As technology and social media advances the tattoo industry, fine line tattoos have become a very popular choice. With the rise of this new trend many questions have risen with it. In this article the most commonly heard questions will be answered by a fine line tattoo specialist.
Q1: What defines a fine line tattoo?
A fine line tattoo is typically done with a smaller than average needle width. In tattooing there are different sizes and shapes of needles for lining, the standard sizes typically range anywhere from 0.25mm-0.40mm. A true fine line tattoo will be lined with a needle grouping of 0.20mm or less. This needle size creates the super fine affect that is so sought after.
Q2: Are fine line tattoos more likely to need an initial touch up?
The answer is yes, these tattoos are more likely to need an initial touch up. When you receive a new tattoo, your immune system recognizes the ink as a foreign entity and initiates an attack. Throughout the healing process your white blood cells do their best to remove as much ink as possible! Due to the nature of the style involving a lower concentration of pigment, it is easier for ink to be removed. Ink being removed easily means stronger fading and a higher chance of fallout.
Q3: Do fine line tattoos age differently than other styles?
Once again, the answer is yes. Like stated in the previously, your body does its best to remove your tattoo. This process may relax after the initial healing process but will never stop completely. Having a lower concentration of pigment means your body will break down your tattoo faster. This results in a quicker fading and aging; they will require regular touch ups.
There are many other factors that affect the longevity of your tattoos that will be more potent against a fine line. These factors include exposure to ultraviolet rays, fluctuation of the human form, cyclical changes in skin type, aging, acne, skin health, chemical exposure, immune function, (etc.).
Depending on how your body and skin type handles the tattoo it is generally recommended after the initial touch up you continue to retouch your fine line tattoo every 1-3 years.
Q4: Will fine line tattoos become thicker over time?
The lines of all tattoos will become thicker throughout your lifetime, fine line is not excluded. The white blood cells that are trying to remove your tattoo spread the pigment out while trying to break it down, this results in lines appearing thicker throughout the years.
These types of tattoos are also at a higher risk of an ink blowout. This is when the tattoo needle injects ink out into the skin instead of straight down. Blow out can be caused by a long list of reasons including going to deep, too light, too fast, too slow, and more. The smaller needles have a higher chance of incorrectly injecting the ink. This unfortunate result cannot be undone and will get bigger overtime, if it makes it through the initial heal, expanding at a much faster rate than correctly applied ink.
This is why it is imperative the tattoo design is large enough and all small details are far enough apart. Otherwise, the tattoo will eventually blur together and become unidentifiable. While this type of design is incredibly trendy on social media, it holds no longevity.
Q5: Do fine line tattoos cost more?
While it depends on the artist, fine line tattoos are typically more expensive. The price increase is due to the higher difficulty and level of skill required from your artist. While it may seem simple to the average person, pulling perfect thin lines is no easy task. This is one reason why few artists provide this service (the other being a lack of longevity and high maintenance care).
Additionally, the maintenance of these tattoos increases their price, as they will need a touch up much quicker and more frequent than standard lines.
While fine line tattoos are a beautiful form of self-expression, they do require more care.
It is important these factors are all taken into consideration before making a commitment. To many the beauty of the fine line is worth the upkeep.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us.
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