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Thinking About A Tattoo? These 35 Pics Show How Tattoos Age Over Time

Thinking About A Tattoo? These 35 Pics Show How Tattoos Age Over Time

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Are you thinking of getting a tattoo? Your new tattoo might look pretty awesome now, but have you ever wondered what it’d look like when you’re older? There are many reasons and factors why this happens, and many answers to the question of how tattoos age. 
One way to keep your tattoo looking fresh and prevent it from aging is to ensure that you follow the proper healing procedures, as even the best tattoos can be affected by not taking proper care. Most parlors will advise you about care and tattoo aging, so make sure you pay attention!
As tempting as it might be, don't spend too much time touching your new tattoo idea that came to life, as this can lead to discoloration and infection. If your tattoo is new, then try to keep it out of the sunlight, even when it’s fully healed. Make sure you always moisturize your skin with the highest SPF sunscreen on any exposed tattoos whenever you’re out and about - this is a huge reminder for male tattoo owners :D
Finally, never forget to search for a highly skilled and qualified tattoo artist, as he is the one who will execute the work, making sure you won't regret it. Now scroll down below to find how some of the old tattoos look today—not all of them stood the test of time.

What Happens to Tattoos Over Time?

Image credits: Life-Of-Pix
When it comes to aging, the type of tattoo ink can make a big difference; for example, cheaper ink often fades much quicker than higher-quality alternatives. 
The color of the ink makes a big difference, too, as the lighter the ink, the faster it fades (remember that next time you’re thinking about getting one of those white ink tattoos!). Another thing to consider is your tattoo's placement, as this can also influence the speed of fading. 
Tattoos on areas that see a lot of activity, such as your feet and fingers, are much more likely to fade than tattoos on your back or chest, for example. Also, the design comes into play—the smaller and more intricate the tattoo’s detailing is, the more likely it is to get blurred years later. 
If body art fades with time, what do tattoos look like when you get old? Well, check out this tattoo aging time-lapse compiled by Bored Panda to see for yourself how aged tattoos look now.

#1 Aged Tattoo

Aged Tattoo
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116points

#2 Tattoo 3 Years Later

Tattoo 3 Years Later
98points

#3 Tattoo 4 Years Later

Tattoo 4 Years Later
79points

#4 Fresh And Aged Tattoo

Fresh And Aged Tattoo
71points

#5 Intricate Tattoo 10 Years Later

Intricate Tattoo 10 Years Later
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68points

#6 Aged Finger Tattoo

Aged Finger Tattoo
When I had decided to get the tattoo done, I knew that the area was not ideal and that the tattoo would fade at some point. I made a point to follow the aftercare instructions "to a T". My expectation was that I would have this tattoo for longer than a week.
66points

#7 Back Tattoo After Healing

Back Tattoo After Healing
58points

#8 Tattoo 4 Years Later

Tattoo 4 Years Later
55points

#9 Aged Wrist Tattoo

Aged Wrist Tattoo
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50points

#10 Small Tattoo After 7 Years

Small Tattoo After 7 Years
38points

#11 Detailed Tattoo After Healing

Detailed Tattoo After Healing
36points

#12 Celtic Tattoo 15 Years Later

Celtic Tattoo 15 Years Later
35points

#13 Aged Tattoo

Aged Tattoo
34points

#14 Aged Neck Tattoo

Aged Neck Tattoo
34points

#15 Tiny Aged Tattoo

Tiny Aged Tattoo
34points

#16 Aged Hand Tattoos

Aged Hand Tattoos
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31points

#17 Aged Shark Tattoo

Aged Shark Tattoo
30points

#18 Aged Mouth Tattoo

Aged Mouth Tattoo
19points

#19 Finger Tattoos Months Later

Finger Tattoos Months Later
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18points

#20 Aged Palm Tattoo

Aged Palm Tattoo
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17points

Curious how ink evolves? Check out our gallery of top tattoo designs for every era and taste.

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