Where a tattoo sits decides much of how it looks in ten years. Friction, sun and skin movement all act on the ink, and design choices can compensate for them.
01
High-wear placements
Hands, fingers, feet and the inner lip are the fastest to fade. They can still be tattooed, but expect touch-ups and choose bolder line weights.
02
Designing for the long term
Slightly larger sizing, stronger contrast and enough space between elements are what keep a design readable as the ink settles and spreads a little.
Sun protection after healing is the single most effective thing you can do.
Frequently asked questions
Some do, especially on high-friction placements. We discuss this per project.
Yes. UV exposure is the main cause of fading in healed tattoos.
