Style May 24, 2017
Finger tattoos seem like an awesome idea … up until you find out how much it hurts.
Nowadays, people are tattooing every part of their bodies. From their inner lips to their fingers, everything is pretty much a blank canvas to tattoo artists.
But before you make a commitment to ink your skin – especially on a place that may hurt more than your average tattoo – it’s always a good idea to do some research. Thankfully, ENTITY’s got you covered.
From the healing process to the amount of pain, here’s everything you need to know before getting finger tattoos.
Like inner lip tattoos, finger tattoos are basically temporary. Because the skin on your fingers regenerate quickly, the tattoos you get on this area will fade faster than other areas of the body.
And if you think about it, there are a number of other factors that could cause finger tattoos to fade quickly. For one, the skin on your fingers is much thinner than other areas and may sweat more than other parts of your body. Your fingers are also used, washed and scrubbed more often.
So if you want to get a finger tattoo, know that you will most likely need frequent touchups.
Simple answer? It’s going to hurt. A lot.
Because your fingers are full of nerves and the skin is right on the knuckle and bone, you’ll most likely be squealing in pain. Of course, the actual pain level depends on your personal pain threshold. But since there isn’t as much fat or muscle to cushion the needle, you’ll definitely feel the sensation of a needle stabbing your skin over and over again.
And for the most part, even tattoo artists advise against it. In a Reddit thread asking about whether or not finger tattoos are a bad idea, most of the responses warned readers of the pain.
Aside from the fact that your tattoo could fade, one of the other things that could ruin your finger tattoo’s appearance is a “blowout.” These happen when the ink spreads out too far under the skin, causing lines to appear blurred or blotchy.
Typically, tattoo ink sits between the epidermis and dermis skin layer. However, tattooing over “bonier” areas like the finger makes it harder to place the ink in the proper position. This, then can result in the ink being put in too lightly or too deep in the skin.
When you tattoo too lightly, your tattoo will fade quickly and some lines may “drop out” during the healing process. If your ink is placed too deep, however, then it can cause a blowout. At this point, ink overloads your capillaries and spreads under the skin. It’s not pretty and someone who paid for the tattoo probably won’t be happy.
Finger tattoo aftercare can get a little tricky. Because you use your hands on a daily basis, it’s easy to forget about the ink on your fingers. But in order to prevent infections or faster fading, you have to be extra aware of mundane tasks. Pay attention to your hands when doing the dishes or putting your hands in your pockets.
For example, if you have a tattoo that has a good amount of scabs, putting your hands in your pockets could rip those scabs. And when those rip, it could take some of the ink out of your tattoo.
Aside from that, you’ll have to care for your tattoo the same way you’d care for any other tattoo on your body. You have to keep them dry, clean and protected. Your tattoo artist should also have specific care instructions for you – follow them to the tee.
As is the case for any other tattoo, finger tattoo cost depends on the design, placement and tattoo artist’s expertise. Typically, however, your finger tattoo could be around $50 to $100. But even if the initial price is something you’re willing to drop, you have to remember that retouching costs add up.
So in general, having such a small tattoo comes with a big cost. If you’re willing to spend the money for a temporary tattoo that will most likely hurt, then go for it. If not, then you may want to consider a different type of tattoo.
But regardless of the downsides of finger tattoos, they’re still unique and delicate. And it could also be a good reason to get a tattoo that you’re not sure you want to commit to for years and years to come. Why not, right?
