Dainty, detailed, darling – or – underwhelming and unpredictable; these are some of the words commonly attributed to fine line tattoos. Chances are, at university, you probably know quite a few people with fine line tattoos, and for good reason. The most delicate and trained needle can bring flowers to blossom and sunlight to beam in tattoo form. Like the sunlight though, fine line tattoos are famous for fading after a certain amount of time. The question is, are they simply dainty for now, but disappointing later?
The benefits of a good fine line tattoo are there for all to see, quite literally. The difference between a fine line tattoo and typical tattoos is much like the difference between painting and illustrating. Rather than the thick strokes of a normal tattoo gun, a fine line tattoo gun uses a much thinner needle. For many popular designs, such as cats, birds, or meandering vines, that illustrated, sketched look is ideal.
More than just lending itself well to certain designs, though, many might say that the biggest advantages of fine line tattoos are those of accessibility. If – like me – your tolerance for pain is non-existent, and the idea of writhing in agony under a piercing and pounding tattoo gun is a big turn-off, a fine line tattoo is the perfect alternative. Furthermore, if your concerns about pain are more financial than physical, a fine line tattoo will hurt your wallet a lot less than other options.
With the positives covered, this is where the lines begin to become a bit blurred. Apropos blurring, the main concern with getting a fine line tattoo is that after about three to five years, they begin to fade or even worse, blow out. Though needle depth and tattoo artist expertise are crucial factors in ensuring that your tattoo does not blur sooner rather than later, the likelihood is that after a couple of years, a fine line tattoo will likely no longer look as fine. While touch-ups are always an option to help rectify the issues that come with time, this can mean that your tattoo can become a point of attention over the years.
It could also be worth mentioning that a lot of fine line tattoos, like stick-and-pokes, are the go-to for younger people getting their first tattoos. If you see one that isn’t particularly good, don’t let it be what turns you away from the idea of getting a fine line tattoo. Like with all tattoos, the expertise of the person administering it is the most important factor in its beauty.
So what’s the conclusion then? Dainty, or disappointing? Honestly, it depends a lot on personal preference, the design you’re looking to get, your budget, and your willingness to take care of a fine line tattoo’s upkeep. The pros and cons seem so balanced, that it really is up to personal taste. If a more affordable, thinner tattoo interests you, and you have no issues with blurring, fading, or getting touch-ups in the future, then absolutely go for it.
Illustration by Lauren Tooze for The Student.