So you’ve finally made up your mind and decided to get a tattoo. Whether it’s the first one ever or just another one to add to your collection, you’ve done your research, seen all the options out there, and decided to go for a watercolor tattoo, one of the most fashionable and beautiful styles you could get. In the last seven years, this style has grown in popularity among many tattoo lovers, and it’s no wonder. The end result, when done by a professional, leaves your skin looking like an actual work of art, full of color and vitality. However, like a painting on a canvas, your body art needs special care from the moment it’s done, so it will last for many years. Color tattoos in particular don’t last as long as the ones done with black ink. So, if you’re into watercolor tattoos, keep the following points in mind, so the special design you’ve chosen will stand the test of time and remain as vibrant and sharp as the day you got it.
1. The simpler, the better
I’m sure you want a really artistic design on your skin. However, you might want to think twice before you get a Monet or a Van Gogh on your arms, back, or legs. And I don’t say this because they wouldn’t look great, but because the lack of black lines separating the colors makes these tattoos prone to bleeding over time. So, rather than preparing for an eventual hemorrhage –I’m kidding, it wouldn’t be that dramatic, but still it would be quite nasty and could even get infected–, go for a simple design. Maybe, instead of getting the whole pond of water lilies, just get a single, beautiful flower.
2. You’ll have to retouch it often
This is something you have to seriously consider before going for the watercolor tat. Unlike black ink, colors tend to fade over time. The best designs can last up to 10 years. However, by then, they won’t look as vibrant as they did when they were freshly made. So, if you want the colors to look vivid, you’ll have to pay frequent visits to your local tattoo artist.
3. Get it on a part of your body that looks flattering
This point is also related to the meaning you’ve given to your tattoo. Maybe the meaning is personal, so you’ll get it somewhere not everyone can see. Or, maybe want your tattoo to convey a message you want to share with the world. Whether there’s a deep meaning behind the area you choose, it’s important that you to consider if a watercolor design will look good on your back, collarbone, ribs, legs, arms, or any other part of your body. Otherwise, the time and money you spent on it will all be for nothing.
4. Take care of your skin
Watercolor tattoos are delicate, so your skin needs even more care than with other kinds of tattoos. If you want the colors to last a decade, you have to keep the area moisturized and protected from the sun. So, if you decide to get the design on a part that’s usually exposed to sunlight, you’ll have to apply sunscreen. Remember, UV rays and dryness are the number one enemies for your watercolor tat.
5. Get it with a professional
As obvious as it might seem, you must remember that not all tattoo artists, even those with years of experience, are able to do a watercolor design, especially because this style became trendy just a few years ago. For example, they might be veterans in the art of making single-line tattoos, but if you ask them to make you a watercolor work, the results might not be what you were expecting. Do your research and find artists who have become masters of this style: they’ll know how to apply colors without black ink and give you all the recommendations that this style requires.
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Here are other tattoo styles you might be interested in:
Why You Need To Try Hand-Poked Tattoos
The Abstract Tattoo Style That Turns Your Skin Into Street Art
Tattoos Inspired By Shamanic Traditions You’ll Want To Get Right Away
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Tattoos by Aleksandra Katsan
