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These super dainty tattoos grew in popularity thanks to celebrity tattoo artists likeDr.
JK Kim
WooandJonboyand their elegantly cooldesignsas seen on A-listers like Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato.
But not all who took part in this trend are happy with the results a few years later.
TikTokis filled with videos of people showing off their now faded fine line tattoos.
Fine line tattoos, freshly healed
“But I just want to see one of those like a year out.”
“ALL tattoos bleed out over time,” writes@fleshtattoos905.
“Fine line is atrend… but it won’t save you.
Courtesy of JK Kim
That’s a big IF the tattoo doesn’t fade to a blurry mess right away.”
So what exactly is the deal with fine line tattoos?
Are they a bad idea or do they just get a bad rap?
Fine line tattoos several months healed
If that’s the case then that’s okay!
“It wasn’t necessarily its own category until the past decade, when celebrity tattoo artists likeDr.
WooandJonboygained popularity for the style.
Courtesy of JK Kim
But that’s not always the case.
“It is a very unforgiving tool that can cause a lot of damage if not used correctly.”
This includes bleeding, fading, or completely disappearing.
Tattoo bySarah Gaugler: freshly healed
Regardless of style, Maiman says that alltattoos healin three steps.
The first stage is inflammation, which lasts about 1-3 days.
“It is also common for there to be some oozing of blood and/or ink.”
one year healed
Typically a tattoo is considered fully healed about three months after the appointment.
“Fine line or otherwise.”
“All tattoos fade,” Holbech says.
two years healed
“It’s just a matter of how much and that depends on a variety of things.”
These things include someones skin, utility, and, most importantly,aftercare.
Moisturize skin before and after the appointment to ensure your skin is at its healthiest.
five years healed (Courtesy of Kara McGrath, Tattoo bySarah Gaugler)
Post-appointment moisturization is crucial as it helps minimize the possibility of cracking, drying out, or bleeding.
In fact,sun exposureis a tattoo’s worst enemy.
“UV rays from the sun will penetrate the skin and essentially break down the pigments in the tattoo.
That said, sunscreen is always necessary to protect your tattoo and help it age well.
Thosefinger tatsa la Hailey Bieber can be chic, but are more likely to fade due to friction.
For instance, not all tattoos will work as fine line tattoos.
Trust your artist to tell you whats doable.
“The smaller the needle, the more careful and precise you have to be.
Theres little to no room for error because youll see it immediately.
“I have seen gorgeous fine line work that is over 30 years old,” Schroeder says.
“It is soft and gray but still has great definition and readability.”
Go with your artists suggestion regarding placement, size, and detail.
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