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Thinking Of Getting A Tattoo? These 35 Pics Reveal How Tattoos Age Over Time
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Your new tattoo might look pretty awesome now, but have you ever wondered what it'd look like when you're older? Well, check out this list compiled by Bored Panda to see for yourself how aged tattoos look over time.
There are many reasons why this happens and many answers to the question of how tattoos age. The type of tattoo ink can make a big difference, for example, with cheaper ink often fading much quicker than higher-quality alternatives. The color of the ink makes a big difference, too, as the lighter the ink, the faster it fades (remember that next time you're thinking about getting one of those white ink tattoos!). Another thing to consider is the placement of your tattoo, as this can also influence the speed of fading. Tattoos on areas that see a lot of activity, such as your feet and your fingers, are much more likely to fade more quickly than tattoos on your back or chest, for example. Also, the tattoo design comes into play, too - the smaller and more intricate the detailing is, the more chance it will get blurred years later. And never forget to search for a highly skilled and qualified tattoo artist, as he is the one who will execute the work itself.
One way to keep your tattoo looking fresh is to ensure that you follow the proper healing procedures, as even the best tattoos can be affected by not taking proper care. Most parlors will advise you about care and tattoo aging, so make sure you pay attention! Also, as tempting as it might be, don't spend too much time touching your new tattoo idea that came to life, as this can lead to discoloration and infection. Finally, if your tattoo is new, then try to keep it out of the sun, and even when it's fully healed, make sure you always wear the highest SPF sunscreen on any exposed tattoos whenever you're out and about.
Now scroll down below and check how do old tattoos look - not all of them stood the test of time.
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Aged Finger Tattoo
When I had decided to get the tattoo done, I knew that the area was not ideal and that the tattoo would fade at some point. I made a point to follow the aftercare instructions "to a T". My expectation was that I would have this tattoo for longer than a week.
It's called a blowout. Happens when the needle goes too deep into the skin. Fingers are very hard to do, the skin is flimsy. It could happen the most skilled artists. It's just a poor choice in placement. That's all.
Aged Wrist Tattoo
Interesting tribal design. A quick touch up should do the trick, that's the nice part about a tribal tattoo
Celtic Tattoo 15 Years Later
The dark tone of the current one actually compliments the fact that it should represent an ancient Celtic symbol. Giving it a touch-up would be nice, but won't be all that necessary
Aged Neck Tattoo
sunscreen, people. Reds and oranges will hot hold up to UV light.
Tiny Aged Tattoo
Where on the body is this? Context would be great... Looks like the foot to me, which would make this fading make perfect sense.
Aged Palm Tattoo
Finger Tattoo 6 Weeks Later
This one almost looks intentional, like the words really disappearing, like they do on the map.
Fresh And Aged Tattoo
You people apparently just have shit artists 😂😂😂 I've had some of my tattoos for over 10 years and people still ask me if they're new 🙌🏻
Bingo.
Lol I don't even have a tattoo and was thinking that too
same here, it depends on the artist and how deep the ink is and the type of ink used, my half sleeve looks like i just got it but ive had it for about 10yrs.
I was gonna say something similar, probably the ones that faded super fast (like the lipstick one which honestly that probably did you a favor that was one of the shittiest tats Ive ever seen) the artist probably just put the ink to close to the highest layer of skin
Sammy Bradford easy
Karen Girard -
Yea sure and how are you going to prove that you liar!
Exactly!
And some does not understad high wear areas like fingers and forearms. Feet are also a high wear area.... If you sunbathe alot, that will also fade tatoos alot.
I aged they must have shit artist I've had mine for some time mine still like new but you got to look after them i use knives men cream thinly works for me
Terry Gorman haha
Yeah, it depends on how good the artist is. I've had some for over 20 years and they still look new. My daughter has a very colorful one on her entire arm and even though it's nearly a decade old, it looks brand new. That's why you pick the artist very carefully!
Let' see?
Gabriel Mazariegos no
Wow, like the people in these photos are reading your comment?
Suzanne Anderson yes
That's exactly what I thought!!
I was gonna comment something similar I dont have any yet but most these people probably had shit artist who put the layer of ink to close to the highest layer of skin...
Avoiding sun on the ink helps as well. I wrote a similar comment to yours. Cheers Karen.
Make War No More -
exactly...bored pandas. Thay cannot reach a good picture if is not on google images ( first page if possible). Anyway, I'm glad facebook people can see what happens when you try to get a cheap tattoo in a drunk night. Still i have to take 20 minutes to explain a costumer why small tattoos are not a good choice...and still they want the bad choice.
It varies a lot with skin types. You might just be lucky and have the suitable genes for long lasting ink.
Kevin Kremitz follower
Has nothing to do with good genes dumbass. Unless you have a severe skin condition tattoos should age just fine. It’s the aftercare that goes into them that decides how good they look.
I noticed some are not even the same person/ tat !!
Rebecca Westenberger no
My worst tattoo is 30+ years old, from the Days Before Sunscreen. My use of it, that is! The rest look GOOD,
I find some of these hard to believe. I've had a tattoo for 8 years now and it looks as good as the day I got it. Even the artist was amazed by how good my color has held up. But then again everyone has different skin types and different methods for tattoo care.
but if your tat artist was surprised at how well it held up, doesn't that suggest they usually don't? Hence the above happens?
Color normally fades. It depends on the quality of ink, how deep the tat is, how well your skin holds the ink. Example, just a simple quick note jotted on my hand in basic pen ink takes almost a week to fully wash off my skin. This includes using pumous soaps and scrubing. The knowledge of the artist is a factor as well. Tattoo artists expect to see this happen. When it doesnt or doesnt happen at the normal rate yeah they are suprised. I have one with a very vibrant blue. Got it 9 years ago. It still looks the same. Yes, ive had other artists ask how old it is and yes, they are suprised at how much color is still in the tat with no touch ups done.
Erinn Fitzmaurice good
It suggest they don't hold up as well, not that they look like the shit tattoos in these photos.
we always know what is going to happen when the client makes a bad choice, that's why we freak out when finger tattoos actually stay. Which i don't understand is why everybody know more than a tattooer, i wish I could know more that a doctor when I have no fucking idea what a bypass is or how is it performed, or more than my mechanic...when I have never fix a car in my entire life. Some people is just born too smart.
I've heard, but cannot confirm that the paler your skin is + your personal sunscreen usage dramatically affect the integrity of tattoos.
I'm very pale, and I never expose my tattoos to sun without sunscreen on. I buy high zinc sunscreens or ones designed for tattoos.
My back piece looks exactly the same as the day I got it (without the redness of course) but, I am fairly pale and wear SPF 50+
I have several large all color (no black) flower tattoos on my chest/shoulder/back. They still look very good and are about 5 years old now. I am very pale (red head) and use sun screen religiously.
Raul your grammar is horrendous
That's exactly what we tell to the people together with the after care instructions. They make problems to pay the tattoo...but actually they don't care if it gets screwed...because people is so smart that thinks we are bored and like to look like important people and that's why we tell them to take care of their tattoo properly. Here the clue: people who don't care about getting a tattoo ( "my friend is doing it, so am I) normally don't care about the after care and they even laugh on your face. Good their tattoos fade away, the tattoo god exists.
If your artist was amazed by how well it held up, shouldn't that tip you off that most tattoos do not?
Raul your grammar is horrendous
Not really, all tattoos will usually fade a bit. It is more of a tattoo "settling into the skin". So some of the vibrancy tones down. Some people keep the vibrancy which does not always happen. I worked in a tattoo shop and have many tattoos. They all still look awesome, even the older ones. The pictures this page used are not really accurate for what they wanted to convey. If it is a bad tattoo or on the pads of hands, feet or fingers it is not going to stay without touch ups, sometimes quite a few.
Mel Peters follower
totally wrong. Try finding out why Donal Trump has all your money, that's less than a mystery.
You can tell some pics are just photoshopped. Suddenly the girl her skintone is lighter as well. And I don't mean just a little bit.... (ie: pic 11, pic 12, ...)
Jürgen Magnus +
Raul your grammar is horrendous
Old people's tattoos age very poorly due to lack of elasticity & aging of the skin & underlying tissues, I agree that some artists are much better than others & their tattoos remain clear & vibrant longer. Some inked people have special oils that they apply to their inked areas that help as well. Working with doctors, we are finding more & more laser surgeries to remove tattoos , especially on face & neck.
old people's tattoos are done long time a go, different technics, materials, and again...long time a go. And they look rad, because they are real. Done when people was not all the time asking "is it gonna hurt? is it gonna hurt?.
Could the quality of inks used by the tattoo artist also affect the aging of the tat?
Quality of the ink, quality of the artist, quality of the design all affect how the piece will age.
yes poor ink -poor result/ good artist-good tattoo and vice versa I'm a tattooist my colour work still looks good 10 yrs on the examples on here look bad more due to placement i.e. fingers near soles of feet lips and palms…. a good tattooist would tell you to expect the tattoo to fall out in these places its not due to ink or skill…. just the fact the body parts go through more abrasive movement than say a thigh or an arm. very old colour tattoos i.e. the ones u see on older people have faded due to sun exposure and the fact ink wasn't as good back in the day as it is now.
just pick a good artist and take care of your tattoo (like use sunscreen etc.) and you´re perfectly fine.. tattoo-590...e82e93.png
It even look prettier after 2yrs!
How about don't graffiti your body
Beautiful
That aged awesomely!
Jennifer Newhart what
I totally saw down your shirt
Rick Hamby like
Some of these tattoos were shitty to begin with and others almost looked like they were shitty copies of the original that some hack artist tried to do
Lucky Barrett Good response!
Moisturizer your skin and stay out of the sun people.
These are not good tatoo artist. I have had my tatoo on my back for 15 years and still looks great, still have all color and doesnt look faded.
There seems to be a few things not being mentioned when it comes to right choice of tattoo and upkeep 1) 'watercolour' tattoos are the first to fade and need constant touch ups due to the delicate strokes of colour and the lack of outline 2) yellow, orange, red and pinks are the FIRST colours to fade because the human body naturally has a lot of these pigments therefore those patches will have a faster regeneration of cells 3) Placement is everything, if you go for a finger, foot, inside your mouth or, god-forbid, a tongue tattoo; it will fade incredibly fast due to how much contact those have with not only the outside world, but your own body! 5) skin is elastic, it stretches and grows over time along with us; so if you have a design with a lot of negative space and light shading, the negative space will consume the original design. On the other hand, if the negative space is too thin between solid block shading, the ink with naturally bleed into that negative space. think about it!
Sorry, replying on something you wrote 3 years ago 😂
Watercolour tattoos can be done without needing touchups, it’s about tattooing for how it looks healed instead of how it looks fresh :) the yellow and pinks in my arm haven’t faded any extra than other colours, I’m not sure how the pigment of the ink changes how quickly the cells regenerate over that area, do you have scientific evidence of this you could share? Also areas like side of fingers, palms, feet etc can stay in lovely if it was done correctly, only some artists can achieve this, you have to go deeper in these areas and your machine also needs to allow for this. (i am not sure about lip though) yes tattoo ink does spread over time, that depends on the persons skin, the artist and the area, a good artist will be able to make a beautiful tattoo for any area that stays in and ages well, and if they can’t then they should say so and someone else can. Sun breaks down tattoos the most so keeping them covered with clothing or sunscreen is very important.
Anny Keene good
I've had to retouch a couple of my tats but I have one that looks like I just got it and I got it almost 20yrs ago!!! Most of these looked like shit tattoos to begin with and depending on what part of the body it won't stand the test of time. Research your artist and check out their portfolio before getting one and then follow the after care instructions to a tee!!! Don't forget to wear sunscreen when you go out cuz the sun will damage it too. 🐧🐧
Annie Davis lol
I'm an apprentice at a tattoo shop and I have to say This is actually not very accurate how a tattoo holds up is dependant on where it is how you take care of it (not just as its healing) and whether or not your artist knows what they're doing. Not to mention ink has come a long way in the last ten years
Amanda-Marie Sacco haha
Some people here really are in denial, no matter how well you care for it, no matter how good your artist is or where you placed it your tattoo WILL fade. Unless you want to go ahead and deny basic biology. It's preposterous to say your tattoo is still as good as it was fresh, you're only fooling yourself or just think it's still the same. It's not. To the person saying her tattoo is still as good as it was 10 years ago, you're are so full of it or just plain ignorant.
Of course it will fade, no onws denying it, but not in couple of months or even years. Needing to re-touch after 10 years Is completely normal...
Jan Baard -
#1 damage to tattoos is sun. Ultraviolet rays breakdown ink more than anything. Sunscreen..... I have tattoos 15 years old that look new.
I know few artists who doesn't work over the summer for this very reason...
Michael Keskinen good
Oh my goodness!! True some are real and have faded... But lets get real here! Some are marker! Some are drawn on... And there are at least 2 that are not even the same damn tat!
Jennifer Church like
Mine is 13 years old and still looks great!
Lynn Millerberg like
Yeah... It's called "Do some retouching from time to time".
this is why you get tattoo touch ups over the years
One half are not the same person and the other half got laser treatments! -.-
Things fade, bodies fall apart, we age? Why didn't someone tell me before now?!?!?!
Half of these are not even the same person!
Totally agree!
People don't understand that you can get your tattoo touched up when it fades. I've got one that I've had for 10 years and just got touched up, looks as good as when I got :) Also, these people in the photos clearly didn't go to a very good artists, most of the tattooss are pretty bad to begin with. And never worn sun screen :/
There seems to be a few things not being mentioned when it comes to right choice of tattoo and upkeep 1) 'watercolour' tattoos are the first to fade out and need constant touch ups due to the delicate strokes of colour and the lack of outline 2) yellow, orange read and brilliant pinks are the FIRST colours to fade nbecause the human body naturally has a lot of these therefore those patch will have a faster generation of cells 3) Placement is everything, if you go for a finger, foot or inside your mouth or, god-forbid, a tounge tattoo; it will fade incredibly fast due to how much contact those appendages have with not only the outside world, but your own body! 5) skin is elastic, it stretches and grows over time along with us; so if you have a design with a lot of negative space and light shading, the negative space with consume the original design. On the other hand, if the negative space is too thin between solid block shading, the ink with naturally bleed into that negative space.
Some of these look like they were done in sharpie marker. Wat.
Elliot Morgan no
Come on guys this is bullshit,I have my tattoos many years now and they are still like new...probably your tattooer is shit with shit ink
Evi Gavala +
Does the writer want us to believe, some of these are the same tats!?!?! Give me a break!!!
most of those are marker and one isn't even the same as the before
"omg i got a tattoo on my finger and it faded super fast, tattoos suck" or you got a tattoo on a part of your body that you use constantly and you failed to do any upkeep bc you dont have any idea how tattoos work. also wow the yellow and white faded ...what a surprise.
Shelley Clatfelter haha
Skin does stretch and we do get older. We don't always have tight skin like we will never always have a perfect tattoo after so many years. I am still gonna get tattoos IDGAF.
Bobbie Sproesser ?
I've never had a tat, but isn't this why you get touch ups periodically?
Fake news! I have 30 year old tattoos that hadn't faded like SHOWN...
Um ya I don't know how some of these healed their tats but clearlysomething went wrong. And you can always get your tat touched up so if you haven't and it's been some time then duh your tat is gonna look a bit faded
So... Most of these were either shoddy work or on the hands/feet. Of course they look terrible later. I've had many tattoos and for quite some time. The concept, artist, and placement are key factors in any tattoo.
If you get tattoos on your inner lip, palm or fingers of course they are going to fade fast that's just common sense! Did you really think they would last forever? Now tattoos anywhere else might require up keep from time to time. Just depends on how you take care of them.
When I was in high school, a colleague made a tatoo which said "times are changing, so are we (changing along)" in Latin. I think that's a neat idea for a tatoo, and right for these reasons.
My back tattoo (7years old) and leg tattoo (5y.o.) still look pretty much the same from when they were fresh. Tattoo on my foot (6y.o.) is fading a tiny bit but that's probably got to with placement and wearing socks&shoes a lot.
Also got a full-sleeve in progress, but that's being worked on for the past 4years so... can't really say anything about that :P
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Some of them you can tell there not the same tattoo I didn't think tattoo can flip change direction or size
I've had a single tattoo for about 4-5 years and it still looks brand new. The colour is still bright, the black is still dark and the picture still looks sharp.
Problems with these tattoos are: 1) bad placement- fingers, palms, lips, heels- tattoos here never lasts, it's lots of pain for nothing 2) bad aftercare. At least couple of these were caused by the klient, there is obvious lack of care after tattooing 3) bad artists. If the tattoo looks shady And bad when it's fresh, it's never gonna heal nicely....
I have learned that not all tattoo ink is created equal. A cheap ink will fade and spread much fast than a bottle that is expensive, hence, you get what you pay for!
Some of tjese are shitty tattoos, places such as handpalm, people who have have gotten fat or pregnant... also 21???? Is that drawn on with a pen? Henna lasts longer....
I did this and it is 2 years healed in the photo, on the middle of the back hence the pores. Your article is all wrong, these are just not good tattoos. 4D9A7CBA-E...a-jpeg.jpg
THIS article is wrong! You have just posted work that was not done well, also Including a lot of areas of the body where it needs to be incredibly specific with depth of the ink such as (aside of fingers, palms, heels, lip) most professionals cannot get it deep enough in these areas but there are some who can because it is also based on the tattoo machines. Yes tattoos lighten and spread over time but only a small amount. There are a lot of terrible tattooists out there, but a lot of fantastic ones aswell. Protecting your tattoo from the sun is very important too! Here’s one I did that is 2 years healed in the photo. Tattoo is on middle of the back hence the pores :) AE7CCD36-8...2-jpeg.jpg
wow, they had better cameras with real color and not blurry or over exposure before, woooow. This is so misleading.... you don't like tattoos, we get it.
and yeah, don't tattoo your fingers or palms. ink tends to dissapear there.
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In most cases these look like the ink was shit, and the artist wasn't very experienced... Regardless, this is definitely not representative of how most tattoos last. It's misleading to title this "These 35 Pics Reveal How Tattoos Age Over Time" and then only pick tattoos that have not aged well... I have had my oldest tattoo for nine years and it still looks as beautiful as it did when it first healed.
Sarah Deller no
So, I just wanted to post my aging tattoos. And I don’t think they’re bad at all. Not sure if it’s because of the artists I’ve used or my skin🤷🏻♀️
Sadie Jackson ?
Here is my first tat I got on my 30th birthday. My bff called me that morning and asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday and I said I want a tattoo. So every decade birthday I planned to get one. 40 was Felix the Cat, I just got two last week to catch up. My first one looks just like it did when I got it 30 years ago. I think some of these tat artists may not be the best they can be. pams-tatto...13-png.jpg
Some of these aren't even the same tattoos. Lines don't magically move and colors don't change from blue to brown.
People REALLY need to do their research. I know getting my finger tattoo to not get it on the side or inside. Also know to not get one with too much detail because it will fade. Location matters and quality artists matter.
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Carl Basile follower
this is all bullshit. So many of the before and after pics are NOT of the same person. Yes tattoos fade. But this is bullshit because they are NOT of the same tattoos. Fucking bull.
Dva Main follower
Yes we agree, not all tattoo artist are as good as us! Lucky enough we also repair other people mistakes... https://www.raditattoome.net
Derral ?
My god, people are irrationally angry over something that doesn't affect them at all. Faded tattoos isn't the end of the world. You just touch them up or watch them age because they represent memories. Or you cover them with something else. Certain tattoos are gonna fade faster, and people are usually aware of that.
With most of these people were probably glad they faded :D
Tattoos are like anything else, they require maintenance. I have touch ups done on mine if and when they need it and they all still look fabulous. Think about placement, color, and size beforehand, and then research reputable talented artists and you should have no problems.
My first tattoo, 32 years old, looks twice as nice as most of those damn tats. I do have a newer one that once was black roses but 30 years later looks like rotten cabbage. It depends on the artist and if they know their profession.
Christian Lindberg follower
I have a friend who got a tattoo for many years and it is still fresh as the first day he got it. I think maybe it depends on where the tattoo shop you go. You get what you pay for.
Jinjuta Akkharawisutcharoen love
most tattoo artist do free touch ups. some of these are YEARS later and obviously its not going to look as it did the day you got it. thats why they do touch ups
Josh Walters no
Here's what a bunch of poorly done tattoos like later....
Laura Saadati-Kepper what
People do realise that tattoos have to touched up every few years right? Skin isn't a very good canvas.
Fiona Diles -
Do only white ppl get tattoos? lol
Tanu Cooper haha
I have 3 tattoo's one is 6 years old, the other is 4 years old and another is 2 years old and they all still look fresh , But I used a good artist and followed the after care instructions to a T. Didn't go swimming for at least a month, limited exposure to the sun (although with my shoulder one that has been a little more challenging....still looks great) kept well moisturized while healing etc. Some of these looks poorly placed/or poorly done or both. One even looked more like magin marker than a real tattoo.
Kathy Burman +
Anyone can paint on skin, it takes a true Professional to paint in the skin. That's all.
FAKE ASSS FARRK some of these are two different tattoos ... like someone has just tried to copy the same artwork and didnt get as good a quality and some even changed spots on the body...
Indee Iris what
just because you lot got tattoos dont mean you look good,it means you was foolish once in your life
if you age so will your tattoo
My opinion some of there were not real tat's!!!