In a world where tattoos are only increasing in popularity, finger tattoos are more popular than ever. Since this is a part of your body that’s visible from day-to-day, it’s a big step to take, even for those who have a few tattoos already. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what sort of pain you can expect, the healing process, and the longevity of tattoos on your fingers.
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Finger Tattoo Pain
Do finger tattoos hurt? Well, finger tattoo pain is different for everyone. In a general sense, the answer is yes, finger tattoos do hurt. Any tattoo is going to hurt to a certain degree.
There are a lot of nerve endings in your fingers compared to other areas of the body. This, as a result, means more pain signals. The needle will also be closer to the bone as the skin on your fingers is very thin and there’s less fat to penetrate.
Consider reaching out to your tattoo artist and asking if it would be alright to use a tattoo numbing cream if you’re worried the pain will be too much.
How to Make Finger Tattoos Hurt Less
If you want your finger tattoo to hurt less, here are a few things you can do that can help ease the pain.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol thins your blood. This causes you to bleed more during the tattoo process. Excess bleeding can prevent the ink from holding and obstructs the vision of your artist. Not to mention that you may not sit still when you’re inebriated. Constant movement will interrupt the tattoo process, causing it to be longer (and more expensive).
Tattoo Numbing Creams, Ointments, and Sprays
Tattoo numbing agents are a common remedy to some of the expected pain. Depending on the application method, the solution it applied to the skin and left for a few moments to sink in. When activated, the area that’s going to be tattooed will be numb to the touch.
How to Care for a Finger Tattoo
Taking care of a new finger tattoo is crucial. The healing stage has a big impact on what the final result will look like. The last thing you want is your tattoo getting infected.
Short-Term Care (1-2 Weeks)
Same with any other tattoo you get, you should be prepared to take care of your tattoo after you’ve had it done. Having a good aftercare routine is crucial, as it can have an effect on what your tattoo looks like after it has healed.
Keep your hands and fingers clean in the coming weeks after you’ve received your tattoo. Where you can, use fragrance-free soap, followed by a fragrance-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated is an important part of the healing process.
Long-Term Care (3+ Weeks)
Because your hands aren’t typically covered, it’s difficult to keep them out of the sun. In light of this, it’s recommended that you apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when you’re out and about. While it may seem like a chore, sun protection is an important part of maintaining your tattoos, especially during summers.
Finger Tattoos and Fading
Like it or not, finger tattoos fade. In fact, they often fade faster than other tattoos. In addition to sun exposure, your hands are washed far more often than other parts of your skin. Your fingers also rub up against each other often which will naturally make fading faster.
In terms of what you can do to actively prevent your finger tattoo from fading, there are some habits you can start. Here’s how to keep finger tattoos from fading:
Apply Sunscreen
Exposure to UV rays from the sun will fade your tattoo. The more it’s exposed, the faster it will fade. Our hands are often exposed to direct sunlight, especially when driving. Make it a habit of applying moisturizer to your tattoo before leaving the house.
Wear Moisturizer
Moisturizer helps keep your skin hydrated. It may not directly help prevent fading, but it encourages healthy skin. Plus, it will make your tattoos pop with color, giving them a fresh sheen.
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Tattoo Finger FAQs
Should I get a finger tattoo?
Well, that's not a question that we can answer. Getting a finger tattoo is a big decision, and you make it after considering all of the factors.
Do you see yourself in a role that won't allow tattoos? Are you sure you're going to be fine with a tattoo that's always visible? Will you regret it later on? Will you end up removing the tattoo? These are questions that you can ask yourself.
As someone who has finger tattoos, I can say that my life isn't that much different, and I certainly don't have any regrets.
What do finger tattoos mean?
Getting a tattoo on your finger doesn't necessarily mean anything. The only meaning a tattoo on your finger would have is the meaning you give it.
Do bear in mind that visible tattoos can have an impact on the jobs that are available to you. If your potential employer has a strict policy against tattoos, you're going to find it hard to keep your hands covered at all times.
Although tattoo placement on your finger doesn't mean anything in and of itself, the design you choose can have meaning.
Do finger tattoos fade quickly?
I'm going to be honest with you; tattoos on your fingers are likely going to be the first to fade. This is because you use your hands for anything and everything on a daily basis.
Rubbing, hand washing, sunlight exposure; these are all things that can contribute towards the fading of your ink. Because of this, it's important to ask yourself if you're ready to commit to regular touch-ups of the ink you have on your fingers.
While finger tattoos do fade faster than most places you have tattooed, they're still a great place to show off awesome body art, and serve as a great way to take the "next step" in your tattoo journey.
How much do finger tattoos hurt?
Finger tattoos hurt more than most parts of your body. Your fingers don't contain a lot of fat or muscle density. Because of this, the needle is working very close to your bones, as it has no fat or muscle to help reduce the impact.
Your hands also have more nerve endings than any other part of your body, which is a large factor in the level of pain you'll experience.
Conclusion
Your hand is a part of your body that’s almost always on display. Because of this, getting a finger tattoo is a big decision. Make sure you’ve taken all factors into consideration before making the final decision.
Before confirming your final appointment, be sure to ask your tattoo artist as many questions as you can. If in doubt, they’re your go-to for support.
