Do Finger Tattoos Really Last? What You Need to Know.

Finger tattoos are a popular request, but they’re also one of the hardest placements to predict the healing outcome. At Eleven Pillars Tattoo Studio Oakleigh, we want to be upfront about what you can expect so you can make an informed choice before committing.

Why Finger Tattoos Can Be Unpredictable

The skin on your fingers is constantly in motion and exposed to water, friction, and sunlight. Because of this, tattoos in this area are more likely to fade, blur, or drop out compared to other areas of the body. 

Some tattoos heal well and hold for years, while others may need reworking or fade out entirely. It usually comes down to:

• Your skin type and its healing behaviour

• How you look after the tattoo during healing

• The type of work you do with your hands

• Placement of the tattoo (the sides of the fingers tend to fade a to 

Image source: https://www.11tattoos.com/blog/finger-tattoos-5-powerful-things-to-know/

Our Approach

We don’t offer free touch ups on finger tattoos because they are such a high-risk area. It’s important to know this before booking.

That doesn’t mean finger tattoos aren’t worth it. They can look great, but clients need to be aware they’re more likely to need maintenance than other placements.

Tattoos shown above done by our senior artist Toni @toekneetattoos

Healing and Aftercare

If you do choose a finger tattoo, aftercare is especially important:

• Wash gently and avoid soaking your hands.

• Use a small amount of ointment or moisturiser.

• Avoid wearing rings or gloves while healing

• Keep your tattoo out of the sun 

• Expect the tattoo to look patchy at times during recovery.

Should You Get a Finger Tattoo?

If you like the idea of visible tattoos and understand the risks - then yes! Just go into it knowing they may not last as long as tattoos in other areas.

Final Thoughts

Finger tattoos are high maintenance and results vary. At Eleven Pillars, our goal is to give you honest advice so you know what to expect before committing. If you’d like to discuss a design or placement, book a free consultation and we’ll walk you through the options. You can get in touch here.