Why You Should Think Twice Before Getting A Watercolor Tattoo

Because the watercolor trend is so new, it's hard to tell at this point how well the art will stand the test of time. As Business Insider explains, even the best tattoos tend to fade and blur over time as the skin ages and is exposed to sun. Since watercolor tats get their distinct look from their lack of black outlining, there's a risk that the colors could eventually become so muddied that the original design gets lost.

But if you have your heart set on getting a watercolor tattoo, there are ways to help make sure it stays looking good. Authority Tattoo explains on its website that the key is laying a good foundation. "While ... lighter colors do tend to fade quicker than darker colors, an experienced artist will be able to greatly reduce the chance of watercolor tattoos becoming unrecognizable as they age by applying a good black base layer to create more depth in contrast," they explain. Before committing to a tattoo artist, ask how long they've been doing the watercolor technique, and what method they use for the base.

Authority Tattoo also offers suggestions for preserving tattoos. Avoid getting inked on body parts that get a lot of contact with clothes and surfaces, such as the buttocks — constant rubbing can make a tattoo fade faster. Use tattoo lotion on the area during healing, and a good daily moisturizer from then on. Finally, use sunscreen whenever you're outdoors for any length of time. Sun exposure will fade any tattoo, but watercolor tats will be especially affected because of the lighter gradient shades.