Nail Tattoo – All You Need to Know About the Trend
Nail tattoos are the hottest new ink trend. Learn everything from how they’re applied to how they can be removed, and whether it’s safe to get your nails tattooed just because TikTok told you so.
Image source: Instagram @fun.tattooing
Nail artists get all kinds of requests for nail art. But, with the new nail tattoo trend, things are getting a bit wild.
The whole concept is still very fresh, so it’s totally fine if you’re feeling confused and suspicious. We’re here to answer all your burning questions and concerns.
Read on to learn everything you want to know about nail tattoos, from how they’re applied to how they can be removed, and whether they’re safe to add to your fingertips.
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Can You Tattoo Fingernails?
Yes!
You can tattoo virtually every part of your body, and your nails are no exception.
The fingernail tattoo actually developed from the paramedical nail bed tattoo, also known as restorative toenail and fingernail micropigmentation, which is used to reconstruct the nails that were medically removed or simply fell off due to injury.
NOTE
Fingernail tattoos are surface tattoos, and as such they are less invasive and less permanent.
Nail bed tattoos are placed on the soft tissue underneath the nail and are more invasive and permanent.
The original idea evolved and transformed into a fingernail tattoo, so now we have a hot trend for enjoyers of both nail art and tattoos.
Image source: Instagram @_tattoo_gj
Are Fingernail Tattoos Different from Normal Tattoos?
Yes.
For a fingernail tattoo, the artist tattoos on top of your nail just like they’d tattoo your skin. So, from your perspective, the process might look exactly like you’re getting a regular tattoo.
However, from the artist’s point of view, nail tattooing feels totally different.
Your fingernails are typically less stretchy than your skin, and their surface is more textured, tough, and uneven, making it harder for the artist to achieve straight lines and fine details.
How Do Nail Tattoos Work?
It’s a multi-step process that starts with cleaning the surface area of the nails and design sketching.
Once the design is done, the artist engraves the surface layers of your nail, allowing the ink to flow into the grooves. The tattooing process itself is done with a regular tattoo gun and tattoo ink, by essentially scratching the design into the nail plate.
Optionally, after the nail tattoo, some artists seal the nails with a top coat to fill the nail grooves and buff them smooth.
@beautywow Have you ever seen nail tattooing?! 🤔 #nails #nail #nailstattoo #nailtattoo #nailtattoos ♬ daisy is so cool yeah - daisy:D
How to Prepare for a Nail Tattoo
If your nails are naturally strong and thick, just make sure you’re wearing no nail polish, gel, or acrylic.
But, if your nails are weak and thin, take some time to treat the damage and make your nails healthier and stronger. This is important because it speeds up the process and gives your artist a better canvas to tattoo on.
Plus, with your nails in top condition, you can be sure the procedure will be 100% pain-free.
Are Fingernail Tattoos Permanent?
Once you get your nails tattooed, you can expect the tatt to stick for a while, but nail tattoos don’t last forever.
This is because the artist is not embedding the ink into your skin, but tattooing the surface of your nail.
This means that the nail tattoo is temporary and will grow out naturally as your nails grow.
So, you don’t have to worry about being stuck with a nail tattoo you hate for the rest of your life!
@sage_banana almost time for new designs
♬ Dangerous State of Mind - Chri$tian Gate$
How Long Do Nail Tattoos Last?
The answer depends on your daily activities and how long it takes your natural nails to grow. But, nail tattoos typically last between two and six months.
During this time, your nail tattoo will gradually fade month by month until it fully disappears. After that, you can get a new one.
However, if you don’t want to commit yourself to one nail design for such a long period of time, consider getting acrylics or polygel nails instead. These last from two to four weeks tops and are easier to remove.
How Can I Remove a Nail Tattoo?
You can’t.
It doesn’t work like a regular tattoo, so you can’t just remove it from your skin with a couple of laser treatments.
The truth is, your nail tattoo will be around until your nails grow out. But, the good news is that the ink will wear out over time.
However, if you really don’t like it, you can always cover it with nail polish.
Do Nail Tattoos Hurt?
No.
Nail tats are generally painless and they feel like the artist is barely scratching the design into your nail plate.
This sensation is closest to what you’d feel if you were in a nail salon and your artist was filing your nails to sand them down.
The lack of pain can be explained by the fact that the tattoo needle does not penetrate the epidermis of the finger, which is where pain receptors (aka free nerve endings) are located.
However, if you have weaker, thinner, or damaged nails, you may feel a stronger, pinchy sensation.
Image source: Instagram @sheldonshaw14
Are Nail Tattoos Safe?
According to tattoo artists and dermatologists, nail tattoos are generally safe.
As long as it’s done at the correct depth, there is minimal risk that the soft tissue beneath the nail will be injured or that the nail itself will be damaged.
That said, it’s important that you choose a professional nail tattoo artist you trust.
Body modifications are not completely risk-free, so make sure to do your research before making any rash decisions.
What Are the Risks of Getting a Nail Tattoo?
While nail tattoos are generally safe when done correctly, there are some risks you need to be aware of.
Bleeding, infection, permanent ink markings, and scarring are all possible and likely to happen if the artist goes too hard on the nail or too deep with the needle.
Moreover, excessive pressure during the tattooing process can lead to exposing the nail bed or nail splitting and cracking.
NOTE
Do not try to DIY your nail tattoos at home because you can damage or, even worse, lose your nail.
How Much Do Nail Tattoos Cost?
As with most tattoos, nail tattoo artists typically price their work by the hour or time spent, with art size and detail factored in.
That said, simple designs may cost around $40-$50, while more complex and detailed ones can range from $300-$400.
Fingernail Tattoo Aftercare Tips
For a start, avoid harsh chemicals that can speed up the fading of the nail tattoo. Use a gentle soap and lukewarm water to clean the area.
Keep your nails hydrated with cuticle oils, to prevent dryness.
Use a top coat to protect your nails from damage and your tattoo from fading.
Nail Tattoo – Main Takeaways
Nail tattoos are applied to the surface of your nail with a regular tattoo gun and tattoo ink.
They are a fun, non-permanent, and generally safe way to embellish your nails and express your unique style.
If you decide you want one on your fingernails, do your research and pick an artist you can trust.
Be creative, experiment with designs and colors, and don’t forget to take some pics. We would love to see more of this trend in the future!
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