Fine line tattooing uses small needles to create a thin, delicate, intricate tattoo design evoking fine artwork on the skin. A fine line tattoo is softer and thinner than traditional tattoos. Doing a design in fine line will take longer than it will take with thicker lines because of the precision fine line requires.

Fine line tattoos create thinner and more intricate tattoo lines using 1-3 round liner needles, whereas traditional tattoos create thicker bolder lines using 6-12 round liner needles. Both styles can incorporate black and grey or color ink, and both styles can apply to the same areas of the body. Fine line tattoos are said to fade more aggressively than regular tattoos, though both tattoo styles will fade with time, and may need touch-ups. The longevity of your tattoo in either style relies on the location of the tattoo, how well you care for your skin, your body’s natural healing process. One or more touch ups may be necessary to sustain your tattoo integrity.

Please note that high movement areas such as fingers, knees, and elbows typically require multiple touch ups.

Yes, especially if you take care of your tattoo. When your skin naturally undergoes its turnover cycles to create new skin, the body actively removes some ink because it is a foreign body—and this can be more pronounced in fine needle tattoos due to the minimal amount of ink put into the skin to produce a fineline tattoo. If you are getting a linework only fine line tattoo it is suggested doing one touch up within the 1st year of the tattoo. In order to keep your fine needle tattoo fresh, make sure to apply lotion, and use sunscreen when exposing it to sun. Like any style of tattoo your fine line tattoo will keep its vibrancy if you care for it.

The amount of touch ups needed necessary will depend on the body’s natural healing process. Please note that with each touch up the tattoo may get thicker, due to the layering process.