In most cases, finger tattoos will end up fadeing within the first six to eight months.

You’ve just gotten your first finger tattoo, and it is the perfect addition to your body art, right?

Well, now you are probably wondering about how to properly care for your new finger tattoo, how to prevent it from fading too fast, and just how fast they do fade.

If you have had tattoos before, then you might find that finger tattoos are just like normal tattoos in many ways.

Here is everything that you need to know about caring for your tattoo and just how fast finger tattoos really do fade.

Healing

Any and every tattoo goes through a healing process. It’s kind of a nasty process too. The healing process can take up to six weeks total from the time your artist bandages you until you’re fully healed.

Your skin begins to start looking normal within a two to four week period as well. Since your tattoo is permanent, you just need to be patient with the healing time. Part of the healing process is actually caring for your tattoo properly.

Aftercare

Your tattoo artist should help you with care of your new finger tattoo, but just in case you either forget or still have questions there are a few things you can do to ensure that your tattoo is cared for properly so it can heal quickly and in the right way.

You should always keep your new tattoo clean and moist. After washing with a gentle, scent free soap, you should apply a tattoo wax or unscented lotion to keep the tattoo area from drying out. A good aftercare kit like this one from Tattoo Goo will contain all the soaps and salves you need.

During the early stages of your tattoo, you should keep it covered and protected from dust, dirt, sweat, or grime.

Though plastic wrap is used on the first day of your tattoo, it is not usually used for smaller tattoos like finger tattoos. Instead, bandages may be used to keep the tattoo site protected. The bandages will be taped with a masking tape, or you can choose a paper tape if you have allergies to adhesives. When you get home on your first day, you should wait at least 5 hours before removing your bandaging. As long as you remove the bandaging before 24 hours, then you are good to go.