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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

Fresh and faded tattoo of a face, showing how tattoos age over time.
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116points

#2 Tattoo 3 Years Later

Comparison of a tattoo's aging process over three years, showing color fading and detail changes on the back.
98points

#3 Tattoo 4 Years Later

Tattoo showing aging over 4 years, from vibrant to faded, featuring a wave design.
79points

#4 Fresh And Aged Tattoo

Tattoo aging over time: a fresh colorful music note tattoo versus its faded appearance years later.
71points

#5 Intricate Tattoo 10 Years Later

Tattoo aging over 10 years, showing fading and blurring compared to the fresh ink on skin.
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68points

#6 Aged Finger Tattoo

Tattoo aging comparison on a finger, showing a vibrant design fading significantly over time.
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

Tattoo of a colorful winged horse on back, shown fresh and after healing, illustrating how tattoos age over time.
58points

#8 Tattoo 4 Years Later

Tattoo of intricate key design, fresh versus 4 years later, showing how tattoos age over time.
55points

#9 Aged Wrist Tattoo

Tattoo of Taurus symbol freshly inked and after 4 years, showing how tattoos age over time.
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50points

#10 Small Tattoo After 7 Years

Tattoo of a lizard freshly inked and 7 years later, showing how tattoos age over time.
38points

#11 Detailed Tattoo After Healing

Fresh tattoo compared to healed tattoo showing how tattoos age over time.
36points

#12 Celtic Tattoo 15 Years Later

Tattoo aging over time; Celtic design fresh vs. faded after 15 years.
35points

#13 Aged Tattoo

Tattoo showing aging process over 17 years, with a wizard holding an orb, colors faded and lines blurred.
34points

#14 Aged Neck Tattoo

Koi fish tattoo comparison: vibrant when fresh, faded and blurred after 10 years, showing how tattoos age over time.
34points

#15 Tiny Aged Tattoo

Fresh bird tattoo compared to its faded appearance after 4 years, illustrating how tattoos age over time.
34points

#16 Aged Hand Tattoos

Tattoo on hands showing color fade after 15 years, illustrating how tattoos age over time.
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31points

#17 Aged Shark Tattoo

Tattoo of a shark, showing changes over 13 years, from fresh to aged.
30points

#18 Aged Mouth Tattoo

Inner lip tattoo aging over six months, initially bold and later faded, showing how tattoos age over time.
19points

#19 Finger Tattoos Months Later

Fresh tattoo vs. aged tattoo showing how tattoos change over time on fingers.
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18points

#20 Aged Palm Tattoo

Tattoos on a hand showing aging process from fresh to later stages with geometric design.
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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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