Hand tattoos are an art form, they have to be done precisely and slowly, some artists refuse to do them for this reason. The hands pose some big challenges, they have delicate skin and uneven surfaces with folds and creases. Even though these tattoos can be a challenge they are growing in popularity and they are becoming more accepted in today’s society. There is so much you need to know about getting a hand tattoo.
The first thing you will have to know is…
If you are ready for the commitment of a hand or finger tattoo. Unlike piercings, tattoos cannot be taken “off” they can’t be washed off and they sure aren’t going to fall off.
Let’s get technical for a minute! When a tattoo needle punctures the skin, it is spilling ink into the inner layer of skin that holds blood vessels and nerves. The tattoo process activates the immune system and the white blood cells try to absorb the pigment. The pigment particles are too large, and they stay in that inner layer of skin. A tattoo is a big decision and having a tattoo in such a visible place is an even bigger decision. Hiding a finger or hand tattoo is not easy! Make sure you are ready for the commitment!
View this post on Instagram
You will need to find a talented artist!
A hand tattoo, finger or knuckle tattoo is very different than a thigh tattoo or bicep tattoo. The skin is a completely different texture. The most important thing you can do before getting a tattoo is taking the time to find the right studio and artist. This might even mean waiting a few weeks to get an appointment with a tattoo artist. Getting a tattoo is an exciting event, but it is 100% worth the wait and the money! When looking for an artist ask your friends for their personal experiences! Seeing your friends’ work is a great way to get up close and personal with local artists. Don’t be afraid to call around to different studios and look at different portfolios! One artist may be a new school master while another artist is a killer black and gray artist. You have to find the artist who fits your style.
How in the world do you heal a hand tattoo?
When you think about a healing tattoo, you think about the movement and trying to keep the surface clean and still. The hand and the fingers are prone to a lot of movement and pulling on the skin. To make sure that your new knuckle/finger/hand tattoo stays put and doesn’t blow out, keep the tattoo covered after it is completed. Keep your hands clean and wash your tattoo with warm soapy water after removing the covering. Leave the tattoo alone for a day and start using a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep it hydrated! It is going to peel and that is a totally normal part of the healing process, but you don’t want to pick off the skin! If you find the tattoo is starting to itch, reapply a thin layer of your moisturizer! Most importantly, keep your hands clean.
How does a hand tattoo age?
here is not a lot of surface space on the hand and a thick black tattoo can turn into a large ink blob after a few years of wear and tear. Since this tattoo is on the hand, it is going to withstand a lot. Most people wash their hands multiple times a day, use skin care products, and work with their hands. The hands are not easily covered, they are exposed to the sun, and other elements that will age a tattoo prematurely. When getting a hand tattoo make sure you know that these tattoos will most likely need to be touched up every few years.
Where is the best placement?
This is up to you! You have to decide where your tattoo should go, you have to look at it every day and you have to feel confident wearing it. Many professionals will suggest placing the tattoo on the flat space of the finger, right above and below the bend of the knuckle. This is one of the places where there is restricted movement, which will help the healing process and the integrity of the tattoo. Putting the tattoo on the inside of the finger or palm will be harder to heal and it may fade faster. Ultimately, you have to decide what works for you and how much you are willing to have the tattoo touched up, protected from movement and the sun.
How do I keep my finger tattoo from fading?
The best thing you can do to keep your tattoo from fading is to keep your hands clean. Using a mild soap without an exfoliant will keep the ink from fading and moisturize the skin. It is always a good idea to keep a moisturizer next to your sink, on your desk or in the car! The hands/fingers can become very dry and having moisturizer close is always a good thing. The easier you are on your hands the better the tattoo will look after it has healed.
There is certainly a lot to think about when getting a hand tattoo, but it might just be your next favorite tattoo. Finding the right artist and taking good care of the tattoo during the healing process and after the healing process is going to make a world of difference. Not all hand tattoos are faded and blown out, you can achieve the look you want with skill and commitment!
Hey readers! I’m Jeffrey and your tattoo artist of the day;) I have been drawing and painting my whole life, and after graduating high school I decided it was time for a bigger challenge and I started drawing on people. I’m so fortunate I got to express my creativity through my body art and even more so to share my passion with my now wife Emilie. She started working with me in my tattoo shop as a piercer and I started writing about and photographing, my creations on this blog. I love to hear from you and hope you enjoy our work together!