Beauty
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Tattoos can yield all sorts of different results as the years go by. Some of the tattoos that look coolest in the short-term — white ink and watercolor tattoos, anyone? — may end up drastically changing over time. (Some people, sadly, have to learn this lesson the hard way.) Luckily, there are a few types of tattoos that look better with age, and tattoo artists told Bustle all about them.
Getting inked is a complicated enough decision without thinking about what will happen to the design 10, 20, or 40 years from now. Whether you opt for a full sleeve, a finger tattoo, or a micro tat, remember: You're getting a permanent piece of artwork on your living — and changing — body, so thinking about how aging might affect your tattoo is actually really important.
“Your skin is a giant organ,” Louie Campopiano, tattoo artist at Traditional Tattoo in San Luis Obispo, CA, tells Bustle. “Taking care of yourself by staying hydrated and moisturized will help your skin age so much better. But we are all victims of time and gravity, and as your body changes, your tattoo will, too.”
If you talk to professional tattoo artists about it, they'll likely be able to draw from their experience to advise you on what will and won't look good, as well as things like the best and worst placements. Unfortunately, some of the trendiest tattoos are the most difficult to keep up over time. "There are two main reasons some tattoos age better than others: the size of the tattoo and long-term sun damage," tattoo artist Jordanne Le Fae tells Bustle. But other little variables, like line thickness and color, also end up making a difference.
Here are eight tattoos that actually age well, according to experts.
5
Tattoos With A Bold Design
Simple, minimalist tattoos are enduringly popular, but bold tattoos tend to last the longest. You can count both the size and the thickness of the lines as two of the reasons why these tattoos age well.
"Bold, black text and traditional American tattoos still look badass when they fade," Villani says. "It's kind of like how distressed jeans look cool [...] This may seem excessive for most people, but planning how a tattoo will look as it ages will be a fist bump to yourself in the future." If words or traditional tattoos aren't exactly up your alley, you can ask your tattoo artist to incorporate darker lines or more negative space into your design.
6
Tattoos On The Right Layer Of Skin
Going to the right tattoo artist is crucial. Most artists tend to agree that if you're going somewhere that's cheaper, you'll likely be skimping out on quality. Precision and skill are key in determining whether or not your tattoo will age well.
"The appearance of tattoos aging depends on [...] your artists' skill," Villani says. "Tattoos lay in the dermis of the skin, which is only one millimeter thick. Ensuring the needle hits this one-millimeter layer requires precision. If your artist goes too deep, then the ink will blow out, and what originally looks like clean lines will over time —and not a very long time — look sloppier." Be sure you do a good amount of research on your artist — and their tattoo shop — beforehand.
7
Larger Tattoos
While it’s important to go for something bolder if want your tattoo to last, it’s equally crucial to consider a larger tattoo. It doesn’t need to cover an entire body part, but should generally be big enough to not fade in on itself, and allow room for touch-ups.
"If the tattoo has small, tight intricate details, they will be lost with time as the cells change and move," Gehrlich says. "When the design is larger, there is more room for displacement and allows the design to still be readable." As your skin ages, your tattoo will change. Getting a larger design may help you prepare for the way it will look later on.
8
Dotwork Tattoos
Dotwork is when tattoo artists create an image via multiple little dots. Not only are dotwork tattoos unique and versatile (dotwork can be employed on nearly any design), but they’re super long-lasting, too, Campopiano says. “The gaps between the dots create a smooth gradation over time.”
Although dotwork tattoos can technically come in any color, Campopiano recommends black. “It ages and holds the best.” As for the part of the body, he says to avoid places like the palms of your hands and the sides of the feet and fingers as they don’t heal well. Wherever you choose to get your tattoo, consider asking your tattoo artist to use a dotworking method for long-lasting assurance.
Almost all tattoos can be tweaked or even removed, but should you want your tattoo to remain in tact and timeless over the years, be sure to consider factors like color, lines, and location.
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