The Truth About Micro Tattoos

We’ve all seen them. Incredibly tiny, delicate tattoos – a minimalist’s delight. Visually, micro tattoos are obviously quite different than standard tattoo styles composed of bold lines and larger designs. But does that mean that the micro tattoo process is different also? What are some things to consider before getting a micro tattoo?

Micro Tattoo Aging

With standard tattoos, there is a common saying that ‘Bold will hold.” Most standard tattoo styles have strong lines, or bold colors or contrasts; this is purposefully done so that the tattoo design will endure over the years. Our bodies change in time, so do our tattoos. As appealing as they may seem on social media, many high class tattoo artists share the opinion that micro tattoos are not built to last. These delicate designs are highly susceptible to fading or patchiness, running the risk of completely fading under certain conditions. This is partly due to the fact that smaller or thinner deposits of ink are much easier for the body to dispose of or disperse.

Sizing

Another stark difference between micro tattoos and standard tattoo styles is sizing. If you’ve gotten tattooed before, your tattoo artist may have suggested a larger size than what you had in mind. This is because fine or tight details do not typically hold up well as years go on. Ink tends to naturally spread under the skin over time, even when done by highly skilled artists. Therefore, designs with details that are too tight or too close together run the risks of blurring together or ‘blobbing up’ eventually. Micro tattoos are no exception to this simple fact.

Misleading Social Media

These micro designs have risen to fame thanks to social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. But are the posts misleading to potential clients? In some ways, yes. Many tattoo artists, all styles included, do not share photos of their tattoos that are healed over periods of time. This may give potential clients false expectations for their tattoo ideas. Some artists have a saying “The tattoo may look good for the Instagram photo, but will it look good for life?” Some artists may even retouch or digitally change photos of their work. While a little bit of editing is usually normal, changing the actual appearance of the tattoo is not. It is incredibly important to research all aspects before making the commitment. This means viewing healed photos, even checking artists’ tagged photos from clients.

Final Thoughts on Micro Tattoos

If you are still intent on getting the tiny tattoo of your Pinterest dreams, you still need to do some research. Tattooing is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ skill. Most artists have a set style, specialty or subject matter that they focus on. It is imperative to thoroughly research your artists and look through their portfolios to make sure that your idea fits their body of work. It is not uncommon for tattoo artists to turn away ideas that are outside of their specialty. Lastly, never be afraid to ask questions. Most reputable tattoo artists or studios are happy to advise you or answer questions or concerns.

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