ink fades so fast, you will most likely need to get your finger tattoo touched up if you want your finger tattoo to look good in the long run. When the ink is blurry, it is time to get a touch up. What can also happen is if you immediately see blurring in the lines, or the color didn't take, wait at least a month to allow for healing before going in for a touch up. Sometimes the tattoo will need to be touched up several times within the first year before it looks perfect.
3. Basic Care
Always keep your hands clean while your tattoo is healing! Do not put your hands in water, go boxing, or go make pottery. You need to keep your hands clean and dry. Use a fragrance free moisturizer to keep skin supple and protected.
4. Employment Opportunities
Even though tattoos are becoming more and more acceptable in the workplace, it may be a deal breaker for an employer. You can have the best resume, but many companies do not allow tattoos. Highly visible tattoos can cause the wearer to become the subject of ridicule or impede their chances of finding employment.
5. It Will Hurt
The skin on your fingers is very thin. Since there are a lot of nerves and very little fat in the area, the needle will constantly hit bone. These are some of the most painful tattoos because there is no cushioning. Fortunately, finger tattoos are small and can be done quickly.
6. What to Get
Keep it simple! Since fingers fade easily and require constant upkeep, the more simplistic the design; more complex the tattoo on the finger, there is more risk of it being flawed. Some designs include cool fonts, a small cross, an infinity sign, or wedding rings to symbolize your love for your partner. Many people get their ring finger tattooed because they are just the same as a real ring without the worry to get it lost or stolen. Just make sure that you will be happy with the design years later.
7. What about all of those awesome tattoos that I see on Instagram and Tumblr?
On many occasions, those tattoos look fine at first. They are probably taken once the person is freshly inked and hasn’t fully healed. The results that are posted online are not the most realistic thanks to digital editing.