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What You Need To Know About Micro Tattoos

Miniatures have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to be tucked away. There are still some things you should know before getting a tiny tattoo, regardless of how easy it is to cover with makeup or a bracelet.

Micro Tattoos: What Are They?

Generally, the best fine-line tattoos are micro tattoos. Syndey Smith, a tattoo artist, said, “I use a single needle, which is the smallest needle you can use. Fine-line tattoo artists pack their machines with more needles for better control.” A fine-line tattoo can still be created with three, five, seven, or even nine needles tightly packed together. A single needle will produce the finest and faintest line.

Image Credit: Pexels/Lucas Andrade

Do Micro Tattoos, Last Long? Can It Fade?

Micro tattoos are generally permanent, but they may fade over time. Smith said, “Every time clients leave, I tell them that a single-needle tattoo is more likely to fade. There aren’t as many pigments, so it’s more surface level.” Micro tattoos are also resistant to bleeding or blotching.

It Is Easy To Rework Them

Tattoos that fade quickly are easier to fix when the time comes, although they fade faster than larger tattoos. Brian Keith Thompson, the celebrity piercer, said, “You can have it reworked in 10 years and go back over it. Some people cannot afford to have more significant portions of their bodies tattooed, but small tattoos can permanently be enlarged, which is more accessible than making them smaller.

Image Credit: Pexels/Michael Burrows

Taking Care Of Delicate Tattoos

Despite their fragility, micro tattoos are pretty durable. Thompson said, “Because the lines are smaller, they are thinner and more delicate. They don’t take abuse as well as the larger, thicker lines.” Make sure you don’t pick the scabs, run into anything, or soak the tattoo in water.

Micro Tattoos: Where To Get Them?

Micro tattoos are most popular in controversial locations. Smith says that most of his tattoo requests are for hand and finger tattoos. The most significant caveat is that finger and hand tattoos tend to fade with frequent washing. Smith sees hand art as a personal art form. “I love it. I do them super thin. I wear them as jewelry.”