Fine Line Tattoos Are the Minimalistic Ink Trend Adored by Celebs
Unlike fashion and beauty trends that you can test-drive before fully committing to, tattoos are a different story. Sure, your trendy balayage with bottleneck bangs may require time to grow out and fade, but permanent ink will stay on your skin forever. As such, it's really important to know exactly what you're signing up for before getting a tattoo.
There's been a rise in fine line tattoos — in fact, there are over 150 million views on TikTok videos about them. Even celebrities such as Hailey Bieber and bestie Kendall Jenner keep getting them. An artist at Iron & Ink, an international tattoo studio, told InStyle that fine line tattoos have become a major trend. To better understand fine line tattoos, we tapped ink experts Wiwi Schrøder and Robert Boyle for everything you need to know.
Meet Our Expert
Wiwi Schrøder is an Iron & Ink tattoo artist.
Robert Boyle is the founder of Foreverist Skincare.
Keep scrolling for a complete guide to fine line tattoos.
What Are Fine Line Tattoos?
Essentially, they're exactly what they sound like.
"A fine line tattoo is a subtle, delicate, and thin tattoo," explained Schrøder.
Furthermore, Boyle noted that in appearance, fine line tattoos are often softer in shading and more delicate in their linework than other types of tattoos.
To get a fine line tattoo, both experts say that the tattoo artist will either use a single needle or combinations of small needles.
The Benefits of Fine Line Tattoos
It depends on what you're looking to get out of it, but there are several upsides to getting a fine line tattoo. For starters, Schrøder noted that because they're so discreet, everyone can get one without having to make a bold statement on their body. In fact, Boyle suggested that because of an increase in workplace tattoo acceptance, fine lines have grown in popularity. Plus, if you want to join the tattoo community without getting a thicker and bolder type of tattoo, fine lines offer a beginner-friendly entry point.
Then, there's the factor of pain. While no tattoo will be completely painless, Schrøder pointed out that fine line tattoos hurt less as they use small needles. However, Boyle noted that placement can greatly affect how much getting a tattoo hurts, not to mention the artist's skill level.
Risks of Fine Line Tattoos
If you're reading this article, you've likely seen photos of fine line tattoos and are intrigued by the artistry and attention to detail. As such, you've likely realized that it takes a very skilled hand to achieve an intricate, well-detailed, fine line tattoo.
"They're more difficult to execute perfectly than many traditional styles of tattooing because the lines are thin and, in turn, less forgiving with mistakes," explained Boyle. "For it to be perfect, the artist needs the lines to be straight, continuous, and with the ink inserted all at the same depth. This can be difficult depending on the placement of the tattoo itself, along with the artist's skills."
Schrøder added that because there's little to no room for mistakes, even the slightest mishap will be noticed.
Boyle added that the risk of not going to an artist who is highly skilled in fine line tattoos is getting ink that becomes a blowout — where lines end up being thicker and thinner in different places — or a fallout — where the ink falls out of the skin during the healing process — as the design itself is more difficult to execute and heal.
The risks don't stop once the tattoo is done — aftercare is extremely important.
"Even the smallest scratches can cause missing ink on the healed tattoo," said Schrøder. "So, when you get a fine line tattoo, you really have to be very mindful of how you treat your tattoo while it is healing and make sure you are using the correct moisturizer."
More on that below.
Related: A Definitive Guide to Stick-and-Poke Tattoos
How to Make a Fine Line Tattoo Last
Placement is key.
"You have to make sure the skin in this specific area is good for making fine line tattoos," said Schrøder. "If the placement is not great, the tattoo will run out with the elasticity of the skin, or you risk that the tattoo will fade too quickly when exposed to too much sun or movement."
Some high risk areas are fingers, hands, and the neck.
Once that's settled, proper aftercare is a must to expedite the healing process. Foreverist Skincare was formulated specifically for tattoo aftercare in mind, and Boyle recommended using the brand's A Complete Tattoo Care Kit, which includes the Foreverist Healing Cream, Hydrating Cream, and Brightening Day Protection SPF. Yes, you need to apply sunscreen to prevent your tattoo from fading.
Lastly, when — not if — your tattoo begins to fade, going in for touch-ups can help keep fine line tattoos looking clean and sharp. Schrøder suggested one of the things that can speed up fading is having dry skin, so keep it moisturized.
Related: How to Make Your Tattoos Last Longer, According to Experts
Our Favorite Celeb Fine Line Tattoos
Below, find a few examples of fine line tattoos to save and show your tattoo artist.
Motivational Fine Line Tattoo
Rihanna is no stranger to tattoos, and the delicate one she has below her collarbone is one of our favorites. It reads, "Never a failure, always a lesson."
Related: Everyone's Getting Dainty Tattoos Right Now
Saturn Fine Line Tattoo
Katy Perry has the most delicate, Saturn-inspired fine line tattoo on her wrist.
Constellation Fine Line Tattoo
We love an astrology moment, and Solange's dainty constellation is no exception.
Initial Fine Line Tattoo
Hailey dedicated a dainty tattoo to her husband, Justin Bieber, by permanently inking his initial on her ring finger. Lenny Kravitz did the same for his daughter, Zoë Kravitz, showing off his ink on Instagram in 2019.
Calligraphy Fine Line Tattoo
Zoë has a fine collection of tattoos that range from bold to dainty. Of those, we love the fine line "baby" on her neck and the detailed dragonfly on her back.
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