Some tattoos stay crisp for decades, others soften faster. Placement and ink colour play a big part. Here’s what you should know before choosing where – and in which colours – to get tattooed.
Hands, fingers and feet
Yes, we tattoo hands, feet, fingers and even the inside of the mouth. These areas move constantly, rub against things and regenerate skin quickly, so tattoos there tend to fade faster and may need touch-ups over time. For that reason we ask clients to sign a waiver for these placements.
White ink
White ink tattoos look beautiful when fresh, but they are known to lose vibrancy more quickly than other colours and can soften toward the skin tone. All clients choosing white ink sign a waiver acknowledging this.
Does red ink fade faster?
It’s a common myth. There is no solid evidence that red fades faster than other colours, and in our experience red ink holds up just as well when the tattoo is cared for properly.
The biggest factor: the sun
UV exposure is the number one cause of fading. In Bali that matters even more.
- Keep a fresh tattoo out of direct sun for at least 2 weeks.
- Once healed, use high-SPF sunscreen every time it’s exposed.
Healing well = lasting longer
How you heal your tattoo in the first 2–4 weeks affects how it looks for years. Don’t pick or peel, avoid swimming for 2 weeks, and follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. Read our full aftercare guide.
Touch-ups
We offer complimentary touch-ups within two months of your session when you use our recommended aftercare products and follow the instructions.
Unsure about placement? Ask our artists – we’ll give you honest advice on what will look best and last longest.
