Tattoo Q&A: Do Fine Line Tattoos Fade

Although it’s a common misconception, fine line or single needle tattoos, when done right, do not fade any faster than other tattoo styles do. Just make sure you find the best fine line tattoo artist for you, keep your tattoo protected, and you’ll have a beautiful, crisp tattoo for years to come. Here are some tips on how to have an amazing fine line tattoo:

Fine line tattoo style is relatively new, and a lot of people will tell you that fine line tattoos fade over time, but that is not really the truth. Like with any other style, the longevity of the tattoo will depend on the quality of work and how well you take care of it.

Here are things you should consider when getting a fine line tattoo:

Find the Right Fine Line Tattoo Artist

Not all artist do all styles, even if they say they do. Make sure to check the artist’s portfolio, ask them to show their fine line work before you get a tattoo from them. If you have concerns, talk to your artist about them.

If you’re not sure where to go, we have a number of amazing fine line tattoo artists that would be happy to work with you and answer any questions you have. Just fill in the free tattoo consultation and let us know what kind of tattoo you’re looking to get. We will respond with artist recommendations and answer any questions you may have.

Think about the placement of your fine line tattoo

If you want your fine line tattoo to last, consider placing it somewhere on your body where it will be well protected from the daily ‘wear and tear’.
People think ankles or fingers are ideal placement for a fine line tattoo, but those places don’t hold ink that well at all, no matter what the tattoo style is. You wash your hands several times every day (probably), your finders rub against each other, shoes rub against the skin on your ankle… Washing and rubbing can damage the tattoo, especially while it’s healing.

Take good care of your fine line tattoo

Keep your tattoo away from the sun, or make sure to use a sunscreen. This is something you should go by no matter how delicate, or not, your tattoo is. Moisturize, use tattoo after-care products, take good care of your ink and you’ll have a beautiful, crisp tattoo for years to come!

Fading tattoos can easily be fixed

Even if your fine line tattoo fades after 10 years, the delicate lines will be easier and cheaper to fix, or re-work. Most artists will regularly re-work your tattoo for a fraction of the original price. Also, delicate tattoos are a lot easier to get covered up or removed.

Questions and Answers about Fine Line Tattoos

Glowingly popular, fine line tattoos are relatively new on the scene, and there are many questions about the style and concerns about the durability of the thin lined tattoos.

What is Fine Line Tattoo Style?

Delicate and elegant, simple or incredibly intricate, fine line tattoos are characterized by clean, crisp, fluid lines, often featuring a botanical subject, leaves and flowers, thinly outlined shapes and ornaments.
As the name says, the lines are very thin and delicate, almost as if they were drawn on paper with a fine pen. Artists will add some gray wash, dots or stronger lines for certain elements of the tattoo, some colour, especially stylized like a watercolour, can be incorporated.
Although it sound simple, thin lines and the delicate nature of the style do not allow a lot of room for mistakes, making this style very difficult to master.

Do Fine Line Tattoos Fade?

As with all tattoos, some fading will occur with the ageing of the tattoo. Depending on the placement, some re-touching might be needed. Well done fine line tattoos, however, will not fade any more or faster than tattoos done in any other style. Goes without saying, the choice of a good fine line artist will make sure you get a tattoo that lasts.

Are Fine Line Tattoos more Expensive?

No, fine line tattoos are not more expensive than tattoos of any other style. If anything, when compared size to size, a fine line tattoo will cost less than a heavily shaded tattoo of same size and similar motif.

Are Fine Line Tattoos more Painful?

No, fine line tattoos do not hurt more than other style tattoos. With fine line tattoos it’s mostly outlines, very little shading and almost no situations where the artist will need to do several passes in the same spot. So, you can expect a fine line tattoo to hurt less.

How to Take Care of Fine Line Tattoos?

As with all tattoos, it’s important to follow the artist’s advice on how to take care of your tattoo. Allow it to heal properly, and moisturize regularly, and your tattoo will last.