Do bali tattoos fade?

If you're thinking about getting inked in Bali, you might be wondering if the sun and surf could make your tattoo fade faster. It's easy to think that you get what you pay for, and because tattoos in Bali are pretty affordable, they might not last as long. But here's the good news: in Bali, less money doesn't mean less quality. Your tattoo here will hold up just as well as it would anywhere else. So let's get into what really makes a Bali tattoo stay sharp and fresh in the island vibes.

WILL THE TATTOO I GET IN BALI FADE?

Tattoos, regardless of whether you get them in Bali or you get them in any other country across the world, will fade with time. There are a couple of factors that can quicken this process, causing a tattoo to fade while healing or to fade quicker than the standard 10-20 years that they typically stay fresh. These factors include:

1. The Tattoo Shop you get it at

The first step towards getting a long-lasting tattoo is choosing a reputable shop. This means that before you run into the closest tattoo shop to your Airbnb, you're going to have to do some research. Take a look at the tattoo shops around you, look at their Instagrams, and read their reviews. Visit their website and make sure that there is a section about the shop's hygiene standards. If not, give the shop a call. You want to make sure that this is an experienced, professional tattoo parlor that properly cleans their equipment, uses new needles on each person, and wears gloves while tattooing. As long as they have great reviews and follow sanitation protocol, you should get a quality tattoo- which translates to a minimized risk of the tattoo fading for years to come.

If you're looking for a list of reputable tattoo parlors in Bali, click here. I've put together a list after visiting, talking with my Airbnb hosts, and finally getting a tattoo myself.

2. The location on your body

Location, location, location. That's what they always say right? Believe it or not, the location of your tattoo does make a notable difference in the fading process. This is because if you have a tattoo on your neck, for example, it's likely exposed to the sun every time you go outside. This tattoo, compared to one on a more covered area of your body, will likely see more fading because it's exposed to the sun more often.

3. Time of year & time of your trip

Bali is pretty warm year-round, which means that when getting a tattoo there you will likely have to cover it during the healing process. This is so that the tattoo doesn't begin fading from the sun while healing, or heal inproperly. In addition, you will not be able to submerge your tattoo in water for the first 2-4 weeks of having it. For these reasons, I would suggest getting your tattoo towards the end of your trip to Bali so that you can have some fun in the sun and enjoy Bali's beautiful beaches, and still leave with that memorable tattoo that you wanted.

4. Your ability to follow Aftercare instructions

This is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to getting a tattoo in Bali and minimizing its chances of fading. The first steps you take in the healing process set the precedent for how the rest of the process will go. For this reason, make sure to follow all of the aftercare instructions that your tattoo artist gives you. This will likely include washing the tattoo daily with antibacterial soap and rubbing it with some sort of unscented lotion or moisturizer, keeping it out of the sun and using a really good sunscreen for tattoos when it has to be visible, and not submerging it under water for the first 2-4 weeks. If you follow their instructions, your tattoo will heal naturally and under the perfect conditions to keep its boldness for the next couple of years at the least.

5. Tattoo Care After Your Bali Tattoo Heals

But wait! Your tattoo can still fade immensely after its healed, and if you couldn't tell from reading the rest of the content above, that's because of the sun. How can you slow this process down? WELL, the best way to minimize the chances of your tattoo fading in the long term is to cover it with sunscreen when its in direct sunlight.

KEEP YOUR BALI TATTOO LOOKING VIBRANT FOR YEARS TO COME

And there you have it! Keeping your Bali tattoo as bright and beautiful as the day you got it is all about the little things – like slapping on some sunscreen and following those aftercare tips. Treat your tattoo right, and it'll be like your own little piece of Bali adventure that sticks with you, vibrant and clear, for years to come. For more comprehensive guide on getting a tattoo in Bali, click here.