How deep do you have to go for a tattoo?

Author: Johnpaul Gislason I  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

A Tattoo needle penetrates 5 layers of the epidermis That may sound like a lot of skin, but in reality it is only 1/16th of an inch, about 1-2mm. That's pretty tiny. It goes through five layers of the epidermis, through the dermal layer, and into the topmost layer of the dermis.

How do I know if I'm tattooing deep enough?

Pinch the skin on the back of your hand tightly. If your needle is reaching further than half way across (if youre floating ur needle then obviously account for that) the pinch of skin you have in your fingers, youre going too deep.

How deep should I go for a tattoo?

If the needle doesn't go deep enough, the tattoo may fade quickly within a few weeks. Achieving the right depth is crucial for a successful and long-lasting tattoo. This usually means that the needle should penetrate about 1-2 mm (usually closer to 2 mm) or about 1/16 of an inch into the skin.

Can a tattoo be too shallow?

If you poke too shallow, the ink won't hold as well and your tattoo is more likely to fade. If you poke too deep, you'll get ``blow out'' -- the ink will spread beneath the skin and your lines will start to blend together.

Can a tattoo needle hit a vein?

While not likely, there is a possibility that a tattoo needle could go too far and puncture the hypodermis and rupture a vein. Tattoos typically do not puncture regular veins, but there is a higher risk of encountering more problems with spider veins. So, yes, you technically could try to tattoo over a spider vein.

How To Tattoo At The Right Depth

What happens if a tattoo artist doesn't go deep enough?

The Epidermis - Too Shallow

Tattoo needles should go past this layer. The epidermis is meant to shed cells continually. So, if you're only putting ink in the epidermis, as the tattoo heals, it will push the ink out and the tattoo will fade very quickly.

How to tell if a tattoo was done too deep?

If the needle is going too deep into the skin, it can cause more trauma and damage to the skin than necessary, which can lead to more pain and bleeding. Another sign that a tattoo is too deep is excessive scabbing and peeling during the healing process.

Is a 2 inch tattoo big?

In general, a tattoo under 2 inches is tiny, something 2 to 4 inches is small, 4-6 inches is medium, and 6 or more inches is large. It is important to understand that these sizes are subjective though. Each tattoo artist will have to determine their sizes and how they price them.

What is the most painful part of tattooing?

Many people with tattoos rate the ribs as the most painful area to get inked. There are several reasons for the intense pain. The skin over the ribs is very thin and rests directly over the bone, offering no cushion between the needle and the rib cage.

Can a tattoo artist go too deep?

Dangers of Going Too Deep

Tattooing into the hypodermis can cause significant problems. The increased depth can lead to excessive bleeding, scarring, and prolonged healing times.

Can you oversaturate a tattoo?

While your tattoo is healing, it's important you only moisturise the area once the skin is totally dry. In fact, not drying your tattoo properly after washing and before moisturising is one of the main causes of over-moisturised tattoos.

What happens if you go to deep while tattooing?

If it were to go too deep, this is when scarring can occur, and blowouts. A blowout occurs when the needle penetrates too deep and the ink spreads out within the skin, causing a shadow-like effect around the tattoo.

Are some tattoos too deep to remove?

When tattoo removal isn't 100% successful, some colors of tattoo dye resist removal, and some pigment is too deep for lasers to reach, for example. Certain colors may be easier to remove than others.

Why do tattoo artists use Vaseline while tattooing?

Basic Lubrication: Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is commonly used as a lubricant during tattoo sessions. It provides a basic level of lubrication, allowing the tattoo needle to glide smoothly over the skin and reducing friction.

How to keep tattoo lines crisp?

The sun's rays can break down the ink particles in your skin, causing your crisp lines to blur and fade over time. Whenever your tattoo is going to be exposed, make sure you're slathering on a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen (aim for SPF 30 or higher). Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

Why don t tattoo artists numb you?

1. Skin Texture Changes: Numbing creams can alter the texture of the skin, making it more difficult to tattoo. This can affect the precision and quality of the tattoo.

What does the swallow tattoo mean?

The History and Symbolism of Swallow Tattoos

In the past, sailors would get a swallow tattoo to signify that they had traveled a specific distance or had returned home safely after a long journey. Swallows, known for their migration habits, became a symbol of loyalty, hope, and the promise of return.

Can you sue a tattoo artist for not finishing a tattoo?

Breach of contract: If the artist did not fulfill their promises or obligations as outlined in a contract or agreement, such as not completing the tattoo as requested or using inferior materials.

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