top of page

TATTOOS FAQS

Interested in working with Emme but have some questions? Explore the FAQs below and feel free to shoot us a message if your question isn't answered here.

  • How should I take care of a fine line tattoo?
    Aftercare is essential to ensure that your tattoo heals properly and maintains its quality over time. It’s important to understand that while the tattoo artist contributes 50% of the effort by creating quality work during the session, the other 50% depends on you, as proper post-care is crucial to achieve the best possible result. Good aftercare not only helps the tattoo heal well but also ensures that the design stays sharp and defined. The first step is to keep the “Second Skin” layer on for 2 to 3 days after the session. This layer helps protect the tattoo as it begins the healing process. After that time, carefully remove the layer using warm water to avoid damaging the skin. Then, clean the tattoo with water and a pH-balanced, neutral soap to remove any excess ink, blood, or impurities. Make sure to dry the tattoo by gently patting it with clean paper towels or a fresh towel, avoiding any rubbing. It’s important to leave the tattoo uncovered for 24 hours without any creams or coverings, allowing the skin to breathe and continue its natural healing process. After this time, start applying a tattoo-specific cream twice a day for 10 days. The layer of cream should be very thin to avoid suffocating the skin and preventing it from breathing properly. Additionally, it’s vital to keep the skin moisturized during the healing process. Apply a moisturizing cream daily, and when exposed to the sun, use sunscreen to protect the tattoo from direct sunlight, especially during summer. This will help prevent the tattoo from fading and ensure it stays in excellent condition for years to come. Remember, good aftercare is key to keeping your tattoo looking beautiful and properly healed.
  • How long should you wait before getting a tattoo over a scar?
    The minimum recommended time to wait before tattooing over a scar is two years. This ensures that the scar is fully healed and that the skin has regained its normal elasticity and texture. Getting a tattoo before this time can increase the risk of complications, such as improper healing or alterations in the tattoo’s design. Additionally, scars can react differently to ink, so it’s important to give the skin enough time to heal before subjecting it to a tattoo. It’s advised to consult with a professional tattoo artist to assess the condition of the scar before proceeding.
  • What skin conditions should be considered before getting a tattoo?
    Before getting a tattoo, it is important that the skin is in good condition to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. If a person has conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or other skin diseases that cause irritation, redness, or inflammation, it is not recommended to get tattooed until the skin has fully healed. These conditions can affect the quality of the tattoo, cause infections, or hinder the healing process. The optimal skin for tattooing is healthy, free from wounds, irritations, or infections, and does not have any active skin conditions. If you have concerns about the condition of your skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before getting a tattoo. This will ensure that the procedure is safe and that the tattoo heals properly.
  • Do fine line tattoos last as long as traditional tattoos?
    Fine line tattoos may not last as long as traditional bold or heavily shaded tattoos, as they use thinner lines and less ink. Their longevity depends on factors such as skin type, placement, sun exposure, and long-term aftercare. Some tattoos may fade slightly over time, but this is a natural and can be easily refreshed with a touch-up. While some people find their fine-line tattoos remain crisp for years, others may notice gradual fading, especially in high-friction areas. A touch-up is usually recommended around the three-year mark to maintain the tattoos sharpness and detail, though this timeframe can vary depending on individual skin characteristics and care routines.
  • Do you also do cover-ups?
    Since we primarily work with very fine lines, we unfortunately find it impossible to cover up existing tattoos. With an old-school style, it's almost impossible to cover even dark tattoos, as you can use different colors and gradients to distract from the old underlying outline. However, in many cases, this also requires a lot of ink.
  • How can I make my fine line tattoo last longer?
    Taking care of your skin is essential for achieving good tattoo results and maintaining them in excellent condition over time. Well-hydrated skin is crucial, so it’s important to drink enough water daily to keep your skin flexible and healthy. Additionally, using sunscreen regularly is vital to protect your skin from the damage caused by sun exposure, as UV rays can fade tattoos over time. Keeping your skin hydrated and protected helps preserve the health of your tattoos, ensuring the design stays sharp and vibrant for many years.
  • Do fine line tattoos hurt more than other tattoos?
    The sensation of getting a fine-line tattoo varies depending on each person’s pain tolerance, but many of my clients describe it as feeling similar to a cat gently scratching the skin. Generally, because fine lines use less ink and are more delicate, the pain is less intense compared to tattoos with shading or heavy filling. While it can be uncomfortable in certain areas, the sensation isn’t as sharp or intense as with other tattoo techniques. However, since everyone has a different pain threshold, it’s important to be prepared for any level of discomfort.
  • What's a fine line tattoo?
    A fine line tattoo is a style characterised by thin, delicate lines, often with minimalist details or intricate designs without heavy shading.
  • What about hand, finger and feet tattoos?
    Hands, fingers, and feet are areas where tattoos tend to fade more quickly due to the nature of the skin in these areas. The skin is thinner, and these parts of the body experience constant friction and faster skin regeneration compared to other areas. Additionally, factors such as frequent hand washing, wearing closed shoes, sweating, and sun exposure can significantly impact how well the ink is retained. It is essential for the client to understand that, due to these conditions, the tattoo in these areas may start to fade even during the healing process. Each person’s skin is different, so it cannot be guaranteed how the tattoo will heal or how well it will hold the ink in the long term. The artist is not responsible for the healing process or the final result in these specific areas, as these factors are entirely dependent on each person’s body and daily habits. For this reason, the client assumes 100% responsibility when getting a tattoo in these areas and must sign a special consent form acknowledging these risks. If the tattoo fades or loses definition over time, touch-ups can be done as necessary to restore the original design. However, the client should understand that even with touch-ups, the tattoo may not maintain the same crispness as tattoos in other parts of the body.
  • How long does it take for a fine line tattoo to heal?
    The outer skin typically heals in about 7-14 days, but full healing can take up to a month.
  • Can fine line tattoos be touched up if they fade?
    Yes, it is possible to do a touch-up on your tattoo if necessary, but it is essential that you send a photo of the tattoo to the tattoo artist within 30 days after the session. This will allow her to assess the tattoo’s condition and determine if a touch-up is truly needed. Often, clients think their tattoo needs a touch-up, but it’s important to note that if it isn’t necessary and extra ink is added, there’s a risk that the tattoo could expand, potentially affecting the quality of the fine line design. Fine lines require a specific healing process, and if unnecessary ink is added, the tattoo may lose the definition and sharpness expected. Additionally, it’s important to remember that fine line tattoos should always heal with a light grey tone due to the lower concentration of ink used. For this reason, it is crucial to follow the tattoo artist’s recommendations, as their experience and judgment are key to ensuring the tattoo heals optimally. If the tattoo artist determines that no touch-up is necessary, it’s best to follow her advice to allow the tattoo to heal correctly. However, if you choose not to proceed with the recommended touch-up, a charge will apply for a minimum touch-up, depending on the tattoo size, and you will need to consult with the tattoo artist. If the touch-up is done after six months, it will be charged at the minimum price for a tattoo. If two to three years have passed, the touch-up will be charged as a new tattoo, as changes in the skin over time can make the process more complex and may require additional details or adjustments. This is because skin ages, stretches, and changes over time, which can affect both the appearance and healing of the original tattoo.
  • What are the best areas of the body for a fine line tattoo?
    The best areas to get tattooed are typically those with thicker skin and less exposure to constant friction, as this helps the tattoo to last longer. Areas such as the arms, legs, torso, ribs, and back are ideal because they provide a larger surface area for detailed designs, and the ink tends to stay more defined. These areas are less exposed to the sun, moisture, or friction, allowing the tattoo to heal more effectively with a lower risk of fading quickly. Additionally, these areas tend to have less movement and skin regeneration compared to spots like the hands or feet, contributing to better ink retention.

YOU DIDN'T FIND YOUR ANSWER?

Let's chat

bottom of page